Ashley Furniture Homestore

Got your rod and reel but don't know where to cast your line? Two of the most popular fishing spots near Anchorage are Bird Creek and Mat-Su Valley Lakes. Bird Creek is where you may find silver and good pink salmon at the end of your line. The creek is about an hour's drive south of downtown Anchorage. The Mat-Su Valley Lakes are about 40 minutes north of town and the quiet atmosphere is a welcome getaway where you can catch trout, Arctic Char and landlocked salmon.

Since Alaska features such an expansive and rustic landscape, it's no wonder that its development and growth owes much to the field of aviation. The Alaska Aviation Museum documents the role that aviation has played in the state's history and growth from 1897 up to the present day. You'll see exhibits and attractions that tell the story of Alaska's WWII fliers, early bush pilots, as well as efforts to preserve vintage aircraft. The museum is located at the largest seaplane facility in the world, and all that space affords the presentation of scale models, restored planes and even a theater that presents films on the various aircraft.

Experience what it was like to pan for gold as you travel back in time to when Anchorage was the crossroads for gold rush adventurers. Maybe you'll hit the motherlode as you pan for gold in a setting that most closely resembles that of the early pioneers. It will be a fun afternoon of learning (and panning) for the whole family at Indian Valley Mine.