When people talk about Alaska, the first things that come to mind are ice, mountains, and endless open spaces. But beyond the wild beauty, there are also parks, museums, and scenic rides that make the state a must-visit. Here are some of the best places to check out in 2025.
Fun Things To Do in Alaska
1. Kenai Fjords Park
2. Anchorage Museum
3. White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
4. Denali National Park and Preserve
5. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
6. Chugach State Park
7. Fountain Head Antique Auto Museum
7 Fun Things To Do in Alaska
1. Kenai Fjords Park
Situated on the Kenai Peninsula, this park is famous for its impressive views and magnificent landscapes that include mountains, ice fields, and the ocean. Located outside of Seward, Kenai Fjords is one of the most unspoiled and interesting places to visit in Alaska. There are plenty of activities to do in this Park: hiking, kayaking, mountaineering, fishing, cross-country skiing, and spotting wildlife. The Kenai Fjords park is home to many black and brown bears, sea otters, migratory whales, and more than 190 species of birds. For a better view of the landscape and wildlife, you should go on a cruise. But if you are likely to suffer from sea sickness, it is advisable to go with some tablets. At Kenai Fjords, you will experience the melting glacier or hike the Harding Icefields trails, which are at the top of Exit Glacier.
2. Anchorage Museum
The Anchorage museum is a great place to start with the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson center to familiarize oneself with Alaska and her beauty and rich history, the current and a bright future. Being the largest Alaskan museum, it considers the combination of art, history, science, and native heritage to create an experience that will appeal to all types of visitors. Alaska Native culture, the Arctic wildlife, and Alaska ingenuity come true through interactive displays and immersion.
The interactive science exhibit will be a favorite with the families, and anyone who values culture can visit the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center, where one can view invaluable Native artifacts. Exhibitions are seasonal, and hence, when you visit, every time you are guaranteed to find something new, making this place worth visiting more than once.
3. White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
The heritage railway road in Alaska was built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush and opened in 1900 with a length spanning 107 miles from Skagway to Whitehorse. Famous for its beautiful peaks of mountains, glaciers, and valleys, it connects Skagway, Alaska, and the Yukon Territory. The train sets off from Skagway and is accessible by ferry, cruise ship, or highway, making it a worthwhile stop for travelers. Recommendations are: take some time to wander in the street, immerse yourself in the local vibe, and get on the train for an unforgettable experience.
Since its opening in 1900, it has become a landmark for gold seekers, settlers, miners, and tourists, and is also recognized as a National historic civic engineering landmark while preserving its history. It is best to visit during the summer months when the train operates daily in multiple departures. The train station is some walk from hotels and other points of attraction which makes it more convenient. There are small outside viewing platforms that are accessible for photos during the journey, with restrooms in each carriage. Tourists appreciate the history of the railway with stories of how the pass came to be. The White Pass and Yukon Railway has a lot of beautiful waterfalls, wildlife, and some bridges that make for great pictures!
4. Denali National Park and Preserve
Denali Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Alaska as it is home to Mount Denali, the highest mountain in the US. This park holds breathtaking views and picturesque landscapes with a great experience for any taste and budget. It also serves as home to many incredible animals as they roam freely within the acres, far from where visitors travel. The creatures prefer solitude, making sightings feel like a lottery. If you’re an avid hiker, one of the best things to do is to see the stunning views of Mount Denali. Mount Denali is one of the world’s seven summits, rising above the plain that surrounds it. There are many trails to hike in Denali National Park and Preserve, and beautiful Alaskan wildlife you can see to admire in all its glory.
The highlights at the Denali National Park and Preserve include flightseeing tours, guided hiking on the front country trails, rafting tours as you paddle down the glacial river around the park, winter activities, bear viewing tours, glacier tours, horseback riding, bicycle date tours, and dog sledding, among other fun-filled activities you might want to engage in.
5. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
If you want to see some glaciers up close, this is the best place to do it. The only way to see this glacier is via the Princess cruise line, and an airplane tour guide. It is so beautiful to see so much wildlife and scenery in one place, with stunning mountains that drop right into the bay. There are abundant humpback whales, sea otters, orcas, and mountain sheep. The formidable glacier and scale can only be appreciated when compared to another nearby ship or wildlife.
The park rangers on board the cruise are amazing resources filled with rich perspectives and information about the glacier’s history. To navigate the inlet inside the glazier bay takes hours with heavy fog setting in. Visitors rave about the incredible views while hearing the crackling and melting ice, which makes the whole experience feel so real and alive. The lodges here are very comfortable and well-maintained, with friendly staff who are welcoming and efficient. This is one in a lifetime experience, so it is best to visit now before the glacier recedes in years to come.
6. Chugach State Park
The Chugach State Park is considered to be one of the big state parks of the United States, and it is just a couple of minutes away from downtown Anchorage. It is the haven of any outdoor lover as this park is almost half a million wilderness which is not inhabited. The hiking, camping, skating, and watching wildlife playground is formed by big mountains, glaciers, and deep valleys.
The Flattop Mountain, Eagle River Nature Center, and Willawaw Lakes are some of the popular trails that can be used by beginner and advanced mountain climbers. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing receive priority in the winter season, and hiking, fishing, and even kayaking can be seen having an unlimited potential during summer.
7. Fountain Head Antique Auto Museum
This is an exceptional collection of rare and unique Antique automobiles. This museum is not just for men and car enthusiasts but also perfect for women who love fashion and history. The beautiful display of cars tells a story of innovation and styles from the early 1900s to the 1930s. The Vintage fashion collection makes the experience more special. Which car era was matched with the elegant dresses and beautifully decorated evening gowns from the 1900s, which were classy and detailed? The fabric embroidery and silhouette show how fashion has evolved alongside cars.
The members of staff are friendly and knowledgeable; always happy to answer questions and give detailed histories behind the clothing and vehicles. The museum is clean, well-lit, and thoughtfully organized, making it easy to enjoy each display. Whether you love classic cars, beautiful dresses, or simply enjoy creatively learning about history, this museum is a must-visit in Fairbanks. It’s truly a place where both men and women can find something to appreciate and remember.
Conclusion
These top spots show just how much beauty and history Alaska has to offer. From museums to mountains, each stop gives you a new way to enjoy the state. If you’re planning a trip in 2025, these places should definitely be on your list.
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