Ready for a trip to America’s greatest frontier? Anchorage, Alaska is one of the most unique cities in the United States. With a population of nearly 300,000 people, it contains more than forty percent of the state’s total population. This makes Anchorage the heart and soul of America’s largest state.
In this guide, we’ll go over the best free and fun things you can do in this amazing city so your next vacation is your best one yet!
1) Hike the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is one of the most popular walkways in all of Anchorage. This trail, which travels along the Alaskan coast for eleven miles, hosts thousands of enthusiastic travelers every year. Motor vehicles are prohibited on the trail which connects with Chester Creek Trail at one point and ultimately ends in Kincaid Park. This makes it the perfect place to walk alone or with family while you spend a day in Anchorage!
2) Visit the Alaska Trooper Museum
Credits: aimee castenell, Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0The Alaska Trooper Museum is one of the best free jewels in the state. A proud exhibition showcasing the history of law enforcement in the state, it boasts incredible historical displays that will make any American proud. Included in the lineup is a restored 1952 Hudson Hornet patrol car—one of the most culturally-interesting exhibits in the entire city. You don’t want to miss out on this if you’re planning a trip to this great American city!
3) Listen to “Music in the Park”
Looking to hear some fantastic local music? Show up in Peratrovich Park, where every Wednesday from noon to 1 PM, local bands from around the state will take part in an hour-long concert. Music in the Park is a popular destination for state citizens and incoming travelers alike. The event runs from June 5th until August 7th, so be sure to attend if you come to Anchorage during this time!
4) Take a Trip to the Anchorage Museum
Credits: Anchorage MuseumThe Anchorage Museum is regarded as one of the best in the state for good reason. Housing one of the best permanent collections of Alaskan and the circumpolar North anywhere in the world, the Anchorage Museum also boasts incredible Sydney Laurence collections that are worth a trip. Other exhibits showcase the culture and history of Alaska, from plants to the native peoples.
Read Also: How To Travel With An Alaskan Airlines Companion Fare
5) Go Geocaching
Visit the Anchorage Log Cabin Information Center to find out how you can join in on the fun practice of geocaching. A modern-day treasure hunt, geocaching involves the use of GPS and smart devices to find clues left by locals and travelers alike. Explore the city of Anchorage with these clues, and make sure to add your own to the bunch!
6) See the Eklutna Village
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
The Eklutna Village is one of the most unique cultural sites in Anchorage. Housing an old Russian Orthodox Church and other cultural sites of the early Russian settlers, it’s a great place to go to feel the rich tradition of Anchorage!
7) Visit the Campbell Street Science Center
Located in the center of Alaska, the Campbell Street Science Center contains nearly 800 acres of trails and hiking locations where students and families can go to learn about the wonderful Alaskan ecosystem. Coupled with this are exhibitions and other showcases that teach you everything you could want to know about the plants and environment of Alaska.
8) Play Disc Golf
If you’re a fan of frisbee, you’ll love disc golf. This game, which involves throwing a frisbee at targets and keeping score, is a popular attraction in Anchorage. The city has six different disc golf courses available to the public, where you and your family can go and play while enjoying some of the best scenery in the area.
9) Go on the John Bagot Memorial Cemetery Tour
Interested in seeing the graves of some of Alaska’s most prominent citizens? You can do just that with the John Bagot Memorial Cemetery Tour, an event presented by the Cook Inlet Historical Society. Held ever year in June, this event is a great way to learn about the history of Anchorage and Alaska, so make sure to attend if you’re in the area next June!
Read Also: How to Get a Free Companion Ticket on Alaska Airlines
10) Join the First Friday Art Walk
Credits: Timothy Brown, Flickr CC BY 2.0The first Friday of every month sees the city-wide display of local and outside artwork at coffee shops and galleries across Anchorage. View this stunning artwork if you happen to be in the area on the first Friday of the month!
11) Visit the Anchorage Market and Festival
If you happen to be in Anchorage during the summer, you don’t want to miss a chance to visit the Anchorage Market and Festival. This market event occupies seven total acres in the downtown area and sees as many as 300 vendors from all across the city. Buy cheap items or simply enjoy the spectacle for free!
The Bottom Line
Without a doubt, Anchorage is one of America’s must-see cities. For this reason, make sure to maximize your fun on your next Anchorage vacation by referring to the fun and free things to do in this guide. By using the information in here, you can count on a fun adventure you won’t soon forget!
