Drive Alaska Itinerary #3, Moose & Museums

Anchorage, South Kenai Peninsula, Turnagain Arm, Seward

Leaving Anchorage drive south on Highway 1, traveling to Turn Again Arm. There are plenty of pull outs to stop and take pictures of the magnificent scenery. A must stop along the way is Indian Valley Meats in the town of Indian just south of Anchorage. This is a family-owned custom processor of fish and exotic meats, including reindeer, venison, buffalo and many other wild game animals. There are plenty of samples on hand and they ship all over the world, so you can serve reindeer at your next party! A little further down on Highway 1 is the community of Girdwood. At the intersection is a Tesoro station with coffee and snacks. Next door is a local bakery. Stock up on some savory sweets as you continue your road trip to Seward.

Take Highway 9 to Seward. Along the way, you will travel through the town of Moose Pass, a “whistle stop” along the Alaskan railroad. This picturesque town, 30 miles outside of Seward, got its name in 1903 when a moose impeded a mail carrier’s dog team. Home to the start of the Iditarod trail, the town is nestled in the middle of the Chugach National Forest. There are wonderful hiking trails and the area hosts a world renowned bush pilot school with people coming from all over to practice flying in extreme weather.

Thirty miles from Moose Town is Seward. With mountains on one side and the ocean on the other, this town has a unique relationship with the sea and land. Talented artists call Seward home and a pleasant afternoon should include a walking tour of the town’s 30 murals, which depict landscapes, local events, and historical characters.

Alaska Sea Life Center is a must see. It is the state’s only public aquarium and has the only Wildlife Response program which authorizes them to respond to wildlife that has been abandoned, stranded or injured.

Seward back to Anchorage is 2.5 hours on Highway 9. You can also travel by train, which takes around six hours.