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Seward > Attractions and Activities |
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Seward, Alaska
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Seward Attractions and Activities
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Activities:
Popular activities in the Seward vicinity include a trip north to Eklutna Lake,
an 8-mile (12.87-kilometer) long lake high in the Chugach Mountains. This is a
mountain-top glacier-fed lake of pristine beauty. Bike or kayak along the shores
of the lake; there are many stops available for fantastic photo opportunities.
Then, continuing south to Seward, enjoy the 2.5 hour long drive along Turnagain
Arm. There are many recommended stops along the way, such as Beluga Point,
Alyeska Resort, Crow Creek Mine, and Big Game Alaska.
A day aboard Kenai Fjords National Park Cruises, one of Alaska's most popular
glacier and wildlife cruises, offers the chance to view whales, otters, sea
lions, seals, puffins, eagles and more in their natural habitats. Other
possibilities include trophy sport fishing, sailing, hiking, kayaking,
flightseeing, and summer dog sled rides. Seward is also a winter wonderland
offering cross-country skiing and snowmachining adventures.
Attractions:
Seward is truly an adventurer's paradise. With so many exciting activities to
excite the mind, ignite the body, and exhilarate the soul, you won't run out of
unique things to do or see.
Some of Alaska's finest sport fishing is here, with excellent fishing almost
year-round. Feel the arm-burning power of a giant Pacific Halibut, fight an
acrobatic Silver (Coho) Salmon on light tackle, catch a trophy Lingcod, or troll
for Alaska's renowned King (Chinook) Salmon, and enjoy the fishing trip of a
lifetime!
The world's first cold water marine institute, the Sealife Center provides
underwater viewing tanks, interactive exhibits and many other live displays. See
endangered Stellar sea lions, harbor seals, and sea birds. The Sealife Center is
open all year.
Saddle up, and ride down the river to Resurrection Bay, right up under the trees
where bald eagles perch -- see them where they nest and feed. Proceed through
the part of the old town of Seward destroyed by the great earthquake of 1964,
and listen to the survivors' stories. Where the wild flowers meet the ocean, the
bird life is very diverse, active and up close. This could very well be the
highlight of your trip to Seward!
Events:
What better way to start a new year than with the Seward Polar Bear Jumpoff,
always held the third Saturday of January. Besides the great plunge, activities
include a dog sled race, dog weight-pulling contest, ice bowling, basketball
tournament, Karaoke contest, children's game, snow machine rides, the ugly fish
toss, and much more. The top Nanook (Polar Bear) award goes to the jumper who
raises the most money for charity.
In Spring the Seward area experiences "break-up," when the snow and ice finally
go away. Getting out after a long winter is a must; why not participate in a
5k race or the Polar Bear Pink Cheeks Triathlon.
Harbor Opening Weekend is always held the 3rd weekend in May, featuring
entertainment, a boat parade, boat open house, boat decorating contests, knot
tying, sailboat race, and more.
The Jackpot Halibut Tournament runs from May until August, with cash
prizes awarded weekly based on random target weights ranging from 60 to 120
pounds (27.2 to 45.4 kilograms). The grand prize jackpot winner is determined at
end of tournament.
The tradition of the Mt. Marathon Race (July), according to folklore,
began over an argument about whether it was possible to climb and descend the
mountain in less than one hour. The trip is 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) each way,
complete with cliffs, waterfalls, and a wonderful view. To settle the argument
and the resulting wager it was decided to hold a race with the loser furnishing
drinks for the crowd.
Experience the land of the midnight sun, with long days perfect for filling your
schedule. Try world class fishing, tours of Kenai Fjords National Park, walks
along the waterfront, learning about the local history and culture, or simply
relax and enjoy the many fine restaurants, bakeries, shops, and galleries.
On the Fourth of July, the population of Seward swells from about 2,500
people to over 30,000. Main Street is completely blocked off to traffic and the
streets fill with people.
August hosts the Silver Salmon Derby, which draws anglers from around the
world. Prizes total over $150,000.
When the trees turn gold and the fireweed a deep red, there's nothing quite like
lacing up the boots and going for a hike on one of many trails in the Chugach
National Forest.
In winter Seward is a beautiful wonderland, with sunlight glistening off the
snow during the day and clear starry nights. Seward has excellent Nordic ski
trails just minutes from town.
The Alaska Railroad hosts a Holiday Train ride from Anchorage to Seward
in December. The entire community is a bustle from retail and restaurants, to
sleigh rides, reindeer and, of course, Santa.
Landmarks:
First known as Haines Mission, Fort Seward was the last of 11 military
posts established in Alaska during the territory's gold rushes between 1897 and
1904. Founded for the purpose of preserving law and order among the gold
seekers, the fort also provided a US military presence in Alaska during boundary
disputes with Canada. It was the only active military post in Alaska between
1925 and 1940, and was closed at the end of World War II.
Museums and Exhibits:
Located in the former Seward Train Depot is the Chugach Heritage Center,
which preserves and exhibits the history and culture of the Aleut people. The
theater plays a video called, "So They Say," about four Aleut myths from the
time before Russian contact.
The Alaska Sealife Center features seaquariums and exhibits with seals,
sea lions, puffins, octopus, and other regional sealife. This research center
also provides wildlife rehabilitation services.
Kenai Fjords National Park offers a ranger station with exhibits and
interpretive services, as well as information about the glacier and Harding
Icefield. The park is easily accessible by road in the summer, as is Exit
Glacier. The fjords can be accessed by boat, and the icefield by air or trail.
Resurrection Bay Historical Society/Museum exhibits are about Seward and
its role in Alaska's gold rushes. The historical society has prepared gold rush
learning kits and slide programs that are available at the museum during the
summer.
Seward was the southern end of the Iditarod Trail. The museum has mining
exhibits and the park has an Iditarod Trail display. |
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