Alaska Student Travel Highlights

Come discover the wonders of the ocean and experience Alaska’s wildlife firsthand as you tour this grand non-profit institution and public aquarium. Located on Resurrection Bay in Seward, one can gain an appreciation and understanding of Alaska’s marine ecosystem by engaging in some of the facility’s public exhibits, such as the touch tank, seabird aviary, and harbor seal and sea lion habitats.

Established in 1993 by Mike Miller, this non-profit center is located on 700 acres and focuses on education, preservation, and conservation of Alaska’s wildlife. Here, you will find various animals such as grizzly and black bears, moose, wolves, bison, caribou, bald eagles, and owls living and being cared for in large natural habitats.

Begin your Alaskan adventure in its largest and most populated city, Anchorage! Also referred to as the Municipality of Anchorage and named an All-American City four times, it’s considered to be the United States’ most tax-friendly city. During winter months, you can chose between activities such as skiing, Northern Lights viewing, and dog sledding.  Summer months are much warmer than one would think, reaching an average temperature of 65 degrees!  Who would have thought Alaska also had perfect weather for biking, 4-wheeling, and golfing?

Considering climbing the tallest peak in North America? To conquer “The Great One,” you must have the ability to overcome extreme weather conditions and adjust to the change in barometric pressure. With a summit elevation of 20,310 feet, Denali Mountain, as known as Mount McKinley, serves as the ultimate centerpiece for Denali National Park.

Discover millions of acres of land at this national park and preserve, where you will find both small and large wild animals living in their natural habitats. The park’s landscape is comprised of forest, rock, glaciers and snow. Named after the tallest peak in North America, Denali Mountain, this park accommodates 400,000 visitors annually!

Learn more about the effects of global warming as you explore one of Alaska’s most accessible valley glaciers. This major attraction got its name in 1968 after the first mountaineering party that successfully crossed the Harding Icefield used it as an exit in their expedition. Although this is one of Harding Icefield’s smaller glaciers, it is open all year to accommodate the large number of visitors it attracts annually. Come here to experience the crackling sound and admire the beautiful blue ice.

Whether you are hiking the Harding Icefield Trail, kayaking in Kenai Fjords, or exploring the Fjords by boat, this United States National Park is sure to excite any of its visitors. Always in a state of transformation, this park was established by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act in 1980.  Although the park boasts 669,984 acres and a variety of mammals consider it to be home, it is still considered to be relatively small compared to much larger parks, such as Yosemite National Park.

Enjoy a walk down a 1550 foot wooden bridge that stretches across marsh scenery where many birders go to take a break from the city life.  Depending on the time of year, you will not only see various types of migratory birds, but also be on the lookout for bald eagles, beavers, moose and spawning salmon!

Visit this small city located in the Kenai Peninsula Borough, home to just over 2,500 residents! In 1867, Abraham Lincoln’s Secretary of State, William H. Seward, fought for the United States to gain ownership of Alaska from Russia and as a result of his negotiation, Seward, Alaska was named after him.