Tourist season helps stir up the local economy, but it also adds more crowds. Here are 10 spots worth checking out now that foot traffic has slowed down.
Alaska welcomed about 2.7 million visitors last summer, with the bulk of those guests coming via cruises. That’s nearly four times the population of the state itself. Summer tourism boosts the economy and introduces Alaska’s beauty to more people. However, sometimes you just want to enjoy something popular without having to jostle through crowds.
The good news is that we’re at the time of year when you can do just that. So, put those elbows down and embrace having a little extra room on either side of you. We’ve got some sights to visit.
1. Climb the Matanuska Glacier
Glacier sightings are always popular during the summer, from hiking adventures to tours along the water where you can witness calving up close. And wouldn’t you know it, glaciers are just as cool during other months. Located in the Chugach Mountains along a gorgeous drive about two hours from Anchorage, Matanuska Glacier is the largest roadside glacier in the entire state of Alaska.
While there are more tour options during the summer, there are some that operate throughout the year. Explore the terminal area full of blackened ice, or take a guided tour to walk along the glacier (or climb it, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous). The view of a glacier is stunning from nearly every angle, though the sheer marvel of being right up next to one is hard to top.
Location: 30820 West Glenn Hwy, Sutton-Alpine, AK 99674
2. Take the Alaska Railroad
Perhaps you’ve noticed that Alaska is an enormous state. Cities and towns aren’t just right next to each other—they require quite a bit of driving to get between them. While the scenery along those drives is some of the most picturesque you’ll find in the United States, wouldn’t it be nice to entirely focus on that instead of worrying about driving?
The Alaska Railroad sure thinks so, and the Aurora Winter Train runs from mid-September through mid-May. This train spans a 358-mile route between Anchorage and Fairbanks, with stops at Wasilla, Talkeetna, Healy, and Nenana. There are also several backcountry and flagstop stops for some wilderness exploring. Grab a northbound train on Saturday and a southbound train on Sunday, and you’ve got yourself a wonderful weekend getaway.
Location: Anchorage Passenger Depot: 411 W 1st Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501
3. Get wild at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
It’s getting chilly this time of year, so here’s another activity where you don’t have to leave the warmth of a vehicle. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center hosts drive-through experiences where you can see animals in large enclosures, from bears and moose to wood bison and muskoxen. Visiting in the fall is especially charming because you might catch the animals enjoying some pumpkin enrichment. Look at them living their best life! That’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Location: 43520 Seward Highway, Girdwood, AK 99587
4. Sing karaoke at Yukon Bar
Yukon Bar is a popular spot for tourists because of the dollar bills hanging from the ceiling, and locals love it because it’s open until 2 a.m. every day. That kind of late-night rowdiness is especially appreciated when darkness arrives earlier and earlier in the fall and into the winter. Luckily, the karaoke parties go year-round.
Check the bar’s Facebook page to see who’s hosting that night, then get ready to sing your heart out. And because the mics are wireless, you can wander through the crowd, offering high-fives and guest vocal spots to people singing along.
Location: 201 4th Ave, Seward, AK 99664
5. Soar to the skies with a Denali flightseeing tour
From musical high notes to physical heights, you can still get a great glimpse of Denali National Park via winter flightseeing tours. Companies like Talkeetna Air Taxi and K2 Aviation have winter options to cruise around the national park. The optional glacier landings might not always be available depending on weather conditions, but you’ll encounter plenty of incredible views of those glaciers, as well as snow-capped peaks, icefalls, and granite walls that tower over a mile high.
Multiple locations around Talkeetna
6. Soak in the Chena Hot Springs
I’m not a scientist, but I’m pretty certain sitting in steaming hot springs during chilly fall and winter months is relaxing and rejuvenating for your bones and muscles. And if it’s not, it sure feels that way, with the cold of the air dissipating as you stretch out in the soothing geothermal waters. People have been traveling to the Chena Hot Springs to rest and unwind since 1905, so clearly, something is working.
The waters are rich in minerals and can restore your mental and emotional energy, providing a perfect reset after a busy day of travel. And since the hot springs are open every single day of the year, you can pick whatever time is best for you. Add in an aurora viewing, an ice museum tour, or a trip to the pool house for even more adventure.
Location: 17600 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712
7. Go aerial in Alyeska
The Alyeska Aerial Tram closes on Oct. 12 before reopening again in December. Reaching the top of the mountain offers terrific skiing opportunities in the colder months. Though the tram is the easier and more ideal way to reach the summit, you can also take multiple hiking routes. The conditions can be a bit frosty and treacherous between the summer and winter tram seasons, so go slow, bring lots of water, wear appropriate hiking gear, and bundle up. That extra preparation makes for one magical view.
Location: 1000 Arlberg Ave, Girdwood, AK 99587
8. Eat like Homer Simpson in Homer
There’s a classic scene of “The Simpsons” where Homer finds himself in hell, with a demon forcing him to eat all the donuts in the world. Undeterred, Homer ends up completing the task. You don’t have to be nearly as gluttonous to have an appetizing time in Homer, AK, although you can do more of a speed run during autumn months.
I visited Two Sisters Bakery in August, and the line was about 25 people deep by the time the doors opened for the day. It’ll be less of a wait in the fall and winter, but the food will be just as tasty. You can also enjoy salmon cakes and calzones at Fat Olives, which aptly refers to itself as “an eating place.” Or, nom on some pizza at The Twisted Goat; the nearly eponymous “The Goat” is among the best options on an all-star menu. Be sure to save a little room (and bring some cash) to indulge in a refreshing pint at Salty Dawg Saloon on the Homer Spit.
Multiple locations around Homer
9. Admire artwork in Soldotna
From a tourist’s perspective, Soldotna is a fishing town. The Kenai River Classic has been welcoming fishers from around the world for over 30 years, with hundreds of participants entering each event. You can still catch some fish later in the year; coho salmon are in the Kenai River through mid-October, and the Kasilof River has steelhead trout swimming around until mid-November.
For an activity you can enjoy 365 days a year, Soldotna also has a mural trail, with a collection of ten works of art from local artists. A trio of them are at Soldotna Creek Park, which also has a playground full of fish decorated by elementary school students over the years. It’s a fun nostalgic walk through the ages.
Multiple locations
10. Meet the Mendenhall Glacier and hike the Nugget Falls Trail
Mendenhall Glacier is part of the Juneau Icefield, spanning 13 miles and about 4,500 feet of elevation. From the visitor’s center, you can spot icebergs plopping into the lake. The glacier isn’t the only attraction here, though. The Nugget Falls Trail takes you through some lush greenery en route to a roaring waterfall, should you want to add a little auditory amazement to your excursion. Since the glacier is regularly calving and dropping chunks of ice, you can play a fun, “I Spy”-style game by counting how many icebergs you see as you stroll the trail.
Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center: 8510 Mendenhall Loop Rd, Juneau, AK 99801
