It is so very important to set aside time when you come to Alaska to appreciate and learn about Alaska Native culture and history. The Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC) is the perfect spot to get some perspective and context of the people and places you’ll experience during your visit. Here you have the chance to learn and listen to the languages of Alaska and see the arts that are keeping the cultures alive.
For those visiting Anchorage with kids, I think that planning some time at the Alaska Native Heritage Center is a valuable activity. When you’re traveling through a place with such a presence of indigenous cultures it’s important for even the youngest of visitors to understand both the privilege and context of visiting Alaska. If you have any questions about plotting your time to be able to accommodate educational activities as you travel, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re happy to provide ideas!
Highlights of the Alaska Native Heritage Center
Even if you’re visiting the Alaska Native Heritage Center on a rainy day, you MUST make time for visiting the different indigenous dwellings on the property. With totem poles, a clan house, earthen structures and more, you’ll get a full tour of the different Alaska Native nations and how they both did and do live.
The most familiar of the exhibits are those of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people of Southeast Alaska, with the totem poles and long house structure, but as you continue to what might seem uninteresting on the outside, you’ll learn all about how the Yupik and Alutiiq homes survive through the winters and into the thawing summer on the Bering Sea and in the Arctic Circle.
How to Experience Alaska Native Culture at the Center
The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a combination museum, gallery and event space. There are ample exhibits to read as you wander and there are staff all throughout providing interpretation and demonstrations so you can see everything in action. Inside you’ll have a chance to see photos, indigenous art and even purchase locally made pieces. The shop here varies from the Anchorage Museum store in that the focus is 100% on Alaska Native creations.
If you’re visiting during an event, most of the time the public is welcome to attend and observe, and if invited, to participate. From songs to dances, public lectures to performances there are all sorts of events at the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
NOTE: if you’re invited to try a sample of food, to listen to a story, or to participate in a dance it is rude to not accept the gift of the invitation. Yes, you may not like what you taste or you may be uncomfortable with dancing, but being willing to learn through experience is one of the best ways to show respect to your hosts, the Alaska Native people.
Tips for Visiting the Alaska Native Heritage Center
Allow yourself an hour and a half for the Alaska Native Heritage Center. If there are events happening during your visit, don’t rush yourself away, but enjoy them and learn a little extra. If you’re on a tight schedule, keep in mind that some of the structures around the pond, the dwellings, have people demonstrating different skills or telling stories in them. Again, don’t rush yourself away, but plan appropriately. And take the time to read the exhibits.
Parking and Getting to the Alaska Native Heritage Center
There is plenty of parking at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. It is NOT located in downtown Anchorage, but is on the outside of town heading towards Eagle River and the Parks Highway. It’s about ten minutes from downtown via the freeway. Biking, it’s about a half hour, maybe a little more.
ANHC Operating Info
To complete your planning, here is all the information to plan and make your visit happen.
- Operating Dates/Season: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Summer 7 days a week OR off season Monday through Friday
- Center office phone number: 907-330-8000
- Heritage Center website: AlaskaNative.net
- Museum address: 8800 Heritage Center Dr, Anchorage AK 99504
More Things to do in Anchorage
I think Anchorage is a great city to visit, whether it’s the main area you choose to visit on your Alaska trip or it’s the jumping off point for an epic Alaska road adventure. Anchorage has changed a lot in the last 25 years (I still remember my first visit) and it’s become a city with great dining, interesting things to do within the city, and of course incredible nature just beyond downtown.
A visit to Anchorage needs to include activities like the Alaska Native Heritage Center, visiting Kincaid park for walking and wildlife watching, and enjoying some hiking outside of town. It’s really easy to add activities to your Anchorage visit both down on the Turnagain Arm (Seward Highway) or in Chugach State Park (Eklutna Lake and Thunderbird Falls). If you’re ever bored in Anchorage, you’re not paying attention.
Here are some things to do in Anchorage that can be added to part of your day when you visit, just in case you don’t have lots of time:
- Anchorage Museum
- Alaska Native Heritage Center
- rent bikes for the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
- watch for beluga whales at the Anchorage Small Boat Launch
- day trip to Eklutna Lake and town site
- day trip to Portage or Whittier for a Prince William Sound adventure
Here are some Anchorage ideas:
Where to Eat in Anchorage
Let’s assume that you’re staying in the downtown area of Anchorage and you’re looking for a great meal. Well, there are lots of choices, but I’ve picked my favorites that are both solid Anchorage standards and are new and awesome.
- Snow City Cafe – breakfast
- K Street Market – bakery, breakfast, lunch and cool shops
- F Street Station – vintage Anchorage with delicious food. And a cheese block.
- 49th State Brewing – busy but really good food and beer
- Tequila 61 – modern and trendy Mexican favorites w/ great cocktails
- Whisky & Ramen – fantastic Asian fusion food and craft cocktails
- Double Shovel Cider Co – not downtown, but it’s worth the visit for awesome ciders
Where to Stay in Anchorage
When you’re looking for a hotel in Anchorage, you’ll see that the city is broken into several areas with hotels mostly being in downtown, midtown and at the airport. If you’re just here for one night, any area will do, but for several days, downtown is the best area to stay because it’s such a walkable city. I enjoy staying in the hub of Anchorage activities because there are lots of things to do, restaurants and easy access to biking routes and the Alaska Railroad. Check out the options below.
I hope you’re excited to experience the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage. Between the valuable information and appreciating the art and exhibits, I know you’ll love it. If you have any questions about visiting Anchorage, experiencing Alaska Native culture, or planning an Alaskan adventure please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to help with travel planning for an Alaska Trip!
