Know All About Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage, the City of Lights and Flowers is a young city that holds a whopping forty percent of the Alaska’s population. The city is a commercial and financial hub and heaven for wildlife lovers, hikers, skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Nature and outdoor lovers, there is plenty here to get your fill.  It boasts plenty of attractions, including museums, parks, historic sites, shopping and nightlife spots. Explore natural parks, come nose to nose with a moose, stroll through the history and walk on a glacier, all in this beautiful city. 

The Dena’ina Athabascans were the first ones to call Anchorage their home. Later, in 1778, Europeans came when Captain James Cook, a British explorer sailed the inlet. Over the years, many people from settled here. In 1914, Anchorage was formed as a railroad construction port, and in 1915, the construction of Alaska Railroad started. In 1920, Anchorage was incorporated. The establishment of airport and the Alaska Highway led to the expansion of the city in size as well as population. Presently, Anchorage is a transportation hub for Alaska. 

Delve in to the history and art at the museums, go hiking or biking, experience nature, and indulge in sporting activities in Anchorage. 

Anchorage Museum: Peruse the Alaska’s artworks and artifacts at the Anchorage Museum. It has an interesting mix of science, art and cultural exhibits. Find out more here. 

Imaginarium Discover Center: Take a look at the exhibits at the Imaginarium Discovery Center, an interactive-science center that houses Alaskan attractions like polar bears, marine life, glaciers, volcanoes and aurora borealis. Gasp at the exhibits here. 

Alaska Zoo: Come face to face with animals at Alaska Zoo. It houses 77 animals, including polar bears, Amur tigers, grizzly bears, snow leopards and arctic foxes. 

Flattop Mountain: Go hiking and trekking, and enjoy the panoramic vistas of Anchorage and the surrounding areas at the Flattop Mountain. It is the most climbed mountain in Alaska. 

Alaska Native Heritage Center: Learn about the native culture of Alaska at the Alaska Native Heritage Center through exhibits, demonstrations and films. Get an understanding of the Alaskan culture here . 

Chugach State Park: Go for camping, hiking, biking, rafting, fishing, kayaking and skiing at the Chugach State Park. 

Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum: Learn about the Alaska aviation industry at Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum. Do see the historic aircraft in the storage hanger, a flight simulator and other aircraft-related exhibits.

Alaska Botanical Garden: Enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife at Alaska Botanical Garden. Stroll along the nature trails with the garden. 

Kincaid Sand Dunes: Kincaid Sand Dunes is the middle of Kincaid Park overlooking the ocean. It offers tranquil views of the mountains and the inlet. 

Oscar Anderson House and Museum: Catch a glimpse of early Anchorage life at Oscar Anderson House and Museum. 

To know more about the important locations in Anchorage, click here. 

Anchorage is the most populous city in Alaska. Also, it is a hub for travel and business. The city has a diverse population, people of different culture live here. It is considered as one of the most diverse cities in the US.  The city is home to several museums, and cultural and historical attractions. Explore the native Alaskan culture at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. 

Anchorage is in Alaska Standard Time.

UTC-GMT Offset: Anchorage is GMT/UTC- 9 hours during Standard Time and GMT/UTC - 8 hours during Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Saving Time Usage: Anchorage utilizes Daylight Saving Time Daylight Saving Time 

Area code: 907

The best time to visit Anchorage is summer (June to August). It is the season with long hours of sunlight. This is the perfect time to enjoy outdoors and go hiking, kayaking or biking. For fewer crowds and bearable temperature, spring (March to May) and fall (September & October) are the good time to visit Anchorage. If you wish to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, visit Anchorage between September and March. 

• High season is from June to August
• Low season is from October through April
• Shoulder season is May and September

Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race  (March)

Summer Solstice Festival  (June)

Alaska State Fair  (August)

Make It Alaskan Festival  (October)

Anchorage Folk Festival (January)

Anchorage Fur Rendezvous (February)