The Eagle River Nature Center knows that nature doesn't take a break, so they don't either. The center is open year-round, so there is always something interesting happening. Take advantage of their schedule of guided nature walks, lectures and special presentations that are designed to educate visitors about Alaska's unique ecology. The main building features several exhibits and hands-on activities that are designed to tell several of nature's stories. You can plan to spend several days outdoors here, as there is great hiking available on the nearby trails and cabin rentals available as well.
What's a visit to Anchorage without uttering the word "mush?" Well, shouting the word is more like it at the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race held every March. World-class sled racers and their dog teams mush toward the Bering Sea coast through the area's rugged terrain in what has been termed the "Last Great Race on Earth." The route is a staggering 1,150 miles and it all starts in downtown Anchorage the first Saturday in March with a grand ceremony to begin the race.
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.