Alaska is a great destination for Road Trips, offering a panorama of sky, mountains and glaciers. It is not close for anyone outside the state, so a weekend trip is simply not enough time to enjoy this vast State. There are plenty of activities to do, historical places to see and foods to try. Are you ready?
Most people flying to Alaska will land in Anchorage. A good starting point for a Road Trip is Tok, also known as the “main street” or “gateway” because it is the first major community that you will encounter after Anchorage. Figure on at least a day’s drive from Anchorage. Tok is a good place for rest and recreation and in the summer, expect lots of activities here like bicycling, hiking, hunting, nature watching and interesting tours.
From Fairbanks, continue to Denali National Park. You can arrange a bus tour to explore the park or embark on a backpacking adventure. Passing through the Alaska Highway, first stop up north is Fairbanks. It is second biggest city of Alaska and has the all the amenities of an urban community. You can also fly into Fairbanks. The Gold Rush Street at Pioneer Park was a replica but a real operating gold mine exists in this proud city. Visit the Museum of the North, take a river trip for half-day cruise through the Chena and Tanana Rivers. In the summer, the Discovery III riverboat tour runs twice a day. Trip reservations are a must so make the necessary arrangements ahead of time.
A four- to six-hour drive down south and you’ll reach the town of Wasilla. Moose or bear sightings along the way are often part of the journey. For canoeing experience, go to the Nancy Lake Recreation Area. There are plenty of cabins to rent for overnight stays. Further south, visit the Big Lake for swimming, camping, jet-ski and fishing. Proceed to Mat-Su Valley and drop by Iditarod Trail Headquarters on Knik Road. Learn some history at Knik Museum and the Sled Dog Musher’s Hall of Fame.
Palmer, a town 15-minute away from Wasilla is your next stop if you want breathtaking views, campgrounds and recreational areas. Best time to be here is in late August when the Alaska State Fair is celebrated. Enjoy the rides, food and the biggest vegetables you’ve ever seen! The midnight sun is not to be missed.
Return to Anchorage, a very urban and chic city. It has plenty of hiking opportunities, cultural events and art exhibits. The Flattop Mountain and Chugach State Park are the city’s pride together with Alaska Zoo and Potter Marsh, a bird and wildlife sanctuary.
Drive along the Seward Highway, designated as the All-American Road, and enjoy the scenic view. Picnic opportunities are everywhere, and the picture perfect backdrop is hard to resist. Fishing, camping and canoeing activities in the Kenai/Soldotna area are nice options too.
If you have time to continue your Alaska road trip, you can continue to Homer and or Valdez, or just head back to Anchorage.
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