Discovery Home Inspection

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.

Alaska's wildlife is everywhere, but to leisurely observe some species can be a challenge. Luckily, you can relax and ease up to a moose or a young deer, maybe take a look at a herd of reindeer or snap a photo of a bull elk. All of this is possible at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

The Oscar Henderson House Museum has the distinction of being Anchorage's only historic house museum. The structure was built in 1915 by Oscar Henderson, one of the city's earliest residents, and the house has withstood the changing times in a city that has undergone staggering sprawling growth from the time that this home was originally built. Inside, you'll find an amazing collection of vintage furniture, photographs, books and other pieces that have been meticulously cared for and all help recreate a time that is still very much alive when you visit this quaint but significant structure.

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.