Visiting Alaska

The hub of Alaska’s Interior Region, Fairbanks is Alaska’s second largest city. It is the season for fishing, rafting and kayaking the Chena River. Denali National Park to the south of Fairbanks offers scenic views of Mount McKinley for golfers, hikers and cyclists enjoying the season. Juneau, the state capital of America’s Last Frontier, is the center of commerce and activity for Alaska’s Inside Passage Region. This is the time of year whale sightings are nearly guaranteed off the shores of Juneau, and also the season to tour the Juneau Icefield and Mendenhall glacier. Spend some time in Alaska and discover The Last Frontier.

Palmer, an hour north ofAnchorage, hosts the 2012 Alaska State Fair, August 23rd through September 3rd. Day one kicks off with AT&T Concert headliner Creed, with Styx and the Avett Brothers, among others on the fair concert schedule. Don’t miss the giant cabbage weigh–off and the diversity of exhibits showcasing the best of the Anchorage area’s agriculture, livestock and products. See you at mile 40, on the Glenn Highway.

Labor Day weekend brings festivities across Alaska, with Kodiak hosting the Kodiak Rodeo and State Fair, on September 1st and 2nd. Visit to see Kodiak Cowboy Up at the Kodiak Fairgrounds, with exhibits of the best of the area’s livestock, agriculture, arts, crafts and home goods. See the 2012 Kodiak Rodeo Queen, watch the kids have fun in the boot race and see the excitement of live rodeo – a good time for the entire family.

Looking for a challenge? Fairbanks hosts the 2012 Equinox Marathon, September 15th. In addition to the marathon, events include a relay marathon and ultramarathon. Celebrating the 50th year of the Equinox Marathon, races feature a challenging out & back segment and the famous chute. Dress in layers or bring along family and friends to help you out along the course – Alaska weather can be unpredictable.

The Alaska Dog Mushers Association hosts its 2012 Symposium, October 12th through the 14th. The Fairbanks Pioneer Park Civic Center hosts the ADMA International Symposium, featuring Dr. Donna Gigliotta as the keynote speaker. Among other events, celebrate the 30th birthday of the Yukon Quest, enjoy the great cooker cook-off, and learn from the presentations. The symposium also includes the working dog trade fair.

Alaska celebrates its heritage in October at Alaska Day, commemorating the October 18th, 1867 purchase transfer of Alaska to the United States. Sitka, where the transfer took place, hosts 2012 events October 11th through the 18th. The festivities include open houses, exhibits and receptions at historic sites, a parade on the 18th and the Alaska Day Biathlon.

Alaska Hotel Map