What are the popular places to visit in Alaska?

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Despite being geographically distant from the rest of the United States, Alaska is one of the most beautiful and scenic parts of the country. It is the largest state by area, and among the least populous. This simply means that Alaska is the place to visit if you love the wilderness, the natural beauty of snowy mountains and glaciers, and the breathtaking sight of the Aurora Borealis.

The Denali National Park is probably the most popular attraction in Alaska. At the heart of the park is Denali – the tallest peak in North America. The national park is spread over six million acres of wilderness, including the low-level taiga forests, the high-altitude tundra & snow fields, and the lofty Denali peak itself.
The Tongass National Forest – the largest national forest in the country – is another major attraction in the state. Home to the Haida, Tlingit, and Tsimshian people, and a varied flora and fauna, Tongass is the perfect place to experience the wilderness of Alaska. The Tracy Arm Fjord and the glaciers that flow through it are the key attractions of this national park.
Kenai Fjords National Park – A visit to the Kenai Fjords National Park is a unique experience. At the heart of the park is Harding Icefield, one of the largest ice fields of the country, through which about 40 glaciers flow. The national park is home to a variety of animal life including whales, seals, otters, dolphins, and porpoises.
Katmai National Park
This protects 9,000 years of human history and the important habitat of Salmon and thousands of brown bears. You’ll find 18 individual volcanoes in this park, out of which seven parks have been active since 1900.
Alaska Highway – The 1,387-mile-long Alaska Highway from Dawson Creek (British Columbia, Columbia) and to Delta Junction (Alaska) and Fairbanks through Yukon Territory, is one of the most routes taken by tourists. The highway was built for military purposes but takes us through some of the most beautiful sights in the state.
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve – Over 3 million acres of towering mountains, icy glaciers, and lush green rainforests – Glacier Bay is the place to find it all. From boating, to seal spotting, to bird watching, Glacier Bay is the perfect getaway for a nature enthusiast. The park is part of Inside Passage – the 25 million-acre UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wrangell – St. Elias National Park and Preserve – The Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is the largest national park in the state of Alaska. The park is home to nine of the 16 highest peaks in the country. Apart from the breathtaking views, the park offers excellent opportunities for adventure enthusiasts who like hiking, mountain climbing, rafting, and kayaking.

Maps of Popular Places of Alaska

Alaska is best known for its breathtaking natural beauty, its snowy fields, glaciers, mountains, and wilderness. The state, however, is not devoid of its share of vibrant cities. Here are the top cities in Alaska that you may want to visit –

Anchorage – The most populous city in the state of Alaska, Anchorage, is also one of the most vibrant in the state and attracts a great number of visitors since it is surrounded by numerous national parks. The Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alyeska Ski Resort, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum, and the Alaska Zoo in Anchorage are among the city’s top attractions.
Juneau – The capital city of Alaska, Juneau is located in the Southeast Alaska Panhandle and is a popular cruise stop. The city is accessible only by water or air and the top attractions include the Juneau Raptor Center, Wickersham State Historic Site, and the Shrine of St. Therese. Popular activities include helicopter excursions along with the glaciers, whale watching, and trekking.
Fairbanks – The Golden Heart City, Fairbanks, is the perfect blend of rugged mountains, crystal clear lakes, and green woodlands. It is one of the few cities which attract Aurora watchers. The University of Alaska Museum of the North, the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, the Fairbanks Ice Museum, the Children’s Museum and the Air Museum of Fairbanks are among its top attractions.
Ketchikan – Ketchikan, the southernmost city in the state of Alaska, is also one of the most populous cities in the state. Totem Heritage Center, Saxman Native Village, Chief Johnson Totem Pole, and Totem Bight State Historical Park are some of the major attractions of Ketchikan.

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