Alaska Native Heritage Center
Located in northeast Anchorage, the Alaska Native Heritage Center celebrates the rich history and culture of Alaska's first people. More than just a museum, the cultural center takes visitors on a journey through Alaskan Native history by means of art, dance performances, films, authentic native dwellings, and more. Here, you’ll be able to interact with Native people and their traditions first-hand.
The basics
Explore the Alaska Native Heritage Center on your own or take a guided tour to delve deeper into Alaska’s indigenous cultures. You’ll explore exhibits, tour life-size traditional dwellings, and even enjoy a traditional Native tea. You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase authentic Native arts and crafts in the gift shop. Sightseeing tours of Anchorage often visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center and may include hotel pick-up and visits to other top attractions like Lake Hood and Earthquake Park.
Things to know before you go
- A must-see for visitors interested in Native culture and Alaska history.
- Dress in layers since the center offers both indoor and outdoor exhibits; comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- The museum and paved path around Lake Tiulana are wheelchair accessible.
How to get there
The Alaska Native Heritage Center is located 7 miles (11 kilometers) east of downtown Anchorage on the Glenn Highway. The center is most easily reached by car or as part of an Anchorage sightseeing tour. It is also possible to arrive via the #25 bus from the downtown transit center.
Trip ideas
When to get there
During the summer months, the center is open from Tuesday to Saturday. During winter, it operates Monday to Friday and closures are not uncommon. If you want to see Native song and dance performances or artist demonstrations, check the museum event schedule prior to your visit.
Other Native Alaskan Cultural Sites
The Anchorage Museum features rare Native Alaskan artifacts and a large collection of Native art. A free shuttle runs between the museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Just south of downtown, the Alaska Heritage Museum at Wells Fargo houses the largest private collection of Alaskan Native artifacts including traditional clothing, woven baskets, and ivory carvings. To see a real Native settlement, head 30 miles (50 kilometers) north of Anchorage and visit the Eklutna Historical Park, the oldest inhabited Athabaskan Indian settlement.