Holy Cross AlaskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Holy Cross, Alaska.
1. Holy Cross Cultural Center
INDIGENOUS HERITAGE AND HISTORY
The Holy Cross Cultural Center offers visitors a glimpse into the rich Inuit heritage and traditions of the region. Exhibits showcase local artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that tell the story of the community's development along the Yukon River. Visitors can learn about traditional subsistence practices and the spiritual beliefs that have shaped life in this remote Alaskan community.
2. Yukon River Overlook
SCENIC RIVER VIEWS
The Yukon River Overlook provides breathtaking panoramic views of one of Alaska's most important waterways. Visitors can observe the mighty Yukon River that has served as a critical transportation route for indigenous peoples and later for gold rush prospectors. The overlook is particularly stunning during sunrise and sunset when the river reflects the colorful Alaskan sky.
3. Holy Cross Trading Post
LOCAL GOODS AND CRAFTS
Holy Cross Trading Post serves as both a general store and a showcase for local artisan crafts. Visitors can purchase authentic native crafts including beadwork, carved items, and traditional clothing made by local residents. The trading post also offers essential supplies and unique Alaskan souvenirs that make perfect mementos of a visit to this remote community.
4. Shageluk Ice Cream Festival
TRADITIONAL SEASONAL CELEBRATION
The Shageluk Ice Cream Festival celebrates the traditional Athabascan ice cream made from whipped fat, berries, and sugar. This annual cultural event brings together community members and visitors to share in traditional dancing, games, and food preparation techniques. Visitors can participate in activities and sample authentic native ice cream while learning about local customs.
5. Crow Creek Mine
HISTORIC GOLD MINING
Crow Creek Mine is a historic gold mining site that offers visitors a chance to try their hand at gold panning. Established during the Alaskan gold rush, this well-preserved mining camp features original buildings and equipment dating back to the late 1800s. Visitors can explore the grounds, learn about mining techniques, and potentially find gold in the creek's waters.
6. Walrus Islands Archaeological Site
ANCIENT HUMAN SETTLEMENT
The Walrus Islands Archaeological Site is one of the few remaining places that provide evidence of human settlement on the Bering Sea continental shelf. This National Historic Landmark contains artifacts and remains that tell the story of early human adaptation to the harsh Alaskan environment. Visitors can learn about the ancient peoples who relied on walrus and other marine resources for survival in this remote location.
7. Three Saints Bay Site
FIRST RUSSIAN COLONY
Three Saints Bay was the first Russian colony established in America, serving as the foundation for Russia's expansion in North America. This National Historic Landmark offers visitors insights into the early days of Russian influence in Alaska through interpretive displays and preserved artifacts. The picturesque bay setting provides context for understanding the challenges faced by early Russian settlers in the region.
8. Dry Creek Archaeological Site
ANCIENT HUMAN HISTORY
The Dry Creek Archaeological Site contains evidence of human habitation dating back over 11,000 years. This significant archaeological location provides researchers and visitors with insights into the earliest human settlements in interior Alaska. The site features multiple layers of occupation, demonstrating how early peoples adapted to changing environmental conditions over millennia.
9. St. Michael's Russian Cathedral
HISTORIC RUSSIAN CHURCH
St. Michael's Russian Cathedral stands as the principal representative of Russian cultural influence in Alaska. Constructed between 1844 and 1848, this beautiful Orthodox cathedral houses an impressive collection of religious artifacts and icons from the Russian colonial period. The distinctive onion domes and wooden architecture make it one of Alaska's most photographed historic buildings.
10. White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad
HISTORIC MOUNTAIN RAILWAY
The White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad offers a breathtaking journey through Alaska's mountainous terrain on a historic narrow-gauge railway built during the Klondike Gold Rush. Passengers experience spectacular views as the train climbs nearly 3,000 vertical feet toward White Pass summit, passing through tunnels and alongside cliffs. The three-hour round trip from Skagway provides an unforgettable glimpse into Alaska's rugged landscape and pioneer history.
11. Anchorage Museum
ALASKA'S PREMIER CULTURAL INSTITUTION
The Anchorage Museum showcases Alaska's diverse cultural heritage through its extensive collection of art and artifacts. The modern glass building houses the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center collection featuring cultural exhibits that depict the Native peoples of Alaska. Visitors can explore interactive science displays related to the Arctic and gain a deeper understanding of the state's rich history and contemporary life.
12. Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
SCENIC URBAN NATURE PATH
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail offers an accessible outdoor experience that winds along the coast of Anchorage with spectacular views of Cook Inlet. The trail is popular with bikers, runners, and walkers of all ages who enjoy the diverse scenery that includes forest, wetlands, and coastal environments. Wildlife sightings are common along the trail, with opportunities to spot moose, bald eagles, and even beluga whales in the inlet.
13. The Ulu Factory
TRADITIONAL KNIFE CRAFTSMANSHIP
The Ulu Factory showcases the production of traditional Alaskan ulu knives that have been used by indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Visitors can watch craftspeople create these distinctive curved knives and learn about their importance in native Alaskan culture. The attached retail store offers a wide selection of ulus in various sizes along with other Alaskan-made products and souvenirs.
14. Eagle Historic District
GOLD RUSH ERA TOWN
Eagle Historic District preserves a well-maintained collection of buildings from Alaska's gold rush era when Fort Egbert served as a control station and headquarters for northern Alaska. Established in 1889, this historic area offers visitors a glimpse into frontier life through its preserved structures including the courthouse, customs house, and military buildings. Walking tours provide insights into the challenges and triumphs of early Alaskan settlement.
15. Earthquake Park
NATURAL DISASTER MEMORIAL
Earthquake Park commemorates the devastating 1964 Good Friday Earthquake that forever changed Anchorage and claimed 131 lives across Alaska. The park's interpretive displays explain the geological forces behind North America's strongest recorded earthquake and show how the landscape was dramatically altered. Visitors can observe the still-visible effects of the quake while enjoying trails that offer scenic views of the city skyline and Cook Inlet.