To know Alaska is to love Alaska. While places like Antarctica, Siberia and the state of Alaska generally rank low on the tourist agenda, due to the infamous weather and unforgiving winter temperatures, there is a wealth of activities and historical artifacts to be seen.
Whether you're looking for the freshest salmon, a glimpse of "Babe," the ox frozen in ice, a lumberjack song & dance, a dog sled race, a polar bear swim, towering totem poles or the playful sea otters, you won't leave disappointed.
There is truly something for everyone in this breathtaking state, but before you make your journey, first consider the rich historical context of Alaska so you can fully appreciate and understand what you're seeing.
Despite small European encounters, it was the Russian and Scandinavian influences that dominated much of the Alaskan territories. Peter the Great's empire sent Captain Vitus Bering to acquire the lands in 1725, just before Tsar Peter's death.
However, the Tlingit Indians fought hard to hold onto the original Russian settlement of Sitka and the Yakutat Peninsula, decimating early Russian expatriates. The Aleuts waged similar attacks on early Russian settlements in the Kodiak region.
Despite the bloody battles, there are still many Russian Orthodox churches, people and cultural influences in places like Petersburg, Sitka and Kodiak.
Tourists can visit many museums, towns and tours to get a better idea of Alaska and its rich cultural background. The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a popular stop where people can look deeper into the indigenous tribes of the state, as is the Inupiat Heritage Center in Barrow.
People can learn about the farming industry in the Mat-Su Valley or ride on the White Pass & Yukon Railroad to peer back into the 1890s gold rush time period. Arranging an Alaskan cruise is also an ideal way to maximize the cultural experience.
To read more Natural Attractions And History Of Alaska
Friday, 7 May 2010
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment