Alaska’s South Central region features some of the best the state has to offer for cultural
travelers.

A stop in hip and funky Girdwood, Alaska is a must on this road trip. Located at the base of Mount Alyeska, the ski town is home to a group of artists who like the small-town feel of the place. Visitors can visit any number of small, unique galleries year-round or time their visit to coincide with the Girdwood Forest Fair, a midsummer arts and crafts event.

Summer Activities: Hike in Chugach State Park, a parcel of land that runs along Anchorage’s eastern border, Ride the Alaska Railroad along Turnagain Arm from Anchorage to Seward or from Anchorage to Fairbanks via Denali National Park & Preserve, Kayak the waters of Prince William Sound from Whittier, Cruise among the icebergs of Portage Lake, See the terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline in Valdez, Watch giant cabbages of up to 90 pounds be weighed in at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer, Cruise the College Fjords glaciers of Prince William Sound, Kiss a moose at Big Game Alaska Wildlife Center in Portage, Visit Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race headquarters in Wasilla, Hike Hatcher’s Pass in the Mat-Su Valley, Visit the abandoned
Kennecott Copper Mine at McCarthy.

Winter Activities: Heliski in the mountains surrounding Valdez. Downhill ski and snowboard at Alyeska Ski Resort, Alpenglow or Hilltop Ski Area near Anchorage, Ice climb the frozen waterfalls along Turnagain Arm near Anchorage.

Southcentral Alaska enjoys warm, sunny summer days. But as with any place in Alaska, the weather can be unpredictable. As a rule it is best to have layers available for the chance of a foggy morning or summer shower. Avoid any heavy winter gear, unless of course, you visit Southcentral Alaska in the winter. A light wind and water repellant coat is also good to have.

Wherever you go, you’ll find unique Alaskan products and crafts. Be sure to look for the “Made in
Alaska” logo, which indicates an item genuinely manufactured in Alaska. If you find a silver hand
logo, it identifies the item as a Native Alaskan handicraft.