“Juneau is a great place for travelers because of its scenery and outdoor adventures, as well as its arts and culture scene,” says Liz Perry, president and CEO of Travel Juneau. “Alaska’s capital city is so compact and walkable that folks can go on a hike or enjoy a water experience within just a few blocks of downtown.”
When it comes to hiking, groups have a lot of options. The city has dozens of trails, with views of verdant rainforests, rugged cliffs and picturesque waterfalls beckoning visitors to take a walk in the woods.
“There are hikes for all abilities in Juneau,” adds Perry. “And we have more miles of hiking trails than miles of road.”
She also recommends checking out Mendenhall Glacier, which welcomes more than 500,000 visitors per year. The ice mass, which is 13 miles from the heart of the city, is half a mile wide and 1,800 feet at its deepest point. It can be explored on foot, with walking paths leading to different vistas of the glacier. The trails offer opportunities for wildlife viewing, which can include everything from eagles and porcupines to black bears.
The city also is home to two history-related attractions, the Alaska State Capitol and the Alaska State Museum. Constructed in 1931 as a territorial government building, the capitol includes large marble columns, a reproduction of the Liberty Bell and a number of murals, photographs and paintings. Self-guided tours of the capitol are offered Monday through Friday.
The Alaska State Museum offers many perspectives on life in the 49th state, including the traditions of its many native tribes. Following a major construction project, the award-winning attraction, which is part history center and part art gallery, reopened in downtown Juneau in 2016.
For more information on things to do in Alaska’s capital region, reach out to Visit Juneau’s Kara Tetley or go to traveljuneau.com.
Top photo: Alaska State Museum
Photo by Travel Juneau
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