Museum sights in Alaska
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Hope-Sunrise Mining Museum
This small log cabin is packed with displays recalling the Turnagain Arm gold rush of 1894-9, with revealing historical photos of booming Hope and Sunrise. Relics from early miners and homesteaders are preserved here with a great deal of respect; a quick guided tour is worth the tip for history buffs and anyone with a little extra time.
reviewed
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Wiseman Historical Museum
Once upon a time the Wiseman Historical Museum has purchased it and admits only its own clients. Those wanting erudition should instead follow the signs to the cabin of Wiseman's wiseman, Jack Reakoff, an engaging and surprisingly urbane trapper who sells crafts and will discourse at length about local history and wildlife.
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A
Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum
Ideally located on Lake Hood, the world's busiest floatplane lake, this museum is a tribute to Alaska's colorful bush pilots and includes 25 of their faithful planes.
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B
Cordova Museum
The Cordova Museum has a small but intriguing collection that ranges from when the Russians arrived in the area to a heart-wrenching display on the Exxon Valdez oil spill. It will also store your pack during the day.
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C
Pioneer Museum
The Pioneer Museum is mainly a jumble of antiques ostensibly chronicling the history of Fairbanks. This is also where, six times daily, you can catch the 40-minute Big Stampede Show, reenacting gold-rush days.
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D
Valdez Museum
The Valdez Museum is packed with displays, including the first barrel of oil to flow from the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and photos of Valdez being shaken by the 1964 Good Friday earthquake.
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E
Pioneer Air Transportation Museum
The geodesic Pioneer Air Transportation Museum is chock-full of exhibits on the state's groundbreaking aviation history - there's even an experimental gyroplane and a 'flying saucer.'
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F
Pratt Museum
The recently renovated Pratt Museum is the best on the peninsula, with exhibits on the Exxon Valdez oil spill and the dangers fisherman face on Kachemak Bay.
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Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum
The Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum is devoted to Alaska Native culture and Alaskan wildlife, and features ivory and baleen artwork and natural-history displays.
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G
Talkeetna Historical Society Museum
The four restored buildings of the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum are a block south of Main St and houses exhibits on bush pilots and McKinley climbs.
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H
Skagway Museum
One of the best museums in the Southeast, and its gold-rush relics are some of the most interesting exhibits in a town filled with museums.
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I
Anchorage Museum
A $75-million renovation has made this Alaska's best cultural experience. Spend an afternoon viewing paintings by Alaskan masters, including Sydney Laurence, on the 1st floor and learning about Alaska's history on the 2nd.
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J
American Bald Eagle Foundation
Displays almost 180 species of animals, including almost two dozen eagles, in their natural habitat.
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K
Dolly's House
The star of Ketchikan's former red-light district, Creek St, this place is the parlor of Ketchikan's most famous madam, Dolly Arthur.
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L
Imaginarium Science Discovery Center
This award-winning center features creative, hands-on exhibits that explain the northern lights, earthquakes, oil exploration and other Alaskan topics.
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M
Alaska State Museum
Has artifacts from Alaska's six major indigenous groups, plus a full-size eagles' nest atop a two-story tree.
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N
Hammer Museum
For something quirky, a 1500-hammer monument to owner Dave Pahl's obsession with the tool.
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O
Clausen Memorial Museum
Features local artifacts and fishing relics, and a small but excellent museum store.
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P
Totem Heritage Center
Features a collection of 19th-century totems in a spiritual setting.
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Q
Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center
Intriguing wildlife exhibits are found at the free Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
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R
Mascot Saloon
A museum devoted to Skagway's heyday as the 'roughest place in the world.'
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S
Sheldon Museum
Features indigenous artifacts upstairs, and gold-rush relics downstairs.
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T
Ilanka Cultural Center
The Ilanka Cultural Center has a small but high-quality collection of Alaska Native art.
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Kodiak Military History Museum
A small museum housed in the Ready Ammunition Bunker at Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park.
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U
Juneau-Douglas City Museum
Highlights the area's gold-mining history and offers a Historic Downtown Walking Tour.
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