Things to do in Southcentral

downtown Anchorage panorama view from across cook inlet

Anchorage is surrounded by recreational opportunities.

WELCOME TO ANCHORAGE!

Anchorage is a modern city, but take the right turn and you will find yourself on a beautiful trail through the woods. The gorgeous Chugach State Park is only twenty minutes away affording residents and visitors alike wonderful opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Anchorage has a perfect balance of city and wilderness, making it a perfect place to begin your travels through the state.

Visitor Centers in & around Anchorage:

The Anchorage Alaska Public Lands Information Center (AAPLIC) is dedicated to assisting visitors with information and education about Alaska and the state's vast expanse of public land. Come in and plan your stay, watch an interesting as well as educational video, or attend one of our special programs, all of which are free to the public. Located on 605 W. 4th Avenue in Downtown Anchorage (corner of F and 4th). Call 907-644-3661 or 1-866-869-6887 or visit the website http://www.alaskacenters.gov for more information.
The Begich-Boggs Visitor Center, Mile 5.5 on Portage Glacier Road, is a wonderful place to learn about the Chugach National Forest, the nation's second-largest national forest. This award-winning center offers presentations, videos, and some spectacular hands-on exhibits. Open 9am-6pm daily during the summer (until September 28); closed in the winter. There are multiple campgrounds, hikes, and a boat tour to the glacier during the summer. For more information, call 907-783-2326, or visit their website.
Visit the Bureau of Land Management's Campbell Creek Science Center for outdoor science education. The center and surrounding area offers access to a variety of creeks, trails, forests, and meadows. The Science Center has evening programs for all ages, including their Midsummer Night's series and Astronomy series. All of their programs operate free-of-charge. Located on the BLM Campbell Tract in Anchorage. Call 907-267-1247 or visit the Science Centers website at http://www.blm.gov/ak/st/en/prog/sciencecenter.html for more information.
Operating as a non-profit organization, the Eagle River Nature Center maintains nature studies for children and adults alike, nine miles of hiking trails, and public use cabin and yurts for overnight rentals. Located on Mile 12 of Eagle River Road just north of Anchorage, the center is also a great entry point to the Chugach State Park. Call 907-694-2108 or check out http://www.ernc.org for programs, updates on trails, and bear sightings.
The Alaska Native Heritage Center offers a unique opportunity to experience native cultures from all over the state in one convenient location. This not-for-profit organization offers a variety of classes in art, history, and culture. Situated at 8800 Heritage Center Drive in east Anchorage, the Heritage Center is a wonderful place to watch native dance, observe crafts in the making, and tour different native houses! Call 907-330-8000 or visit http://www.alaskanative.net for any additional information.

Outdoor Adventures in and around Anchorage:

I only have a couple of hours, maybe half a day.

I am here for a day or more.