The Alaska Railroad covers 500 miles from Seward to Fairbanks. In 1985, the Railroad was purchased by the State of Alaska from the federal government. Rebuilt and improved on in 1997, the first floor is designated for passenger ticketing and tour information, and has historical photos of the Railroad's development dating back to 1914 when the construction began. Many different tours are available for purchase, including float trips, glacier cruises, sightseeing flights and jet boat safaris.
One block from the new Long House Alaskan Motel, on the shores of Lake Spenard, sits this park boasting views the largest float-plane runway in the world. With nearly constant take-offs and landings in summer, this is a great place to picnic and enjoy an air show. A roped off swimming area, playground equipment, picnic tables, restrooms and volleyball court are all part of the facilities. A lifeguard is on duty from 10:30am to 5:30pm daily during summer months.
This monument was erected in 1990 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the arrival of residents into the Anchorage area. Beginning with the 1915 settlement of Tent City (in the Ship Creek area several blocks from this monument), this city went on to grow and prosper. The monument also celebrates January 3, 1959, the date when Alaska was declared one of the United States by President Eisenhower. This monument offers a nice vantage point from which to view the valley where it all began. No admission.
