The chill in the air is nearly palpable when you set out to explore the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Reserve. The park is either accessible by foot, car or airplane, and depending on your sense of adventure, there are many ways to experience this unique outdoor area of wilderness. You will encounter craggy ridges, glacier-carved valleys and fragile flowers as you make your way through this amazing park. It should be noted that dogs must be kept on leashes and are only allowed in the backcountry of the park.
Want to show the kids some of Alaska’s most visually appealing plants and flowers? There's no need to drive all over as you can discover the beauty and majesty of the indigenous greenery when you take the whole family to the Georgeson Botanical Garden. This is a nationally recognized botanical and research garden attraction. You will be amazed at the incredible display of natural beauty that features 300 annual flowers, vegetables and herbs as well as over 1,000 perennials. The garden's unique design allows visitors to ask questions and learn while also enjoying the relaxing environment that these plants and flowers naturally create.
If you are in the mood for something a little different tonight, make plans to spend an unforgettable evening with the talented performers who make up the North Star Ballet. This noteworthy entertainment company is also a school that trains aspiring dancers how to develop both a detailed craft and theatrical presentation that defines each and every performance. There are various productions put on throughout the year, the most popular of which is The Nutcracker during Christmastime.
Some of the best attractions in Alaska are the natural kind, and you can see them up close when you take time to visit the Large Animal Research Station in Fairbanks. This is actually one of the more popular attractions in the area, as the facility has thousands of visitors each year. The large number of people who walk through the doors of the Large Animal Research Station is understandable as they all look forward to seeing such indigenous creatures as muskoxen and caribou at a dramatically close distance.