Explore the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature and the Alaska Native Heritage Center

As you are spending time in the state of Alaska, you are going to want to learn as much as you can about the locals, the culture, the heritage, and the traditions. You can learn these things in so many different ways. I have found the easiest way to get a crash course is to spend a little time at two different attractions. Those attractions are the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature and the Alaska Native Heritage Center.

The Alaska Museum of Science and Nature

The Alaska Museum of Science and Nature is filled with items from prehistoric times all the way to the present day. You will find this museum in the city of Anchorage. It is a hands-on museum and is filled with numerous interactive exhibits.

The Dinosaurs of Darkness exhibit has displays of dinosaur bones, teeth, eggs, and entire skeletons. There is even a replica of the pterosaur that was discovered in Denali Park. Other dinosaurs you will see on display include hadrosaurs, ceratopsians, and raptors.

Over in the Alaska Marine Life exhibit, you will see the complete skeleton of the beluga whale that washed up into Cook Inlet. There are also ancient skulls and whalebones for you to look at. More bones can be found in the Bare Bones exhibit. This is where you will see many different skulls. However, the popular section of this area is the touch table. That is where you can explore, draw, and connect the bones.

The Birds of a Feather display will have you looking at many different bird species, while Ice Age Alaska shares all the extinct Ice Age animals. This is where you will see realistic mammoths, saber tooth cats, giant beavers, American lions, bison, and short-face bears. You will even learn how the Ice Age shaped this part of the world.

The Alaska Native Heritage Center

The Alaska Native Heritage Center was founded back in 1987, but the doors to the building did not open until 1999. A guided tour of the Hall of Cultures is an excellent way to learn more about the five major cultural groups in the state.

Over at the Gathering Place, you can watch Native Games demonstrations and Alaska Native dancing. Storytellers are also available to share the stories that have been passed down through the generations. You cannot leave without doing one of the many crafts that are offered throughout the day. However, you can also purchase the handicrafts that the locals make at the on-site craft store.

These are two places you must visit when you vacation in Alaska. I can easily add them to your itinerary for you. As well as all the other places you know your family will love to see.

So, are you ready to take a family vacation in Alaska and visit these two attractions?

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