The Anchorage Museum gathers together some of Alaska's most dramatic traditions and transforms them into exhibits and attractions that allow them to come alive in various multi-dimensional presentations. One of the museum's galleries features 600 Alaska Native artifacts that are on loan from the Smithsonian Institution. Some of these items include ceremonial masks, battle armor and waterproof clothing made from the intestines of a seal. The museum features 80 exhibits that include an aurora machine, a marine animal touch tank and the very popular earthquake shake table. New additions include a planetarium and an Alaska Native contemporary art gallery.
The Thunderbird Falls Trail is a relatively easy, 1.6 mile recreational hike through rolling terrain and a birch forest that leads to a viewing platform of the 200-foot-high Thunderbird Falls. This is an excellent choice for the novice hiker or if you want to enjoy a good hike but don't have an entire day to do it.
Baseball fans in Anchorage, head out to the ballpark to watch the Anchorage Glacier Pilots take to the diamond to play the sport known as America's favorite pastime. The Pilots are a summer college baseball team and are a member of the National Baseball Congress. They have won the NBC World Series in 1969, 1971, 1986, 1991 and 2001. Home games are played at Mulcahy Stadium in Anchorage.
Portage Glacier Cruises makes it possible for you to get up close and see a glacier from a vantage point that would otherwise be nearly impossible. Get ready to visit the sheer, crystalline surface of an Alaskan glacier. This one-hour cruise has many highlights, including the opportunity to stand just 300 yards from a relic of the Ice Age. The water is quite calm even though you may see pieces of the glacier break off and drift away. The guides are well-informed and friendly and they also allow you time between their descriptions for you to just take in the natural beauty of these majestic, icy works of art. Tours must be booked at least 7 days in advance.