History

Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum Discover dozens of meticulously restored vintage aircraft, climb aboard the cockpit of a 1943 Beechcraft Seaplane, take a flight lesson at the Junior Bush Pilot Training Zone, watch devoted volunteers work on antique aircrafts at the Restoration Hangar. 4721 Aircraft Dr., Anchorage, AK; +1 907 248 5325. Fee.

Alaska State Museum Admire beach grass baskets woven by ancient Aleut's, sit in a 34-foot umiak (boat) made by Eskimos, climb on the scale model of the famous ship, Discovery. 395 Whittier St., Juneau, AK; +1 907 465 2901. Fee.

Alutiiq Museum & Archaeological Repository Uncover the ancient history of North America's first settlers, study native Aleut artifacts dating back over 7,500 years, admire carved ivory jewelry, learn how natives stayed warm by creating seal blubber parkas. 215 Mission Rd., Kodiak, AK; +1 907 486 7004. Fee.

The Clausen Museum Peruse the fishing history of the Scow Bay channel, learn how to catch and clean a fish, discover the local Tlingit culture and their native artwork. 203 Fram St., Petersburg, AK; +1 907 772 3598. May-Dec. Fee.

Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park Hike through mist-filled conifer forests, explore a World War II Naval defense station, pitch a tent seaside and watch puffins play along the beach. Visit the Military History museum on weekends in the summer. 1400 Abercrombie Dr., Kodiak, AK; +1 907 486 6339. Fee.

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Hike past the plunging Lower Reid Falls, visit an old mining cemetery where unfortunate prospectors are buried, follow paths blazed during the 1800s gold rush, warm up inside the Mascot Saloon—a genuine 1910 tavern museum. 2nd Ave. at Broadway, Skagway, AK; +1 907 983 2921. May-Sept. Free; fee for hiking/camping.

Pioneer Park Tour a reconstructed mining village at this frontier-themed park; board the riverboat Nenana, which helped to build the Alaskan Railroad; scope out an Athabascan village complete with colorful totem poles and yurt encampments. Airport Way & Peger Rd., Fairbanks, AK; +1 907 459 1087.

Sitka National Historical Park Explore the 1804 battleground where Alaskan natives and Russians fought for dominance of the land; see the Tlingit fort where the indigenous tribe valiantly defended their territory; view native artifacts and displays explaining the contentious history of the region. 103 Monastery St., Sitka, AK; +1 907 747 0110. Call ahead to schedule a ranger-led tour in winter. Fee.

Tongass Historical Museum View photos chronicling South Alaska's past, learn about the fishing, mining, and lumber communities that dot the coastline; explore the culture of the Tlingit, Haida, and other native peoples. 629 Dock St., Ketchikan, AK; +1 907 225 5600. Fee.