Anchorage, Alaska

Alaska's largest city is both a popular tourist destination and the centre of commerce for the region. Local wildlife museums include the Alaska Zoo and Potter's Marsh, where up to 130 species of waterfowl can be viewed from a boardwalk. Geographical reminders of the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake can be seen at Earthquake Park. To appreciate the wealth of local history, one should visit the Heritage Library and Museum and the Anchorage Museum of History and Art. A short trip north of town leads to the Eagle River Visitor Centre and the alpine beauty of Chugach State Park. At Eklutna Village Historical Park, highlights include St Nicholas Russian Church and the brightly painted 'spirit houses'. South of Anchorage, visitors can try their luck by panning for gold nuggets at Crow Creek Mine.