Anchorage is a city in Alaska. Anchorage has an estimated 270,000 residents. It is the largest city in the state of Alaska, comprising more than two-fifths of the state's population. Anchorage was founded in 1915 and named after a place where a ship lies its anchor. Its official nickname is "The City of Lights and Flowers". Russia was well-established in North America by the 1800s, and in 1867, U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward brokered a deal to purchase Alaska from debt-ridden Russia for $7.2 million, about two cents an acre. Alaska's value was not esteemed by the American masses at that time. By 1888, gold was discovered along Turn again Arm, and in 1912, Alaska became a United States Territory. Today Anchorage has many features of a modern urban area, such as parks and forests, skiing and cross-country ski trails, business, theaters and other entertainments. The tourist industry is strong and offers many activities and attractions.
If it is warm enough you must visit H2Oasis Indoor Water park in Anchorage. It is a 56,000 square foot Indoor Water park located just east of the New Seward Highway. H2Oasis Indoor Water park "A Tropical Island in the Last Frontier" is literally and allegorically the hottest spot in Alaska for fun and adventure. It opened in 2003 and is the fifth largest Indoor Water park in the United States.
Or visit the Alaska Zoo is a zoo in Anchorage, Alaska. It is located on 25 acres of the Anchorage Hillside. It is the most popular attraction in Alaska, with over 200,000 visitors per year. The zoo is currently home to over 100 birds and mammals of some 40 species. The main importance is on animals native to Alaska, but some "exotic" animals are featured as well, such as Amur tigers, and Bactrian camels.
One of the most popular events held in all of Alaska is The Great Alaska Shootout. It is an annual college basketball tournament in Anchorage, Alaska that features colleges from all over the United States. The University of Alaska Anchorage hosts the tournament every Thanksgiving. Home games are played at Sullivan Arena in Anchorage. This tournament is national televised on ABC or ESPN.
Directions from Anchorage International Airport to Port of Anchorage
Port of Anchorage
555 West 5th Avenue
Anchorage, Alaska 99501