The Fur Rendezvous Festival held in late February or early March dates back to the early 1900s when trappers and miners came back from the wilderness to trade, socialize and compete in survival-type games. The event has been updated somewhat, and now those games consist of a weight pull, sled dog races, snowshoe softball games, ice sculpture competitions and lots more. There's also the popular Miners and Trappers costume ball, so make plans to be a part of this fun, week-long event.
When you visit Alaska, the wildlife will seem like it's everywhere! To familiarize yourself with your new surroundings, a visit to the Alaska Zoo might be in order. You'll marvel at the incredible diversity of creatures as well as how accurately they represent the animals you might encounter as you spend time in the state. The large viewing area features such popular zoo inhabitants as caribou, moose and Dall sheep grazing along together. Also, one of the zoo's most dramatic attractions is the 25-acre bear habitat where you'll see black bears, glacier bears, and brown bears, also known as grizzlies. Some of the zoo's other more notable inhabitants include a few camels, a Siberian tiger and an elephant that has the distinction of being the only one in the entire state!
The Alaska Native Heritage Center attracts both visitors and locals who are drawn to the incredible selection of native crafts, artwork, and other unique items that are for sale. Beyond shopping, there are several demonstrations, art classes, informal lectures and workshops where you can learn about the 11 Native Alaskan groups and their cultures and traditions. There is also a museum section that features indoor exhibits and outdoor village attractions.
Sometimes, a bird's eye view is the best way to get a look at an area as picturesque and expansive as Alaska. The Wings Aero Tours allows you to get that perspective on a flying tour of the area. Some of the many highlights include soaring over Mt. McKinley, Prince William Sound, Kenai Fjords, glaciers, mountains and valleys. You'll see all of these natural wonders and more from the comfort of an Alaskan Floatplane. Don't forget to look for some of the area's incredible wildlife like Dall sheep, moose, bears, birds, marine wildlife and more among the many rivers, lakes and dense forests.