Denali National Park is in the South Central region of Alaska and features over six million acres of forests and mountain ranges. The park is home to the tallest mountain in North America, Mount McKinley (20,320 feet) and Kalhiltna Glacier, a 36-mile long glacier. Tourists have access to much of the park via the 91-mile George Parks Highway, which runs through Denali; the Highway offers exits to various areas of the park. Wildlife observation opportunities are available in the Denali Wilderness, an area that makes up one-third of the park.
One of Alaska's largest islands is Kodiak Island, which is also the second-largest island in the United States. Also known as “Alaska's Emerald Island,” this island is approximately 25 miles south of the Alaskan mainland. Kodiak Island's nickname is a tribute to how verdant its mountains appear in the spring and summer. Visitors have chances to see animals that only live on Kodiak Island such as the Kodiak bear and migratory birds, including puffins, bank swallows and bald eagles.
Ketchikan is known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” due to the abundance of salmon migrating from the Pacific Ocean to Ketchikan Creek. Fisherman flock to Ketchikan in droves during the fishing season, which typically lasts from May to October. Other fish at Ketchikan are halibut, red snapper and rock cod. Hunting for crabs and shrimp is also popular with Ketchikan guests. The city of Ketchikan features fishing resorts and bed-and-breakfasts as lodging options.
The largest city in Alaska is Anchorage with a population of over 290,000. Anchorage's visitors have access to boating activities on Cook Inlet, while outdoor hiking and camping awaits tourists at the Chugach Mountains, less than an hour from the city. As a large metropolis, Anchorage also features urban attractions such as the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, the Anchorage Museum and Delaney Park, which features walking trails and an ice skating rink.
Established in 1903, Seward is one of the first U.S. settlements in Alaska. The city was named after William H. Seward, the U.S. Secretary State who encouraged the U.S. purchase of Alaska in 1867. Seward maintains many of the city's original buildings, including the Van Gilder Hotel built in 1916. One modern attraction, the Alaska SeaLife Center, allows tourists to see Gulf of Alaska marine wildlife such as the North Pacific giant octopus, giant squid sea lion and salmon.
