If you want to understand Alaska’s vast and varied history, native cultures, art, wildlife, and environment, visiting the state’s top museums is one of the best ways to begin. Each museum offers a unique look into Alaska’s past and present — from Indigenous heritage and Gold-Rush history to Arctic wildlife, art, and natural science.
Top 5 Must-See Museums in Alaska
1. Anchorage Museum
As Alaska’s largest museum, it offers a rich journey through the state’s art, history, Native cultures, and science. You’ll find extensive collections of Alaska Native artifacts, historical pieces, and exhibits spanning the Russian-American era to modern life. The museum is great for all ages, featuring interactive discovery centers, a planetarium, rotating exhibitions, and galleries that reflect Alaska’s beauty and rugged environment.
2. University of Alaska Museum of the North (Fairbanks)
Located on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus, this museum combines natural history, cultural history, art, and scientific research. Its collections include millions of specimens and artifacts covering geology, biology, archaeology, ethnology, fine arts, and more. Highlights include ancient artworks, a preserved 36,000-year-old steppe bison, gold displays, Native artifacts, wildlife specimens, and exhibits explaining natural phenomena such as the Northern Lights.
3. Alaska Aviation Museum (Anchorage)
This museum celebrates Alaska’s aviation heritage, especially bush flying and the essential role aircraft play in connecting remote areas. Visitors can explore restored historic aircraft, hangars, and exhibits that showcase the history of flight in Alaska, including World War II aviation. It’s an excellent destination for those interested in planes, adventure, or the challenges of travel in Alaska’s rugged terrain.
4. Alaska Museum of Science and Nature (Anchorage)
A great museum for natural-science lovers, it features exhibits on fossils, marine life, Ice Age creatures, rocks and minerals, and regional bird life. It offers insight into Alaska’s unique ecosystems, geology, and climate. The museum helps visitors understand how Alaska’s natural environment has shaped the land, wildlife, and human history.
5. Juneau-Douglas City Museum (Juneau)
Located in Alaska’s capital city, this museum shares the story of Juneau’s development. Exhibits cover gold mining history, hydropower, fishing, outdoor recreation, political milestones, and the evolution of local communities. It provides a strong sense of the city’s identity and offers a meaningful perspective on life in Juneau.