Experience Native Culture
You will easily see why the 49th state is such an amazing place, but your experience will not be complete without learning more about Alaska's Native culture, past and present. You won't want to miss the opportunity to explore the fascinating museums, cultural centers and historic sites that will help you better understand the people of this land.
Museums
- Anchorage Museum of History and Art: You will be able to see permanent displays of Native history and culture in Alaska's largest museum. The Anchorage Museum is located downtown on the corner of 7th Avenue and C Street. Admission fees start at $6 and more information can be found at www.anchoragemuseum.org.
- Alaska Native Heritage Center: You will see and hear traditional dances and storytelling, tour five traditional Native villages and see exhibits and shows. The Alaska Native Heritage Center is located on the edge of East Anchorage on Heritage Drive and is open year-round. As you are leaving Anchorage via the Glenn Highway, take the Muldoon exit north and follow the directional signs. Admission fees range from $7-23 per person. For more information, go to www.alaskanative.net.
- Eklutna Village/Historical Park: An easy drive down the Glenn Highway at Mile 26 will take you to this village and park. You can learn about the
history of the Athabascan Indians, who have been in this area for more than 800 years. Examine unique artifacts at the Village Heritage House or take a tour of the Eklutna cemetery's Native "spirit houses" to better understand Alaska's history. More information can be found at http://www.eklutna-nsn.gov/.
- Chickaloon: An easy drive down the Glenn Highway will take you to Chickaloon Village, where Athabascan Indians have lived for centuries. The Chickaloon Tribal Council has sought to preserve the traditions and language of its people. Mile 55.7 of the Glenn is where the Chickaloon Village Health Department Building is located, and Native spirit houses sit outside the building. The community of Chickaloon, which includes the Chickaloon general store and King Mountain Lodge, can be found at Mile 70.6.
- Butte: Driving along the Glenn Highway past Eklutna, take the Old Glenn Highway exit and you will find the community of Butte, which runs between Miles 9-16. Athabascan Dena'ina Indians traveled through this area from Eklutna to the Copper River. It was originally the site of a large Dena'ina village but became a farming area in 1917 when John Bodenburg homesteaded the first farm. Today this area is still used for farming and several farms allow people to pick their own produce.
