Anchorage

The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a wonderful place for visitors to learn about the culture and heritage of the native Alaskan people while in Anchorage. Indigenous traditions, customs and lifestyles are showcased in the centre's exhibits, which include artefacts such as tools, watercraft, clothing, pieces of art and musical instruments. The centre also hosts local storytelling, dancing and craft events which help to bring the traditions to life for visitors. The Alaska Native Heritage Center is closed in winter, but hosts monthly cultural events. Check the official website listed below to see what's on offer during your visit.

Address : 8800 Heritage Center Drive

Website : www.alaskanative.net

Telephone : (907) 330 8000

Admission : $24.95 adult, $16.95 children, other concessions available

The world-class Museum of History and Art is the largest museum in Alaska and is one of the most visited attractions in Anchorage. The exhibits cover the history and cultures of Alaska - from Native American beginnings to American colonisation - and explore the natural resources and landscapes of the country. Part of exploring the cultures of the country is exhibiting Alaskan art, and the museum has a good permanent collection and hosts multiple temporary art exhibitions. Art, history and the natural sciences are combined to great effect in this wonderful museum. Visitors of all ages should find something to interest them. Check the official website listed below for details.

Address : 625 C St, Anchorage.

Website : www.anchoragemuseum.org

Telephone : (907) 929 9200

Opening times : Tuesday to Saturday 10am-6pm; Sunday 12pm-5pm. Closed Monday.

Admission : $20 adult, $10 children, other concessions available.

Famous for its spectacular mountain vistas, abundant wildlife, glaciers, vast expanses of sub-arctic tundra, and North America's highest mountain, Mount McKinley, Denali National Park and Preserve is a real wilderness area that attracts millions of visitors each year. More than six million acres are home to grizzly bears, caribou, moose, Dall sheep, wolves and numerous species of birds. The main attraction is the snow-covered massif of Mount McKinley, towering 20,320ft (6,096m) above the peaks of the Alaska Range, the definitive symbol of untamed Alaska. On a clear day its twin peaks can be seen from Anchorage, 149 miles (240km) away.The Alaska Range divides the park into north and south sides, with the majority of visitors accessing the north where the main visitors centre is located. Mountaineers seeking out the challenges of Mount McKinley need to access the park from the south side. Other peaks offer excellent climbing opportunities for those not wishing to risk the mountain that has earned its reputation as one of the world's most difficult climbs. The park region also offers a wide variety of other activities including day hikes or backcountry hiking, camping, mountain biking, whitewater rafting and ice climbing. Early June or late September is the best time to avoid the crowds.

Address : George Parks Hwy, Denali

Website : www.nps.gov/dena/index.htm

Telephone : (907) 683 9532