Washington Crane & Hoist Company

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.

Kincaid Park is an impressive 1,400-acre park that boasts over sixty kilometers of outdoor trails that wind through the hills and birch and spruce groves. This park is literally a skier's dream, as most of these trails are lit to accommodate night skiing. The park is also the host of many ski competitions, including the Olympic tryouts. There is also a visitors center that features historic photographs and other interesting items. In the summer, the trails are excellent for hiking and biking, and the small pond nearby is usually stocked with trout or salmon.