shore excursion

Although there’s no shortage of fun diversions in the bustling city of Anchorage, visitors often overlook sights located outside of the city center. Granted, it takes a little planning to take them all in, but it’s well worth the effort. And it’s a great option for a pre- or post-cruise stay. So rent a vehicle, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to visit these sites on a wheelchair-accessible Anchoarage day trip.

Learn About Indigenous People

Surrounded by the Chugach Mountains, the Alaska Native Heritage Center (www.alaskanative.net/) tops the must-see list. It’s just a short drive north of downtown Anchorage on the Glenn Highway; however this open-air museum seems a world away from the trappings of city life. Situated on 26 acres of prime forest land, this top-notch cultural attraction offers exhibits and programs about Alaska’s indigenous people.

Access is good at the Alaska Native Heritage Center, with plenty of accessible parking in front, a handy drop-off zone near the door, and level access to the front entrance. There’s a wheelchair available for loan at the front desk, and accessible restrooms near the entrance.

From the information desk a ramp leads down to the Gathering Place, where dances, games and stories are shared throughout the day. There’s also level access over to the Hall of Culture, which offers interactive exhibits about the indigenous cultural groups in Alaska. Films are also screened throughout the day in the adjacent theater, which offers level access with wheelchair and companion seating.

Outside, a level paved pathway circles the lake, where villages representing the indigenous people are located. Each village contains at least one structure, with clothing, weapons, tools and other artifacts of that culture on display. Members of the group — usually youth — are on hand to talk about their culture and to answer questions. And although some buildings have a few steps, it’s still possible to get a feel for each culture from the other interpretive exhibits.

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

If you’d like to get an up-close-and-personal look at some native wildlife, then be sure and stop in at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (alaskawildlife.org/) on your excursion. Technically this attraction is located in Portage, about 48 miles south of Anchorage; however it’s definitely worth the one-hour drive. The compound is easy to find too, as it’s on the Seward Highway, just north of Portage Road.

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center has a mission of education and conservation. It’s not a zoo, and quite a few of the animals are rescues. There’s ramp access up to the main building, and plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair inside. Outside, the resident animals are kept in large enclosures surrounded by boardwalks or walkways. Visitors can choose to walk the 1.5-mile level route around the enclosures, or drive their own car and park at the bear boardwalk or the Turnagain Arm boardwalk. Along the way you’ll see moose, reindeer, lynx, elk, caribou and even bison.

The bear enclosure is a must-see, as a boardwalk travels above the exhibit which houses both black bears and grizzlies. And although the Turnagain Arm boardwalk is just outside of the park, it’s definitely worth a stop to see the bald eagles swoop down over the snow-covered mountains, and glide over the mud flats in search of some food. Additionally, there are benches at the end of the boardwalk if you’d like to sit and take a break.

Bring Your Binoculars

Last but not least, save some time for a little birdwatching on your Anchorage day trip. And the best place view some avian life is at Potter Marsh (www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=viewinglocations.pottermarsh), one of the most accessible bird viewing boardwalks in Alaska. Located about 10 miles south of town on Highway 1 near Milepost 117, this sanctuary is ironically located across the street from the Rabbit Creek Rifle Range.

Accessible parking is located near the boardwalk, with accessible vault toilets nearby. The level boardwalk extends a half-mile out over the wetlands and offers several viewing blinds and overlooks along its length. And it’s all very wheelchair-friendly with lowered viewing slots in the blinds, accessible scopes, and lowered railings at overlooks for unobstructed wheelchair viewing. And if you’d just like to sit down and enjoy the view, there’s no shortage of benches along the way.

Potter Marsh is a year-round birdwatching venue, with geese, ducks and grebes in residence from April to September; and gulls, terns and shorebirds the rest of the year. Bald eagles are also frequently spotted in the cottonwoods near the base of the bluff, so bring your binoculars for a look at these magnificent birds.

Rabbit Creek — which is located about halfway along the boardwalk — is a good spot to catch a glimpse at spawning chinook, coho or humpback salmon, from May to August. And although Potter Marsh is ground zero for avian life, you can also spot moose there in the early mornings in late spring and early summer. Additionally, there’s no admission charge, so it’s also very easy on the wallet. Don’t miss this wheelchair-accessible birding hotspot on your next Anchorage adventure.