Driving north out of Anchorage on the Glenn Highway you quickly leave behind the glimmers of city lights and enter into the Alaska many visitors and locals alike are looking to explore.

Things To Do North of Anchorage AK.

1. Eagle River Nature Center - A short 40 minute drive from downtown Anchorage and you find yourself emersed in the beauty of Chugach State Park, one of Alaska’s largest state parks. Nature trails, wildlife viewing and a nature center that offers a variety of programs on weekends and occasionally other days of the week throughout the summer.
2. Eklutna Lake - A major recreation spot just north of Eagle River. In the summer, people come to Eklutna Lake for the camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, backcountry climbing, and riding ORVs. As winter sets in the activities change to cross-country skiing, dog mushing, and snowmobiling. As with most areas of Alaska, wildlife-viewing and photography may be enjoyed in any of the four season.
   Eklutna Lake Campground has over 50 campsites and offers potable water, bathrooms, picnic tables and fire pits. Wood for your campfire is also available nearby.
   To get to the lake exit the Glenn Highway at mile 26, the Eklutna Lake exit, and follow signs 10 miles to Eklutna Lake.

Continuing Northeast on the Glenn Highway from the Parks Highway Junction.

1. Palmer - 45 minutes north of Anchorage is a fun little town that is in the heart of the famous Matanuska Valley where the worlds largest produce is grown. Palmer is also the location of the Alaska State Fair.
2. Musk Ox Farm - is a private non-profit organization dedicated to the development and domestication of the musk ox. The Musk Ox Farm is located just outside of Palmer Alaska along the Glenn Highway.
3. Independence Mine State Historical Park - Take a self-guided interpretive tour through the old mining camp or sign up for the guided tour that takes you inside some of the mining camp's historic buildings where you will see displays about the mining operations, review the natural history and learn about the life and operations of the Independence Gold Mine. The mine is located northwest of Anchorage between Palmer and Wasilla. Gold panning is allowed in the park so bring your picks, shovels and yes, your gold pan too.
4. Matanuska Glacier - about a 2 hour drive from Anchorage along the Glenn Highway. Matanuska Glacier is 27 miles long and is The largest glacier accessible by car in Alaska. Matanuska Glacier is just a nice days journey from Anchorage and one of our favorites.
5. Sheep Mountain Lodge - just past the Matanuska Glacier, be sure to stop by the Sheep Mountain Lodge for a great Alaskan experience. The completely renovated lodge offers great scenery and superb access to the outdoor activities in the area. Sheep Mountain Lodge is located in the Mat-Su Valley, northeast of Anchorage and Palmer.
   P.S. The Grilled Salmon Salad in the Restaurant is worth the drive by itself.
6. Lake Louise - Lake Louise Road is a 19 mile long gravel road that is located at mile 159.8 of the Glenn Highway. There is a campground, a number of lodging areas and a small community of some 90 residents in this unique destination north west of Anchorage. Lake Louise is known for its excellent lake trout fishing.
7. Wrangell St. Elias National Park - Fewer tourists than Denali yet just as impressive and majestic, Wrangell St. Elias National Park may just be your favorite destination as it is the largest U.S. National Park that is equal to six Yellowstone Parks, Wrangell St. Elias is full of jegged peaks massive glaciers, thousands of lakes and streams and lots of wildlife. Wrangell St. Elias is also the location of the historic mining town of McCarthy and the famous Kennicott Mine.
8. Valdez - about a four hour drive from Anchorage is yet another popular overnight option. There are a number of small towns and pullouts to explore along this drive including Copper Center, Chitna, Liberty Falls and more. You’ll also have the opportunity to see the Trans-Alaska Pipeline that carries the North Slope crude oil to the tanker ships in Valdez.

North on the Parks Highway from the Glenn Highway Junction

1. Nancy Lake - north west of Anchorage. Hiking, canoeing, waterskiing and fishing are very popular.
2. Denali National Park - about a 5 hour drive each way, Denali Park is an excellent overnight drive from Anchorage where you can.
3. Denali State Park - a shorter trip with a north and south overlook for the Mount McKinley, but if its out, you should be able to see it clearly from Nancy Lake or Talkeetna.
4. Talkeetna - a long day trip or an excellent overnight excursion Talkeetna is located about 2.5 hours northwest of Anchorage on the George Parks Highway.

Also see Things To Do South of Anchorage