3 Best Excursions in the Interior Region, Alaska– Alaska is made up of 5 different regions, each with its own unique, breathtaking landscapes. In this article, we’ll be focusing on the Interior Region that encompasses the following cities, Fairbanks, Anchorage, and North Pole. In Alaska’s heartland, guests can expect to see wide, expansive tundras and the tallest mountain peak on the continent, the Denali. The forests in this region are abundant with wildlife ranging from herds of caribou to solitary, formidable grizzly bears. Depending on the season, tourists can experience winter’s northern lights or summer’s midnight sun. Explore Alaska’s rich Indigenous and gold rush history within the city’s museums and cultural centers. Enjoy a wide array of tourist services including cozy lodging, delicious restaurants, shops, tours, and outdoor recreational activities. The interior region of Alaska offers much to see for residents and tourists alike. That being said if you’re planning a trip to Alaska continue reading on to explore some potential excursion options. Each city within this article is accessible to each other by car, train, and plane.
Here are the 3 Best Excursions in the Interior Region, Alaska
Alaska Aurora Adventures
Portage Glacier Cruises: Greyline Alaska
Aurora Ice Museum: Chena Hot Springs Resort
Each of the following excursions were chosen based on online reviews, as well as from personal experience. Locals and tourists alike should consider reading on to learn more about some of the best winter excursions in the Interior Region, Alaska.
Alaska Aurora Adventures
Alaska Aurora Adventures is located in North Pole, Alaska and it is a one-stop shop for a multitude of fun excursions and lodging in this area. A few experiences guests can sign up for include Alaskan sightseeing, northern light viewing, dog sledding, an arctic circle tour, and visiting the Chena hot springs. Each of these activities requires pre-registration before the day guests want to attend. The northern light viewing excursion is season-restricted, meaning guests wanting to attend will need to travel to Alaska in the winter.
Before visitors set up any excursions through Alaska Aurora Adventures, they should also consider the business lodging options available. At this location, there are 6 different housing options to choose from. Those options include the Aurora Light Lodge, the Northstar Cabin, Aurora Cabin, Borealis Cabin, Northern Lights Cabin, and the Big Dip Cabin. These 6 housing options can accommodate between 2 to 8 people. All in all, Alaska Aurora Adventures can not only be the place visitors sleep at night, but also where they play during the day. Consider visiting North Pole, Alaska for experiences you’ll never forget.
Location of Alaska Aurora Adventures
Alaska Aurora Adventures
4385 Eielson Farm Road
North Pole, Alaska 99705
(907) 590- 3229
Alaska Aurora Adventures | It’s your adventure. Let us be your guide!
Review of Alaska Aurora Adventures
“This is THE best place to see the Northern Lights!!!! The owners are accommodating and friendly, the home is spacious for all guests and the outdoors has plenty of opportunities to see the beauty of the lights. They helped me set up my camera for the best photo opportunities and provided delicious snacks while waiting for lights. The value is incredible!!!! Highly recommend this company!!!!!” – Rebecca B.
Portage Glacier Cruises
Portage Glacier Cruises is located in Girdwood, Alaska, just an hour outside of Anchorage. On this excursion, guests can expect to see an Ice Age glacier floating just 300 yards away from safety. On Portage Lake, visitors can observe the glacier through a guided hike or a guided day cruise.
The one-hour cruise leaves several times daily from mid-May to mid-September. Aboard the mv Ptarmigan, travelers can enjoy a heated viewing cabin on cooler days or stand outside on the deck during the duration of the trip. During this tour guests will be able to observe as the glacier fractures, breaks, and ice comes crashing down into the water below. Not only will visitors experience breathtaking views of the glacier, but they’ll also get to enjoy the surrounding wildlife and waterfalls along the way.
For a different view, guests can hike the Portage Pass Trail, which is a moderately steep 4-mile round-trip hike to Portage Glacier. Whatever route you choose, this glacier is an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to bask in the Portage glacier through this cruise experience.
Location of Portage Glacier Cruises
Portage Glacier Cruises
1500 Byron Glacier Road
Girdwood, Alaska 99587
(800) 544- 2206
Portage Glacier Cruises – Departs Daily May-Sep – Gray Line (graylinealaska.com)
Review of Portage Glacier Cruises
“We had the most perfect day, with the best weather! The workers were super knowledgeable, and very nice, always offering to take pictures for us. Recommend to everybody!!” – Ashley G.
Aurora Ice Museum
Aurora Ice Museum can be found in Fairbanks, Alaska, just 30 minutes away from North Pole, Alaska. The Chena Hot Springs Resort is home to the world’s largest year-round ice environment. The aurora ice museum was created from over 1,000 tons of ice and snow, all gathered from the resort property. The museum was completed in 2005 and has served the community every single day since then. The ice museum stays at a cool 25 degrees Fahrenheit inside, keeping the museum icy cold during each season. During the summer months, the ice museum utilizes the patented absorption chiller technology to prevent the museum from melting. Parkas are available, free of charge, for guests to use during their tour. This tour last for 45 minutes, starting at the activity center before entering the ice museum. Aurora ice museum practices guided tours so that customers receive the best experience possible. The guide will go over some of the iconic ice sculptures and fun facts about the museum before free roaming is allowed. Guests are encouraged to take loads of photos, as well as visit the ice bar if you’re of legal drinking age. With the purchase of a ticket, guests can pre-purchase an Appletini that will be delicately served in the famous ice glass. All in all, this tour is educational and awe-inspiring for all those who visit. After you’ve visited the ice museum, check out the other experiences Chena Hot Springs Resort offers.
Location of Aurora Ice Museum
Aurora Ice Museum
17600 Chena Hot Springs Road,
Fairbanks, Alaska 99712
(907) 451- 8104
Aurora Ice Museum | Chena Hot Springs Resort & Ice Museum Tours
Review of Aurora Ice Museum
“This Ice museum is worth visiting when you are in Chena hot springs. Very unique experience. Brilliant artistic sculptures. There are ice caves inside where you could stay a night in the ice cold artistic beds. You will have to purchase a ticket in advance to drink the appletini in the Aurora bar. The martini glass is carved out of ice and there is a tradition to break the ice glass once you are done with the drink. That was very satisfying“ – Ashwini S.
Find Your Excursion in Interior Region, Alaska
I hope that the 3 Best Excursions to do in the Interior Region, Alaska have inspired you to explore the great outdoors, specifically during the winter. Consider planning a trip to the Interior Region, Alaska for a once in a lifetime experience.
