1. The Anchorage Alaska Public Lands Information Center is a great place to learn about what Alaska has to offer. Come in and plan your stay, watch educational videos or participate in a variety of programs. Located in Downtown Anchorage (605 W. 4th Avenue), the center is completely free to the public.
2. View wildlife on the 11-mile trail, Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. You can spot moose, beluga whales, birds and possibly even a bear while experiencing the scenic views of six mountain ranges that surround Anchorage.
3. Hike up Mount Alyeska to visit the The Roundhouse at Alyeska Museum.
4. Love bird watching? Visit Potter Marsh where you can see more than 220 bird species while walking on the 1,150 foot wooden board walk in the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge.
5. Take a free, self-guided walking tour of downtown. Maps are available at the Anchorage Log Cabin Visitors Information Center on the corner of Fourth Avenue and F Street.
6. Not only is camping a great way to get in touch with the outdoors, but it is also free of charge. Anchorage offers campgrounds including Bird Creek, Eklutna, Eagle River in Chugach State Park and more. Check out campgrounds in Anchorage and surrounding areas.
7. The Campbell Creek Science Center is dedicated to outdoor science education. There are a variety of creeks, trails, forests and meadows. The center is run by the Bureau of Land Management and offers free, all-age activities in the evening.
8. Eagle River Nature Center offers nine miles of hiking trails and nature studies for children and adults.
9. Learn about the history of Alaska’s law enforcement at the Alaska Trooper Museum.
10. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at noon (through summer), Music in the Park features local artists performing at Peratrovich Park in downtown Anchorage.
