One thing about Alaska is that it’s rich in history! All throughout the state, history is shared through permanent, rotating and even frozen exhibits. Museums are a great way to learn about the culture of Alaska that otherwise might go undiscovered when traveling.
Museums in Anchorage
Anchorage Museum
Easily walkable from the lobby of the Westmark Anchorage Hotel, the Anchorage Museum (pictured above) is located on the traditional homeland of the Eklutna Dena’ina. The museum is dedicated to ensuring that the land, culture and language of Alaska’s Indigenous people are known and respected. The museum’s vision is to be a place where narratives and perspectives are shared and experienced with its visitors through rotating and permanent installments. The Anchorage Museum features exhibits that show off Alaska’s history and art from its early days to the present.
Alaska Museum of Science
Open Thursday through Saturday, the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature focuses on the unique fossils, animals and geology of the region. The popular museum has something for everyone — including fossils from the ice age.
Alaska Native Heritage Center
Learn about Alaska’s 11 major Indigenous cultures at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Visitors can meet local artists, watch dance performances, see live demonstrations and walk through six authentic Native village sites that are placed around a scenic lake for guests to enjoy.
Alyeska Roundhouse Museum
Just a 40-minute drive from Anchorage is the only mountaintop museum in Alaska, the Alyeska Roundhouse Museum. The museum offers breathtaking views of the Turnagain Arm, the surrounding peaks and the mountain town below. Hike the mountain or take the aerial tram up to the top to visit this Alaska museum.
Museums in Fairbanks
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Museum of the North
There is nothing like educating yourself on the art, history, culture, geography and wildlife from the past 2,000 years at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Museum of the North. With unique architecture and award-winning exhibits, you won’t want to forego a visit to the museum and a stroll through the gift shop with unique Alaska gifts.
Aurora Ice Museum
Located right outside of Fairbanks, get ready for an icy wonderland at the Aurora Ice Museum. Get one of the most iconic Alaska experiences by sliding down an ice slide surrounded by glowing ice sculptures. This two-story frozen museum also features an ice circular staircase, ice furniture, ice chess, a polar bear bedroom and more. Open year-round, this is the perfect place to chill out.
Pioneer Air Museum
The Pioneer Air Museum is a small, informative and domed-shaped facility that tells the stories of Alaska’s air pioneers through intriguing exhibits. The museum showcases air exploration of Alaska’s Interior through memorabilia and retired plane models. Explore old logbooks and historic flight instruments that were adapted to fit the needs of an Alaska runway.
