The Anchorage Folk Festival is held every January and is an impressive showcase for local, regional and national talent. Folk songs often tell the tale of the triumph of the human spirit, and nearly everyone in Anchorage and the surrounding areas can relate to overcoming challenges to find a better way of life. In addition to performances on the main stage, there are also interesting workshops, dances and late night jams on the schedule of events.
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.
The Alaska Museum of Natural History is a multi-dimensional compendium of the state's most amazing natural creations. The museum features the largest exhibits of Alaskan rock, mineral and fossil collections. Plus, you can take in the wonder of all of the Native American cultural artifacts that tell the story of the state's indigenous residents in a truly colorful way. There are also exhibits that detail the Alaskan Gold Rush and the various economic realities that came with it. Stories, artifacts and art all come together in this unique portrait of the state's dramatic history.