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Alaska’s colorful history and is the official state
sport. Fur-cloaked trappers and parka-clad Alaska
Natives perched on the runners of birch dogsleds are
the images most frequently envisioned by visitors
when they think of Alaska. Whether visitors stay on
the sidelines, or jump into the basket of a sled, the
experience is sure to afford them lasting memories
and an appreciation for Alaska’s pioneering days of
adventure and discovery.
Anchorage also offers sports fans the opportunity
to watch some of the highest quality athletic events
anywhere in the world from the Iditarod Sled Dog
Race to collegiate volleyball, basketball, and hockey.
The Anchorage Fur Rendezvous is North
America’s largest winter festival and takes place
each February. Extolling the unique aspects of
frontier life, this event celebrates the camaraderie of
the Last Frontier. Two weeks of festivities include
authentic Native Alaskan blanket toss, Native arts,
river ice bowling, the Frostbite foot race, and a host
of other wacky events.
Anchorage lies in close proximity to several
locations for trophy-class salmon and trout fishing, Moose
including the nearby Susitna River drainage. This photo by:
TRAVEL GUIDE
area is known worldwide for its tackle-busting
king salmon and anglers often return with fish
weighing in excess of 65 pounds. Anchorage and the Saltwater fishing for halibut, salmon, and ling for affordable rafting trips include the Little Susitna,
surrounding towns offer a wide and flexible range of cod is outstanding and easily accessible from nearby Upper Deshka system, Upper Kenai, Willow Creek,
fly-in fishing options to suit everyone’s budget and Homer on the Kenai Peninsula or Whittier and Talkeetna, Gulkana, and Talchulitna.
fishing adventure vision. Seward on Prince William Sound. Non-resident Anchorage offers tremendous opportunities to see
The Slam’n Salm’n Derby is a king salmon derby fishing licenses are available from the Department of and enjoy Alaska on a budget. Here are some free
held on the banks of Ship Creek near downtown Fish and Game, or from many local hotels, sporting or low-cost attractions found in the Anchorage area:
Anchorage. The dates for 2016 are June 10-19, goods stores, and air taxis. Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Eagle River Nature
from 6am to 11pm, closing at noon the final day There are many rafting adventures awaiting the Center at Chugach State Park, Visit Anchorage
with award ceremony following. The derby is a Anchorage visitor. The thrill of shooting a narrow Visitor Information Centers, JBER Wildlife
fundraiser for the Downtown Soup Kitchen, with canyon, or the tranquility of floating down Old Education Center, Alaska State Trooper Museum,
lots of great prizes and fun for all ages. Visit www. Man River are both just a short distance from your Alaska Fire Department Museum, Alaska Center
shipcreeksalmonderby.com. hotel. Recommended southcentral Alaskan rivers for Performing Arts, Alaska Experience Center, Jack

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