Terry Gose
(907) 240-3667

Anchorage, AK Area Guide

A city unlike most in Alaska, Anchorage came to be thanks to the railroad. Originally owned by the Russians, when they hit tough financial times, Russian Alaska became American Alaska when we bought it for just over seven million dollars.

By 1915, President Woodrow Wilson had authorized the funds to build a railroad and a town sprung up around one of the stops, around the mouth of Ship Creek. At first a tent city, Anchorage grew quickly as entrepreneurs bounded into town with goods and services and everything you need to build a city and before long the population had grown to more than 2,000.

Business boomed and there was even a popular clothing and hardware store named Berth, a dry docked steam ship!

Anchorage finally got a permanent name when the post office made it official, even though not all residents were happy about it, most were content to get back to the business of building their city. Incorporated on November 23, 1920, nineteen years later Alaska became the 49th state and Anchorage continued to grow!

Growth has always been a goal of Anchorage and in 1968, when oil was discovered in Prudhoe Bay, another boom came when the Greater Anchorage Area Borough was merged with Anchorage in 1975. Continuing that tradition, the 80’s saw capital projects and aggressive beautification campaigns put into motion.

By the 90’s, Anchorage had bragging rights to 259 miles of maintained trails. Community planning, increased infrastructure improved the quality of life and makes Anchorage a must see vacation destination as well as a great place to live.

For more on Anchorage, visit the website: http://www.anchorage.net/index.html

Attractions and Activities

Alaska Zoo
The Alaska Zoo sits on 25 wooded acres located in the beautiful hillside area of Anchorage. Home to over 100 birds and mammals, they are renovating exhibits, planning new construction and expanding their services. One of the most visited attractions in the state, don’t miss the opportunity to experience a special place in Alaska. For more information visit: http://www.alaskazoo.org/

Arctic Valley
The oldest ski club in Southcentral Aalaska, it’s situated on 320 acres, with lifts that rise to almost 4000 feet. To read more about Arctic Valley, visit: http://www.skiarctic.net/

Anchorage Museum
Learn the stories of discovery, the spirit of adventure about life in Alaska at the Anchorage Museum. The museum brings the best of Alaska to the world. Exhibits and interactive activities for kids of all ages wait for you. To learn more, please visit: http://www.anchoragemuseum.org/

Events

Farmer’s Market
Local farmers and artisans sell their goods on Saturdays and Sundays in this festive atmosphere. Free, lively entertainment and great food are available while browsing through more than 300 booths.

Anchorage PrideFest
The Festival features live entertainment, vendors, food, friends, a kiddie carnival and fun, all under the beautiful Anchorage summer sun.

Moose’s Tooth Summer Solstice Concert and Party with 311
Anchorage’s annual movie and pizza fest, see www.beartooththeatre.net for more details.

The Alaska Botanical Garden 13th Annual Garden Fair & Art Show
Family fun, garden art show, craft and plant vendors, demonstrations, Children's Village, show of alpine and rock garden plants, music, and food court. For more information please visit at: http://www.alaskabg.org/

Alaska Scottish Highland Game
Enjoy a Ceilidh band all the way from Scotland, along with a number of professional athletes from all over the United States. To learn more visit: http://www.anchorage.net/events
Galway Days on G Street - A day full of all things Irish with music and son featuring world class musicians, Irish step dancers and strolling musicians wait and it’s free! For more information please visit at: http://www.anchorage.net/events.html?eventid=24317

Alaska 10K Classic Road Race
The 25th Running of the Alaska 10K Classic Road Race is a benefit for Special Olympics hosted by Peak Performers Track Club. The 10K Race start is at APU Moseley sports center; 5k race starts is at Elderberry Park (W 5th Avenue & N Street). To learn more visit: http://www.anchorage.net/events.html?eventid=24234

Alaska State Fair
Just an hour north of Anchorage, each fall the fair is the setting for the last hurrah of summer, a showcase for the beauty that can is unique to Alaska. Lush, colorful flowers, giants vegetable and a seemingly never ending supply of food and entertainment, it’s fun for everyone, young, old and in between. Need more information? Visit: www.alaskastatefair.org

Hero Games
A little friendly competition between firemen, police, troopers and each military branch, the games last through the day and will get the adrenaline pumping. Be sure you don’t miss the “Rescue the Cat” climb! To learn more visit: www.anchoragedowntown.org

Parks

Kincaid Park
1400 acres of forest sit atop an old glacial moraine and offers the easiest way to get into the woods right in town

Chester Creek Trail
Follows a flat, forested mountain-fed creek. Cross wooden bridges, watch the bird filled ponds, and enjoy the grassy parks

Far North Bicentennial Park
4000 acres are yours to explore the true wilderness within Anchorage.

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
The most popular walking, biking and jogging trail, it meanders gently along the coast 11 miles from downtown the Kincaid Park chalet.

Flattop Mountain at Glen Alps Trailhead
The state’s most visited peak, the football field sized summit offers a majestic view from Mt. McKinley to the Aleutians Islands.

For more information on the Parks and Trails of Alaska, please visit at: http://alaska.org/anchorage/parks-and-trails.jsp