Reasons to Visit Alaska in the Fall

1. Fewer People

As I mentioned above, lots of people travel during the summer. This means that fall in Alaska offers fewer crowds. While you are wandering around, you will have a better chance of talking to the locals. You will also have time to truly appreciate the destinations and attractions you are visiting.

Don’t forget to check out the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature, as well as the Alaska Native Heritage Center during your visit!

Did you know that fewer crowds is one of the best reasons to visit Alaska in the fall?

2. Appreciate the Changes of Color

You don’t need to travel too far to see the color changes during the fall. But in Alaska, the fall brings intense colors that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world! Everything seems to change color. Plus, you will notice those brilliant colors the moment you arrive.

Check out what you should know before taking a road trip in Alaska. 

3. Catch Wildlife Sightings Before Hibernation Begins – Best Reason to Visit Alaska in the Fall

Yes, the wildlife in Alaska is used to the colder temperatures. But that doesn’t mean that some of the animals wander around all winter long. Many of the animals will hibernate for at least short periods of time. Therefore, you might not see every animal if you wait until winter to vacation in Alaska.

4. Fewer Mosquitos – My Favorite Reason to Visit Alaska in the Fall

Okay, unless you are a fan of mosquitos, you are going to love having fewer of them around when you vacation in Alaska in the fall. I am not a fan of these tiny little bugs. And Alaska has thirty-five different mosquito species! Yikes!

Thankfully, they almost disappear during the autumn in Alaska.

5. The State Fair

As long as you plan your vacation in Alaska for the beginning of September, you have an excellent chance of attending the Alaska State Fair.

This state fair in Alaska is held in Palmer. It is an excellent way to spend time with the locals.

You must consult the food map, so you don’t miss out on the tasty reindeer dogs and other local cuisine. Your time at the fair will also include seeing the largest pumpkins and cabbages in the world. Add in the comedy and musical acts and you will remember your time in Alaska forever!

These are five incredible reasons to visit Alaska in the fall. I can share even more reasons with you when we chat about me planning your next Alaskan family vacation.

So, are you ready to book a family vacation in Alaska?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be directed to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not ready to plan a family vacation in Alaska just yet, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you continue to receive the travel information I share.

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A Walking Tour of Anchorage: Discover Authentic Alaska

The Mayor’s Walk of Anchorage

This walking tour of Anchorage is led by the former mayors of the city. So, no matter which mayor is leading your tour group, they will have you learning all about the history and traditions of Anchorage.

A couple of the topics included in the tour include:

• The 1964 earthquake
• How oil was an important part of the area moving forward in the modern world

Learn how you can discover the best of Alaska in 8 days!

Alaska Farm Tours

There is an Alaskan Farm Tour in Anchorage. But you will also find them in Talkeetna and Palmer. This walking tour in Anchorage will have you wandering around farms. Plus, you will taste some of the items that are grown in the soil.

You will hear an abundance of farming stories during your visits to the farms. Before you leave the farms, you must purchase items like birch syrup and Alaska beer. You definitely won’t be disappointed when you enjoy them back home!

Ghost Tours of Anchorage

Ghosts are everywhere in Anchorage. So, why shouldn’t your family experience some paranormal activities while in Alaska?!

This walking tour in Anchorage will have you visiting many of the haunted sites in the city. The stories can be spooky. But the chills you get will have you wanting more.

Walking Around Lake Hood Floatplane Base

Does anyone in your family love airplanes and aviation? If they do, I recommend taking the walking tour of Lake Hood Floatplane Base. Approximately two hundred seaplanes take off and land at this base every single day.

That means you will see quite a few as you are on this walking tour of Anchorage. At the same time, you will visit numerous historical features. I recommend listening closely as you hear the history of the area.

Check out these bucket list destinations in Alaska for your next family vacation.

Walking Adventure in Historic Downtown Anchorage, AK

As you are walking through the historic downtown area of Anchorage, you may miss out on so much if you are not taking the walking tour. The Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau and the website Alaska.org created this official walking tour of Anchorage.

A few points of interest during this walking tour of Anchorage include:

• A log cabin
• The historic Anchorage Hotel
• Delaney Park
• The Oscar Anderson House

These are the best walking tours of Anchorage. You must take at least one of them when you are discovering Alaska with your family. These walks are perfect for seeing the sights and making a few memories with the people you love. So, imagine visiting one of the best family travel destinations and having authentic experiences like these walking tours in Anchorage! Talk about family friendly activities that will get your brain thinking about other family vacation ideas everyone will love.

So, are you ready to book a family vacation in Alaska and take one of these walking tours?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not ready to book a family vacation in Alaska, complete with a walking tour, you can sign up for my newsletter here. These newsletters are packed with travel ideas, so you can find the perfect vacation for your family!

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Alaska Bucket List Destinations 

Anchorage 

You really can’t miss Anchorage when you are on a family vacation in Alaska. Most of the time, you will find yourself in this city after your flight or while on a cruise.  

This city is full of museums, stores, and cultural exhibits. And yet, you may also spot a moose and other wildlife walking right down the streets in Anchorage. It’s a great reminder of how close you really are to nature in this beautiful state.  

Start with a visit to the Anchorage Museum. Then head out on a walking tour of Anchorage. You may even want to head out on a hike in Anchorage to see the surrounding landscape.   

Talkeetna 

Talkeetna is a small town in Alaska that often gets overlooked. This is a wonderful destination for fishing and whitewater rafting.  

Another option is to take a flight over Denali. These flights are amazing and allow you to see Denali from a different vantage point.  

Denali National Park 

There are so many things to see and do while visiting Denali National Park. Hiking will allow you to see part of this park. However, if you want to see as much as possible, I recommend hopping on the tour bus or doing a Jeep excursion.  

Those will both allow you to cover at least one hundred miles of this park. During your tour, you will see the best of Denali. This includes glaciers, wildlife, and so much more.  

Seward 

Seward is one of the best places to see glaciers in Alaska. Head out on a boat tour to see at least one glacier. The good news is you will also have ample opportunities to see humpback whales, puffins, sea otters, and other marine life while on the boat.  

Back on land, you can stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. They take care of animals who have been injured and cannot be released back into the wild. During your visit, you can see moose, musk ox, bears, porcupines, bison, wolves, and other animals.  

Soldotna 

The Kenai River is one of the best places to go fishing in Alaska. It is also where you can watch the Salmon Fishing Run. While on the banks of the Kenai River, you must keep an eye out for wildlife. You never know when a moose or bear will join you down by the river.  

After your fishing adventures, head to the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge for a hike. Or go to the Soldotna Historical Museum to see vintage log cabins.  

These are the best Alaska bucket list destinations for your next family vacation. I can easily add other Alaskan destinations to your itinerary. So, let me know where you want to explore during this family trip. Here is a sample 8-day Alaskan itinerary to check out as inspiration. As I plan your trip to Alaska, I’ll make sure all your Alaskan vacation dreams come true, as you make extraordinary memories with your family.  

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your vacation in Alaska or another destination?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click the link, you will be taken to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter so you always receive all the exciting travel information I share.  

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There are many different tour groups that go out to see these bears. So you are guaranteed to see at least a few during your visit. Most of the time, you will be taken over to either Lake Clark National Preserve or Katmai National Park. Those are the two areas where the bears spend most of their time.

It is best to visit Homer between the months of June through September. This is when the bears are out exploring and looking for food. They begin their food journey digging for clams, but it is not long before they catch the salmon that is flowing down the streams and rivers. By the time fall hits, the bears are turning their sights to the berry bushes as they stock up for the winter season.

When you decide to take a bear tour, you must be prepared to fly from Homer to the Katmai Coast. These tours are usually not as crowded due to the length of time that is required for them. You may not be happy with the time you are spending on just one activity at first, but I guarantee you will change your mind rather quickly. The reason for this is you will see so much more than bears during this time. As you go over the water, you will have ample opportunities to see orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, and many other marine animals.

You will also have the chance to see Kachemak Bay, the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, Mt. Katmai, 4 Peaks Glacier, and so much more. So, don’t look at this as a bear-watching opportunity. Instead, view it as an opportunity to see all that Alaska has to offer!

So, are you ready to plan a family vacation in Homer, Alaska, to see the bears and other wildlife?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. This will take you directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not ready to book your next family vacation, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you always receive the travel information I share.

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This local oyster farm was opened back in 2012 when the owners decided to make this part of Alaska their new home. Of course, it wasn’t until they tried the oysters there that they decided that oyster farming was their new career!

This small family farm does its best to harvest oysters year-round, but it isn’t always possible due to the wind and ice formations. The strong currents of the bay also do not always help when it comes time to harvest. Although, those same currents are perfect for bringing in the foods the oysters love as they are growing.

Unfortunately, you cannot tour the processing plant of this oyster farm. However, you can go spend some time on the bay and soak in all the beauty of the area. Once you have seen why the oysters love this bay so much, you can go grab some oysters to have for your next meal.

Of course, if you fall in love with the Jakolof oysters, you will not need to worry because they do ship them all over the country. So, you can easily go online and have a box shipped to you on a Wednesday. The oysters are delivered the very next day, so they are always alive and fresh. You can easily keep your oysters alive for up to two weeks, but most people usually don’t let them sit there that long!

This is not the only oyster farm in Alaska. There is one at Alaska Shellfish Farms up in Halibut Cove. It takes much longer to harvest those oysters because of the location of the farm and the really cold water. But the results offer some of the best-tasting oysters in the world.

Are you ready to taste some fresh oysters during a vacation in Alaska?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. This will take you directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you aren’t ready to plan your next family vacation, you can always sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you always receive all the travel information I share.

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Fishing on the Kenai River

While you can easily go fishing on the Kenai River on your own, it is usually best to go out with a tour guide. The guides know the intricacies of this river and where the fish will most likely be swimming around on any given day. Plus, they can share information about all the different attractions you see in between the fish you are catching.

Fish You Will Catch While Fishing the Kenai River

• King Salmon
• Sockeye Salmon
• Rainbow Trout
• Dolly Varden
• Silver Salmon
• Halibut

What to Pack When Fishing on the Kenai River

The weather in Alaska can be slightly unpredictable, so you will want to be prepared when you are out fishing on the Kenai River. I recommend dressing in layers, so you can go from the colder parts of the day to warm and back again easily.

You should never wear cotton clothes when fishing because it they get wet, they will never dry. You should also have rain gear, so you can avoid getting wet as much as possible.

Best Places to Fish on the Kenai River

Bing’s Landing can be found to the north of Sterling. This area is a prime boat launch location, but it is also an excellent spot for catching sockeye. The Soldotna River Walk can be very busy, especially during the sockeye season. But it is worth it due to the easy accessibility and shallow grade.

The tide is always changing at Cunningham Park, so you will need to adjust your bait accordingly. While this can be frustrating to some, you may find it a challenge you are willing to accept. One of the best places to fish is the Moose River Confluence. This is where the Kenai and Moose Rivers join, and the pace of the two different rivers offers a unique fishing experience.

When you are vacationing in Alaska, you must do a little fishing on the Kenai River. This is one of the best ways to spend time outside while enjoying the views and catching a few fish at the same time.

Are you ready to go fishing while on a family vacation in Alaska?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not ready to plan your next family vacation, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you always receive all the travel information I share.

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This market opened back in 1992. It was only open on Saturdays at that time, and there were only twenty vendors. Today, there are more than three hundred vendors, and they offer so much more than locally-grown produce. In addition to all the home-grown foods, you will find handmade arts and crafts, jewelry, collectibles, and ready-to-eat prepared foods at thirty different booths.

There is even a section dedicated to kids. Kids between the ages of eight and sixteen can set up their own booths to sell items they have grown, baked, or made. This is an excellent way for kids to learn about business. Plus, they are helping donate to a good cause at the same time.

As you are shopping, you can stop to watch the performances on the main stage. You may even see a street entertainer or two performing in the middle of the aisles. If you have a talent, you can sign up to be a performer for the time when you are visiting the area. It is a wonderful way to show your talent and have fun at the same time!

The people in charge of the Anchorage Market also host numerous other events during the year. Those events include the Bear Paw Festival, Holiday Food and Gift Festival, Arts and Crafts Emporium, and the Christmas Village. Each one offers something unique, so you might want to consider them all before you plan your next Alaska vacation!

I can’t wait to help plan your trip to Alaska and include fun events and attractions like the Anchorage Market! I have so many ideas of things you can do with your family so that no one will be bored during your vacation in Alaska. After all, Alaska offers something for everyone, so your whole itinerary can be filled with items your entire family will love.

So, are you ready to plan your vacation in Alaska and go shopping at the Anchorage Market?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. This will take you directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not ready to plan your next family vacation, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you continue to receive all the travel information I share throughout the year.

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Everything You Must Know to Conquer the Matanuska Glacier Hike in Alaska

The Matanuska Glacier

You will find this spectacular glacier over in the Matanuska Susitna Valley. There are mountain ranges on three sides. Those mountain ranges include the Alaska Mountain Range, Chugach Mountain, and the Talkeetna Mountains.

This glacier is approximately twenty-seven miles long, as well as four miles wide. You can reach this glacier during a short ninety-mile drive from Anchorage. The access point for the Matanuska Glacier hike in Alaska is on Glenn Highway.

Must-Have Gear for the Matanuska Glacier Hike in Alaska

There are a few things that you must have with you when you decide to conquer the Matanuska Glacier hike in Alaska. The first must-have item is good hiking boots. It is best if those hiking boots are warm and waterproof.

Rain gear is another necessity for hiking the Matanuska Glacier. While it doesn’t always rain at this glacier, you never know when a little rain will fall. Therefore, I always say it is best to be prepared than wet and miserable. (Especially when traveling with kids! )

Crampons can be placed on your hiking boots to assist with walking on the Matanuska Glacier. They grip the snow and ice quite well, so you do not fall. While you don’t need crampons for this glacier hike in Alaska, I do recommend them if you do not walk on snow or ice that often.

The last item I recommend, other than warm and waterproof clothes, is trekking poles. These poles can also help keep you upright if an area is slippery.

Hiking the Matanuska Glacier

You can choose to hike the Matanuska Glacier on your own. However, if you are not an avid hiker and you don’t hike glaciers regularly, then it is best to take a hiking tour. Your hiking guide will make sure you stay safe while pointing out all the magnificent features of the glacier and the surrounding area.

Do you hate being with a large group of people? And do you hate the thought of being in a situation you can’t handle? I have the perfect solution! There is a maintained trail you can walk along on this glacier. This trail is a third of a mile long and goes to the top of the glacier. Taking this trail will allow you to take your time. This means you can linger in any area for as long as you wish. Plus, it won’t be crowded, and you will feel safe the entire time.

This is everything you must know to conquer the Matanuska Glacier hike in Alaska. You must admit it is an amazing adventure that your family will love! And it definitely checks off the box for a unique thing to do on vacation in Alaska!

So, are you ready to conquer the Matanuska Glacier hike in Alaska during a family vacation?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not quite ready to hike a glacier while on vacation in Alaska, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you see all the travel information I share throughout the year.

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The Alaska Museum of Science and Nature

The Alaska Museum of Science and Nature is filled with items from prehistoric times all the way to the present day. You will find this museum in the city of Anchorage. It is a hands-on museum and is filled with numerous interactive exhibits.

The Dinosaurs of Darkness exhibit has displays of dinosaur bones, teeth, eggs, and entire skeletons. There is even a replica of the pterosaur that was discovered in Denali Park. Other dinosaurs you will see on display include hadrosaurs, ceratopsians, and raptors.

Over in the Alaska Marine Life exhibit, you will see the complete skeleton of the beluga whale that washed up into Cook Inlet. There are also ancient skulls and whalebones for you to look at. More bones can be found in the Bare Bones exhibit. This is where you will see many different skulls. However, the popular section of this area is the touch table. That is where you can explore, draw, and connect the bones.

The Birds of a Feather display will have you looking at many different bird species, while Ice Age Alaska shares all the extinct Ice Age animals. This is where you will see realistic mammoths, saber tooth cats, giant beavers, American lions, bison, and short-face bears. You will even learn how the Ice Age shaped this part of the world.

The Alaska Native Heritage Center

The Alaska Native Heritage Center was founded back in 1987, but the doors to the building did not open until 1999. A guided tour of the Hall of Cultures is an excellent way to learn more about the five major cultural groups in the state.

Over at the Gathering Place, you can watch Native Games demonstrations and Alaska Native dancing. Storytellers are also available to share the stories that have been passed down through the generations. You cannot leave without doing one of the many crafts that are offered throughout the day. However, you can also purchase the handicrafts that the locals make at the on-site craft store.

These are two places you must visit when you vacation in Alaska. I can easily add them to your itinerary for you. As well as all the other places you know your family will love to see.

So, are you ready to take a family vacation in Alaska and visit these two attractions?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. This will take you directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not ready to plan a family vacation in Alaska just yet, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you can continue to receive all the travel information I share throughout the year.

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One of the best places to see this glacier is the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. When you are inside the visitor center, you can also watch a movie, explore the interactive exhibits, and listen to different ranger talks.

Outside the visitor center, there are multiple trails you can wander along to see the lush forest and sparkling lake. One of those trails will lead you to Nugget Falls, while others will lead you to where the mountain goats and bears spend most of their time.

The best trail to take, though, is the West Glacier Trail. That trail is approximately seven miles long, and it takes you right to the face of the glacier. There is an excellent viewing platform about a quarter mile away from there too. So you can see this spectacular sight from many different vantage points.

When you are visiting the Mendenhall Glacier, you may think that the glacier is the only thing to do there besides hiking. However, this is one of the best places in Alaska to see a dog camp and do a little dog sledding.

Participating in a tour is the best way to reach the dog camp at the Mendenhall Glacier. Your tour guide will take you via helicopter to the dog camp. When you arrive, you will meet professional mushers, as well as sled dogs. While you can simply sit back and soak in the ambiance, I recommend getting behind a sled and joining in on the fun. Afterward, you can easily take pictures with the dogs on your team.

Just make sure you do not forget to spend a little time with the sled dog puppies. They will be the ones pulling the sleds the next time you visit!

Are you ready to do a little dog sledding with your family during a vacation near the Mendenhall Glacier?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. This will take you directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not ready to plan your next family vacation yet, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you always receive all the travel information I share.

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