Quick Summary:

  • Though Alaska is the largest state in the United States by land area, it is the third least-populated state in the nation.
  • Known for its expansive, rugged wilderness areas, majestic mountain peaks, and preserved intact glacial stretches, Alaska is a true natural wonder.
  • The gorgeous state is renowned worldwide as a paradise for wilderness explorers.
  • It is home to stunning national parks and wilderness recreation areas that offer unique opportunities for fishing, hiking, backcountry camping, and other extreme wilderness experiences.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. The Alaska State Capitol Building ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Alaska State Capitol Building | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Alaska
© Demerzel21/stock.adobe.com

2. The Fraternal Order of Alaska State Troopers Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
The Fraternal Order of Alaska State Troopers Museum | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Alaska
© The Fraternal Order of Alaska State Troopers Museum

3. Anchorage Alaska Public Lands Information Center

Category: Attractions
Anchorage Alaska Public Lands Information Center | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Alaska
© Anchorage Alaska Public Lands Information Center

4. Anchorage Market and Festival

Category: Entertainment
Anchorage Market and Festival | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Alaska
© neotemlpars106/stock.adobe.com

5. Aurora Borealis Season

Aurora Borealis Season | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Alaska
© Elizabeth/stock.adobe.com

6. Campbell Creek Science Center

Category: Kids & Family
Campbell Creek Science Center | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Alaska
© Halfpoint/stock.adobe.com

7. Downtown Juneau Historic Walking Tours

Tours
Downtown Juneau Historic Walking Tours | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Alaska
© maxipiotro/stock.adobe.com

8. Eagle River Nature Center

Category: Activities
Eagle River Nature Center | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Alaska
© jon manjeot/stock.adobe.com

9. Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park

Category: Activities
Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Alaska
© daniking/stock.adobe.com

10. Hiking

Hiking | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Alaska
© Charles/stock.adobe.com

11. The Jensen-Olson Arboretum

Category: Activities
The Jensen-Olson Arboretum | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Alaska
© ChrWeiss/stock.adobe.com

12. Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area

Category: Activities
Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Alaska
© adfoto/stock.adobe.com

13. Potter Marsh

Potter Marsh | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Alaska
© jayyuan/stock.adobe.com

14. St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church

St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Alaska
© Nenad Basic/stock.adobe.com

15. The Juneau Memorial Library

Category: Kids & Family
The Juneau Memorial Library | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Alaska
© Pixel-Shot/stock.adobe.com

16. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

Category: Activities
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Alaska
© jefwod/stock.adobe.com

17. Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

Category: Activities
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Alaska
© zaikina/stock.adobe.com

18. Yakutania Point and Smugglers Cove

Category: Activities
Yakutania Point and Smugglers Cove | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Alaska
© MollyP/stock.adobe.com

Annual AK Events:
- Alaska State Fair - Palmer, Every August
- Blueberry Arts Festival - Ketchikan, Every August
- Sitka WhaleFest - Sitka, November
- World Eskimo-Indian Olympics - Mid July
- Alaska Folk Festival - April 7-13, 2025
- Girdwood Forest Fair - First week­end in July
- Anchorage RunFest - August 16 & 17, 2025
- Seward 4th of July Celebration - Seward, Every 4th of July
- Nenana Ice Classic - Nenana, April/May

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