Serious birders and outdoor lovers will love meeting up with fellow enthusiasts at the Anchorage Audubon Society. Such offerings as a "bird hotline" is available with updated information on the latest bird sitings and where they occurred in the Anchorage bowl area. The society also presents lectures and field trips led by experts who are as equally excited about the 230 species of birds spotted in the area over the past few years.
Maintaining law and order anywhere is a big challenge, but consider how big the task becomes when your beat is a state as big as Alaska! The stories and the triumphs of that endeavor are what make the Alaska Law Enforcement Museum such an interesting place. The museum touts the fact that their mission is to preserve the history of law enforcement in the last frontier, and the exhibits do an above average job of allowing visitors to experience what that history was all about. Vintage patrol cars, communication devices, uniforms and more all help to tell this truly remarkable story of resilience and love for the law no matter what the circumstances.
One of the state's most popular events is the Great Alaska Beer and Barley Wine Festival, held every January. This year, the festival marks its 15 year anniversary, and it brings together not only the people who enjoy imbibing but also the people who create the beers, wines, and other assorted beverages. Demonstrations, lectures, exhibits, and of course, samples all make this event an extremely popular tradition.