Top 50 best museums in Alaska

The primary mission of the Alaska State Museum is to collect, preserve, and exhibit artifacts and media from the region. This commitment to preserving the region's history and culture provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore Alaska's rich heritage.

The Alaska SeaLife Center, located on the shores of Resurrection Bay in Seward, Alaska, is the state's only public aquarium. In addition to showcasing a variety of marine life, the center also operates as a rescue facility for distressed and injured marine animals. This unique combination of public education and conservation makes it a distinctive destination for tourists interested in marine biology and environmental conservation.

The Fairbanks Ice Museum is housed in the historic Lacey Street Theatre building, a notable example of Art Deco architecture. Located at 500 Second Avenue in Fairbanks, Alaska, this building adds a unique charm to the museum experience.

The Totem Heritage Center, founded in 1976, is a historical and cultural museum located in Ketchikan, Alaska. The city of Ketchikan operates the center, providing a unique insight into the region's rich history and culture.

The Alaska Zoo is situated in Anchorage, Alaska, spanning 25 acres of the Anchorage Hillside. This location provides a unique and expansive environment for the zoo's inhabitants, making it a popular destination for tourists. The zoo's setting on the hillside offers a unique opportunity to experience Alaska's native wildlife in a setting that closely mimics their natural habitats.

The Anchorage Museum, located in the heart of Anchorage, Alaska, is a large institution dedicated to various fields including art, history, ethnography, ecology, and science. Housed in a modern building, the museum offers a diverse range of exhibits and collections that cater to a wide array of interests.

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a non-profit organization that is committed to the conservation, research, education, and care of animals. It is situated on approximately 200 acres of land at the head of Turnagain Arm and the entrance to Portage Valley, Milepost 79 of the Seward Highway, about 11 miles southeast of Girdwood. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists who are interested in wildlife and conservation.

The Last Chance Mining Museum, formerly known as the Jualpa Mining Camp or the Last Chance Basin Camp, is located just outside the city of Juneau, Alaska. This former gold mining camp offers a unique glimpse into the history of gold mining in the region.

Pioneer Park is a tribute to early Alaskan history, featuring multiple museums and historic displays on site. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history of Alaska, learning about its past through the various exhibits and displays available.

Sitka National Historical Park, once known as Indian River Park and Totem Park, is situated in the beautiful city of Sitka, Alaska. The park's status was elevated from a national monument to a national historical park on October 18, 1972. This change in designation reflects the park's significant historical and cultural value.

The Alaska Botanical Garden is a sprawling 44.5-hectare botanical garden situated in Anchorage, Alaska. It is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Alaska's unique flora. The garden is open all year round, providing a different experience with each changing season.

The Division of Alaska State Troopers was established in 1967, succeeding the Alaska Highway Patrol (1941-1953), Alaska Territorial Police (1953-1959), and Alaska State Police (1959-1967). The agency was created by law to 'protect the lives, property, and constitutional rights of Alaskans'.

The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a unique institution that shares the heritage of the 11 main cultural groups of Alaska. These groups include the Athabaskan, Eyak, Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian, Unangax (Aleut), Alutiiq, Yup'ik, Cup'ik, Siberian Yupik, and Inupiaq people. Visitors can gain a deep understanding of these diverse cultures and their histories through the center's exhibits and programs.

Rika's Landing Roadhouse, also known as Rika's Landing Site or McCarty Roadhouse, is a historic rest house located at Mile 274.5 on the Richardson Highway in Big Delta, Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska. It is situated within the Big Delta State Historical Park and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1976. The roadhouse is named after Rika Wallen, who received it from John Hajdukovich and managed it for many years.

The Pratt Museum, situated in Homer, Alaska, is a regional natural history museum that offers a deep dive into the life around Kachemak Bay in South Central Alaska. The museum's exhibits provide a comprehensive exploration of the region's natural history, culture, and art, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in understanding the area's unique heritage and natural beauty.

The University of Alaska Museum of the North, situated on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus, is a cultural and historical museum. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage of Alaska and the Circumpolar North through its diverse collections and exhibits.

The campus of the former Sheldon Jackson College is now home to several organizations. These include the Sheldon Jackson Museum, the Sitka Sound Science Center, and the Sitka Fine Arts Camp. The buildings of the former school are part of the Sheldon Jackson School National Historic Landmark District, adding to the historical significance of the site.

The Juneau-Douglas City Museum is conveniently located at the corner of 4th and Main, directly opposite the Alaska State Capitol in Juneau, Alaska. This central location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.

The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, located in Ketchikan, Alaska, is a visitor center managed by the United States Forest Service. It forms part of the Tongass National Forest, offering visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the region's natural environment.

The Alaska Aviation Museum is situated on Lake Hood Seaplane Base in Anchorage, Alaska. This location is not only scenic but also significant, as it is the world's busiest seaplane base. The museum's location provides visitors with a unique opportunity to observe seaplane operations up close while exploring the rich history of Alaskan aviation.

The Dorothy G. Page Museum is situated at 323 Main Street in Wasilla, Alaska. This location is easily accessible and central, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the area. The museum is housed in a historic log building, adding to its charm and appeal.

The Knik Site, also known as the Old Knik Townsite, is a significant historical location in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska. It was once the largest settlement on Cook Inlet, a testament to its historical importance. Today, it offers visitors a glimpse into the past, with its surviving remnants including a former log roadhouse and a log cabin.

The Russian Bishop's House, also known as the Russian Mission Orphanage, is a historic house museum and National Historic Landmark. It is situated at the intersection of Lincoln and Monastery Streets in Sitka, Alaska. This log structure, built between 1841 and 1843, is one of the oldest surviving buildings of Russian America and was a significant part of the Russian Orthodox church's efforts to spread its influence among the natives of Alaska.

The Sitka Sound Science Center, located in Sitka, Alaska, is a non-profit organization committed to research and education. It is based in the Sage Building, which is situated across from the old Sheldon Jackson Campus on Lincoln Street. The center is a biological field station and includes the Sheldon Jackson salmon hatchery, the Molly Ahlgren Aquarium, a research lab, classrooms, and offices.

The Old City Hall, currently known as the Fairbanks Distilling Company, is a historic civic building located at 410 Cushman Street in Fairbanks, Alaska. This building holds a significant place in the history of Fairbanks and is a notable landmark in the city. It was originally built to house city offices, police and fire stations, and has undergone several changes over the years.

The Kodiak History Museum, which was known as the Baranov Museum until 2019, is situated at 101 East Marine Way in Kodiak, Alaska. This museum is a significant historical site that offers a deep dive into the history of the Kodiak Archipelago and the Aleutian Islands, with a particular emphasis on the Russian and early American periods.

Well-groomed hiking trails, yurt to rent and guided nature walks. Wildlife to come across, scenery to admire. Place for nature lovers!

Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park is situated on Kodiak Island, Alaska. The park spans 182 acres of land at the end of Miller Point, which is located on the eastern shore of Kodiak Island, northeast of the city of Kodiak. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Alaska while also learning about its rich history.

The Hammer Museum, situated in Haines, Alaska, holds the unique distinction of being the world's first museum dedicated solely to hammers. This one-of-a-kind institution offers visitors a unique insight into the history and use of this essential tool, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in history, industry, and craftsmanship.

The Oscar Anderson House Museum is a historical site located at 420 M Street in downtown Anchorage, Alaska. This museum offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the life and times of early Anchorage resident, Oscar Anderson.

The Georgeson Botanical Garden is situated at 117 West Tanana Drive, within the campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. This location in Fairbanks, Alaska, makes it easily accessible for visitors who are interested in exploring the diverse plant life that the garden has to offer.

The Yupiit Piciryarait Cultural Center (YPCC) is a significant cultural hub located in Bethel, Alaska. It is situated near the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Kuskokwim Campus and city offices, making it easily accessible for visitors. The center is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Yup'ik culture, offering a unique insight into the traditions and customs of this indigenous Alaskan group.

Still active gold mine. Explore the history of early mining community, tour the dredge and enjoy the feeling of old Alaska.

Within the Anchorage Museum is located this hands-on, multigenerational science center, featuring simulated auroras or earthquakes. Must see!

This museum is aimed at ruining the myths about wolves. Learn about these fantastic creatures!

Learn how to pan for gold. Small museum and gift shop presented too.

The Sitka History Museum, previously recognized as the Isabel Miller Museum, is the city museum of Sitka, located in the U.S. state of Alaska. It is a significant cultural institution that provides a comprehensive understanding of the city's history and heritage.

Interactive exhibits, informative movies, tidal pool showing how tides run. All of it hidden in charming building. Recommended!