Akiak AlaskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Akiak, Alaska.
1. Holy Assumption Orthodox Church
HISTORIC RUSSIAN RELIGIOUS SITE
The Holy Assumption Orthodox Church stands as a symbol of the long-standing Russian culture in south-central Alaska, featuring a distinctive two-story bell tower and crown-shaped cupola. The interior of this still-active church displays icons, religious artifacts, and historical objects significant to the community and Russian Orthodox faith. Located less than two hours from the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, this late 19th-century wood-frame structure offers visitors a glimpse into Alaska's rich cultural heritage.
2. Prince William Sound Glaciers
MAJESTIC ICE RIVERS
Prince William Sound Glaciers offer one of Alaska's most spectacular natural attractions, easily reached from Whittier, Valdez, or Cordova. Visitors can experience these magnificent ice rivers through various options including private day excursions or state ferry rides. For an unforgettable perspective, taking a flight over one of the glaciers provides an up-close and personal view of these impressive natural formations.
3. Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park
MILITARY HISTORY AND NATURE
Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park ranks as the top attraction on Kodiak Island, offering a blend of military history and natural beauty. The park preserves World War II military installations while providing stunning coastal views and hiking trails. Visitors can explore bunkers, artillery emplacements, and a military history museum while enjoying the rugged landscape and abundant wildlife.
4. Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
WILDLIFE EDUCATION HUB
The Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center serves as an educational gateway to understanding the unique ecosystem of Kodiak Island. Interactive exhibits showcase the island's famous Kodiak bears, salmon runs, and diverse wildlife. The center offers informative programs, wildlife viewing tips, and assistance in planning excursions into the vast wildlife refuge that covers much of the island.
5. Kodiak Island Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Kodiak Island Brewing Company offers visitors a taste of Alaska's craft beer scene with locally inspired brews. The taproom provides a cozy atmosphere to sample seasonal and flagship beers while mingling with locals. Brewery tours explain the brewing process and the unique challenges of operating a craft brewery in this remote island location.
6. Alaska Highway Sign
HISTORIC MILE ZERO MARKER
The Alaska Highway Sign marks the official starting point of the legendary Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek. This iconic marker serves as a popular photo opportunity for travelers beginning their journey along the historic 1,387-mile route. Built during World War II as a military supply route, the highway sign represents the beginning of one of North America's greatest road trip adventures.
7. Kiskatinaw River Bridge
CURVED WOODEN WONDER
The Kiskatinaw River Bridge stands as a remarkable engineering achievement along the original Alaska Highway route. This curved wooden structure, measuring 534 feet long, was built in 1942-43 and remains one of the few original timber bridges still in use. Visitors can drive across this historic bridge and enjoy the picturesque surroundings of the Kiskatinaw Provincial Park.
8. Fort Nelson Heritage Museum
ALASKA HIGHWAY HISTORY COLLECTION
Fort Nelson Heritage Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts related to the construction of the Alaska Highway and the region's development. The outdoor displays feature vintage vehicles, construction equipment, and buildings that tell the story of this massive engineering project. Inside, visitors can explore exhibits on indigenous cultures, trapping, and the area's natural history.
9. Totem Poles
INDIGENOUS CULTURAL ART
The Totem Poles of Alaska represent one of the state's most distinctive cultural landmarks, with Ketchikan housing the world's largest collection. These intricately carved cedar monuments tell stories of clan lineages, historical events, and cultural myths of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. Visitors can see these masterpieces at locations like Totem Bight State Historical Park, Saxman Native Village, and the Totem Heritage Center.
10. The Chilkoot Trail
GOLD RUSH HISTORIC PATH
The Chilkoot Trail offers hikers a journey through history along the same challenging path used by gold seekers during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-98. The 33-mile trail stretches from Dyea, Alaska to Lake Bennett in British Columbia, traversing diverse ecosystems from coastal rainforest to alpine tundra. Artifacts from the gold rush era remain visible along the trail, creating an outdoor museum that combines natural beauty with historical significance.
11. Soldier's Summit on the Alaska Highway
HISTORIC DEDICATION SITE
Soldier's Summit marks the historic site where the Alaska Highway was officially dedicated on November 20, 1942. This scenic viewpoint offers interpretive displays explaining the monumental achievement of building the 1,700-mile highway in just eight months during World War II. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Kluane Lake and the surrounding mountains while learning about this engineering marvel that connected Alaska to the continental United States.
12. Trans-Alaska Pipeline
ENGINEERING MARVEL VIEWPOINT
The Trans-Alaska Pipeline stretches 800 miles from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez and represents one of the world's greatest engineering achievements. Visitors can view this massive infrastructure at several designated viewpoints, with the most accessible located near Fairbanks. The pipeline's elevated sections, designed to protect permafrost and allow wildlife crossing, demonstrate the balance between resource development and environmental protection.
13. The North Pole
CHRISTMAS SPIRIT YEAR-ROUND
The North Pole is a festive town near Fairbanks where Christmas spirit thrives year-round, complete with candy cane-striped street lights and a Santa Claus House. Visitors can meet Santa himself, shop for holiday decorations, and send postcards with the coveted North Pole postmark. The town's Christmas-themed attractions include reindeer viewing and the world's largest Santa statue, making it a magical destination regardless of the season.
14. Denali
NORTH AMERICA'S TALLEST PEAK
Denali, North America's highest peak at 20,310 feet, stands as the crown jewel of Denali National Park and one of Alaska's most iconic landmarks. The mountain creates its own weather system and is often shrouded in clouds, making clear views a special occasion celebrated by visitors and locals alike. Mountaineers from around the world challenge themselves to summit this massive peak, while most visitors appreciate its grandeur from viewpoints along the Park Road or from flightseeing tours.
15. Kennicott Mine & Ghost Town
PRESERVED MINING HISTORY
Kennicott Mine & Ghost Town preserves the remains of what was once a thriving copper mining operation in the early 20th century, abandoned in 1938 and now standing as a National Historic Landmark. The striking red mill building cascades down the mountainside, surrounded by additional historic structures that offer insight into Alaska's mining heritage. National Park Service guided tours take visitors through the 14-story concentration mill and other buildings, explaining the fascinating history of this remote industrial complex nestled against the backdrop of the Wrangell Mountains.