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Top 17 Hidden Gems in Alaska

1. The Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau – A stunning sight to behold! Catch a glimpse of this beautiful natural glacier from afar or get up close and personal with a guided tour. Don’t forget to wrap up warm, it’s going to be cold!

2. The Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Wilderness Park in British Columbia – For those who love adventure and are not afraid of getting their hands dirty, this rugged wilderness area is home to some wild grizzly bears, wolves, and other wildlife. Bring your hiking boots, a compass and a big stick, and you might just survive.

3. The Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines – Feeling patriotic? Visit this eagle preserve and witness thousands of bald eagles in the winter months. Get your cameras at the ready, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

4. The Sitka National Historical Park – Come and feast your eyes on an array of Tlingit and Haida Native American artifacts and cultural sites. Learn about the fascinating history of these tribes and their way of life.

5. The Kenai Fjords National Park – Calling all marine life enthusiasts! Visit the Kenai Fjords National Park to witness an array of marine wildlife such as sea otters and whales. And let’s not forget about the stunning glaciers and fjords, truly a sight to behold.

6. The Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage – Curious about the life and cultures of Alaska’s indigenous people? Head over to the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage and learn about the unique history of Alaska’s native people. You might even pick up a word or two of their language.

7. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge – Looking for a remote wilderness adventure? Come and explore the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, home to caribou, polar bears, and other Arctic species. Just don’t forget your winter coat and a survival kit.

8. The Kachemak Bay State Park near Homer – For the hiking and fishing enthusiasts, the Kachemak Bay State Park near Homer is a must-visit. With beautiful coastal views and plenty of fish to catch, it’s a nature lover’s paradise.

9. The Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve – Love big things? Check out the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, the largest national park in the United States. Home to a variety of wildlife and glaciers, it’s truly a wonder of nature.

10. The Denali National Park, home to North America’s tallest peak, Mount Denali, and some of the wildest wildlife around, from grizzly bears to wolves. Don’t worry, they’re not too wild for guided tours.

11. The Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, where you can see everything from otters to seals to sea lions, all without getting wet (unless it’s raining, which it probably is).

12. The Matanuska Glacier, a 27-mile-long river of ice that you can actually drive up to and hike on (just don’t forget your crampons).

13. The Tongass National Forest, a lush and sprawling natural paradise that is so big, it’s like its own country (well, almost).

14. The Talkeetna Historical Society Museum, where you can learn all about the fascinating history of the small town of Talkeetna, which is actually quite big on charm.

15. The Arctic Circle, where you can see the northern lights, polar bears, and other natural wonders. Just make sure to bring a jacket (or several).

16. The Atigun Pass, a high mountain pass that offers some of the most stunning views in Alaska, from the Brooks Range to the Arctic Ocean.

17. The Silver Salmon Creek Lodge, a remote wilderness lodge where you can fish, hike, and spot wildlife to your heart’s content (and then some). Just don’t expect room service.