Visitor Information

Alaska sees nearly 2 million visitors each summer and, of that total, more than 40% spend at least one night in Anchorage. The tourist-friendly city offers a wealth of information and services to help visitors along the way. In addition to the Log Cabin and Visitor Information Center Downtown, there are two visitor information centers in Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport: one in the north terminal (open mid-May through September) and one in the south terminal in the C Concourse baggage claim area (open year-round).

Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Visit this state website to purchase permits and licenses, plus find helpful information like hunting seasons and fishing lakes across the state. 333 Raspberry Rd., Midtown, Anchorage, Alaska, 99518. 907/267–2218; www.adfg.alaska.gov.

Alaska Public Lands Information Center. Stop here for information on all of Alaska's public lands, including national and state parks, national forests, and wildlife refuges. You can plan a hiking, sea kayaking, bear viewing, or fishing trip; purchase state and national park passes; find out about public-use cabins; learn about Alaska's plants and animals; or head to the theater for films highlighting different parts of the state. The bookstore also sells maps and nature books. Guided walks to historic Downtown sights depart daily throughout the summer at 11 am and 3:15 pm. The center is housed in a federal facility, meaning a security screening is required to enter. 605 W. 4th Ave., at F St., Suite 105, Downtown, Anchorage, Alaska, 99501. 907/644–3661; 866/869–6887; www.alaskacenters.gov/anchorage.cfm.

Log Cabin and Visit Anchorage Information Center. Housed in a rustic log cabin, the center's sod roof is festooned with huge hanging baskets of flowers, and a giant jade boulder—Alaska's state gemstone—stands outside. After a stop in the cabin, step out the back door to the more spacious visitor center stocked with brochures. Ask advice from the friendly and incredibly erudite volunteers: if they don't know something, it's not worth knowing. There are also two visitor information centers in Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, one in the north terminal and one in the south terminal in the C Concourse baggage claim area. 546 W. 4th Ave., Downtown, Anchorage, Alaska, 99501-2212. 907/276–4118; 800/478–1255; www.anchorage.net.