Free & Affordable Alaska

1. The Alaska State Capitol Building

The Alaska State Capitol Building is the seat of Alaska's legislative and executive branches of government, located in lovely state capital Juneau. The building, which dates back to 1931, is one of only 12 United States capitol buildings to not feature a dome in its architecture. It stretches six stories tall and is constructed with a gorgeous facade of Indiana limestone, featuring a four-column Tokeen marble portico and brick-faced reinforced walls. Inside, many of the building's interior spaces have been returned to their original 1930s appearance, showcasing exhibits such as a Hall of Governors portrait series and photography by famed Juneau artists Percy Pond and Lloyd Winter. Clay murals within the building's lobby, named Harvest of the Land and Sea, depict regional hunting and fishing activities. Visitors can embark on self-guided tours of the building at any time it is open for business hours throughout the week.

120 4th St, Juneau, AK 99801, Phone: 907-465-3755

2. The Fraternal Order of Alaska State Troopers Museum

The Fraternal Order of Alaska State Troopers Museum is home to the state of Alaska's only permanent collection of historical law enforcement memorabilia, telling the tale of the state's Fraternal Order of Alaska State Troopers, which were formed in the late 1960s and have become the state's primary non-government law enforcement force. The museum strives to tell the tale of one of the United States' most unusual police forces, developed to bring law and order to the state's rugged rural jurisdictions. A wide variety of unique displays and exhibits showcase historical memorabilia connected to the force, including an authentically-restored 1952 Hudson Hornet automobile. Other significant artifacts on display include communications devices, antique handcuffs, historic wiretapping equipment, and unique uniforms meant for rugged terrains and brutal weather.

245 W 5th Ave #113, Anchorage, AK 99501, Phone: 907-279-5050

3. Anchorage Alaska Public Lands Information Center

Anchorage Alaska Public Lands Information Center is a lovely historic and cultural center located within Anchorage's historic Federal Building, home to a variety of exhibits showcasing the state's most notable natural, historical, and cultural features. The center, which is staffed by National Park Rangers, attracts approximately 80,000 visitors each year and also serves as a general state visitor center, offering trip planning assistance and brochures and maps related to top area attractions and wilderness areas. Visitors can enjoy a mini-tour of the state via its exhibits, including exhibits connected to its native indigenous groups, gorgeous national parks, and wilderness recreation areas. Several documentary films are shown at the center's theater, including Heartbeats of Denali and Alaska's Coolest Animals. Weekly programming is led by NPS park rangers, including chances to meet live zoo animals and birds.

605 W 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501, Phone: 907-644-3661

4. Anchorage Market and Festival

Anchorage Market and Festival is downtown Anchorage's biggest weekly artisan market, running each Saturday and Sunday between mid-May and mid-September. The family-friendly market attracts more than 200 vendors in season, ranging from painters and photographers to pantry and botanical goods makers. Visitors can shop for a plethora of Alaskan-made items and souvenirs, including locally-written books, handmade jewelry, and locally-produced honey. More than 30 delicious food vendors serve up international cuisine options and local game, including locally-caught halibut, salmon, and reindeer. The free-admission market also showcases live music and dance acts from across Alaska, along with visiting national groups and Native performers.

225 E St, Anchorage, AK 99501

5. Aurora Borealis Season

Aurora Borealis Season lasts between mid-August and mid-April each year, easily visible from Fairbanks on clear, dark nights. Though aurora lights technically dance above the Arctic Circle's skies throughout the year, the aurora season is the only time that skies are dark and clear enough to view the stunning natural phenomenon. The Fairbanks region is commonly considered to be the best place in the world to view the spectacular colored lights display, attracting spectators from around the United States and the world for viewing experiences. Visitors can drive to popular vantage points around the city and its surrounding region or take guided lights-viewing excursions to view lights from heated aurorium cabins, yurts, and lodges. Dog-sledding and ice-fishing adventures also offer opportunities to view lights from wilderness recreation areas.

6. Campbell Creek Science Center

The Campbell Creek Science Center offers a plethora of educational opportunities for families and visitors of all ages, providing access to area wilderness areas as an outdoor classroom for continued science and nature education. The Center's 730-acre Campbell Tract Facility showcases a variety of beautiful creek, forest, and meadow habitats, which are home to abundant native flora and fauna. More than 40,000 annual visitors participate in delightful nature programming meant to spark curiosity and build a connection with nature, led by enthusiastic nature center guides. Programming includes early morning bird walks, evening science programs, team-building activities, and orienteering courses. Many programs are free and open to the general public throughout the year, some requiring advance registration.

5600 Science Center Dr, Anchorage, AK 99507, Phone: 907-267-1247

7. Downtown Juneau Historic Walking Tours

Downtown Juneau Historic Walking Tours offer opportunities for self-guided exploration of Juneau's lovely downtown district via maps available at any of the city's four welcome centers. Highlights of the city's historic and cultural legacy are designated with three-sided blue historic signposts, which are scattered throughout the city's downtown district. On the city's waterfront, visitors can explore areas such as the beautiful Marine Park Plaza, which is home to a memorial dedicated to area fishers who have lost their lives at sea. The city's South Franklin area is home to some of the region's oldest establishments, including historic taverns from its early gold mining era. Front Street is home to Juneau's oldest bar, while Seward Street contains the Valentine Building, dating back to 1913 and connected to one of the city's first mayors. Other attractions on the tour route include free-admission attractions such as the Alaska State Capitol Building and the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church.

8. Eagle River Nature Center

Eagle River Nature Center is located approximately 40 minutes outside of downtown Anchorage, serving as a gateway to lovely Chugach State Park and its surrounding stunning glacial river valley. The center was originally constructed in the 1960s as the Paradise Haven Lodge, a popular area bar and steakhouse. Today, it serves as the official visitor center for the state park, open to the public year-round and offering more than 10 miles of hiking trails for visitor use. Visitors can trek the easy three-mile Albert Loop nature walk or hike an additional five miles up-valley for a beautiful vantage point of waterfalls and dramatic 3,000-foot cliffs. Guided nature programming is offered by the center throughout the year for visitors of all ages, with most programs free with advance registration.

32750 Eagle River Rd, Eagle River, AK 99577, Phone: 907-694-2108

9. Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park

Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park, also known as Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site, is a lovely 182-acre Alaska state park located on beautiful Kodiak Island, at the edge of picturesque Miller Point on the island's eastern shores. The park, which is named in honor of United States Army officer and early Alaska explorer Lieutenant Colonel William R. Abercrombie, was established in 1969 to protect the remains of significant World War II-era fortifications. The fort, which was constructed in 1941 and abandoned following the end of the war, saw no action during conflict but preserves gun emplacements, foundational building remains, and underground magazines. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and is designated as part of a larger National Historic Landmark also protecting the Kodiak Naval Operating Base and Fort Greely. Hiking trails are offered at the park, along with areas for day-use picnics and overnight tent camping.

Miller Point, Kodiak, AK 99615

10. Hiking

Hiking in Alaska is a wilderness experience like no other, offering unparalleled opportunities to see some of the United States' most rugged and undeveloped natural terrain and spectacular natural wonders. More than 250 miles of hiking trails are easily accessible via the city of Juneau alone, providing chances for hikers to get up close and personal with the state's majestic mountain, forest, and meadow landscapes and historic mining ruins from its gold rush era. Though the state is known for its rugged wilderness routes and extreme hiking experiences, many trails also offer easy access for visitors of all ages and ability levels, including wheelchair-accessible and stroller-accessible walks. Downtown Juneau-area trails include the three-mile Perseverance Trail, which showcases the ruins of the 1885 Perseverance Mine, and the Mount Roberts Trail, which provides a chance to hike to a spectacular summit.