A Guide to Exploring the Alaska Native Heritage Center

Alaska Native people are the cultural heartbeat of the state – past, present and future. And to fully understand Alaska’s history and heritage, it’s important for visitors to learn about Alaska Native culture. A visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC) is the perfect starting point. Since opening on May 1, 1999, the Center has welcomed over 1 million Alaska visitors.

The Alaska Native Heritage Center is located in the tranquil wooded outskirts of Anchorage. It’s a 10-mile drive, ANHC shuttle ride, or public transportation trip north from downtown Anchorage to the Center, which is set on the traditional territory of the Native Village of Eklutna. For drivers, just exit downtown on 6th Avenue, which turns into the Glenn Highway. You’ll remain on the Glenn until you turnoff at Muldoon Road, then turn left at a stoplight onto an overpass. Then just follow signage to Golden Bear Drive and Heritage Center Drive. Parking is easy, even on busy weekend days.

A key cultural destination in Alaska, and a vibrant, immersive hub, the ANHC celebrates the rich history and cultures of Alaska’s indigenous peoples. Marking its 25th anniversary in 2024, the Center hails itself as “the premiere cultural center representing all Alaska Native cultures, peoples, and ways of life. More than a museum, we are a place to learn, discover, and share.” 

The Alaska Native Heritage Center has been a longtime partner with Alaska Tours, offering a window into Alaska history and typically part of the Alaska Cultural Tours we offer those seeking a meaningful opportunity to learn about Native heritage, festivals, artisans, beliefs and values. In this comprehensive guide to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, we share what to expect from its fascinating exhibits, dynamic cultural performances, educational programs, planning a visit, getting tickets, information on special events, Center photos, reviews and more. You’ll also better understand what makes the Alaska Native Heritage Center a must-visit destination and feel inspired to explore this remarkable cultural site.

What to Expect on Your Visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center

The Center is open year-round, but the best times to visit for cultural events, activities and exploration is during summer. Your visit will be quieter, though still captivating, during the winter season. The Center’s mission to “preserve and strengthen the traditions, languages, and art of Alaska’s Native People through statewide collaboration, celebration, and education” complements its vision that “thriving Alaska Native people and cultures are respected and valued.” The Alaska Native Heritage Center promises a visit “that will take you on a journey through 10,000 years of Alaska Native history and culture through art, dance, Native Games demonstrations, exhibits, traditional Native dwellings, films and more.” It is a vibrant place with staff and guides who love engaging and teaching, passionate and talented Alaska Native artists and performers, as well as Native art exhibitions. The Center’s space is breathtaking, spotlighting Native Alaskan culture. These unique aspects distinguish the Center from other Alaskan cultural museums and Native American heritage sites.

ANHC Tours – Activities – Tickets

Cultural tours in Alaska don’t get more authentic, educational and exciting than a visit to the ANHC. There are many ways to experience it either on a guided or self-guided tour, attending special events at the Center and engaging in seasonal activities. Visitors are encouraged to also read “In Introduction to Alaska Native Traditions” before scheduling their visit.

The Alaska Native Heritage Center houses Alaska Native exhibits and Indigenous artifacts in its Hall of Cultures. Unique and dynamic exhibits, including amazing traditional Alaska Native tools and art, teach visitors about Alaska’s five major cultural groups and lifestyles. In the wooded outdoor Village Sites, visitors walk among six authentic life-sized Native dwellings around Lake Tiulana. A Center guide, known as a Culture Bearer, explains the traditional lifestyles of Alaska’s Dene, Iñupiat, Sivuqam Yupigi, Yupiit, Cupiit, Unangax̂, Sugpiat, dAXunhyuu, Łingít, Xaadas, Ts’msyen peoples.

During its summer season, beginning in mid-May, the Center is open all week with daily guided tours, dance performances, Alaska Native Games demonstrations, Alaska Native artists selling their work, and more. In the winter season, starting in mid-September, it’s open Monday through Friday but no longer offers guided visits and regular activities. You can use your time at the Center most effectively by planning ahead. Explore maps of the grounds, read about exhibits, and browse the schedules of planned events and activities. Average visit duration varies by the visitor, with some visitors being satisfied with a quick overview while others love deep dives into Center activities and exhibits. A half-day itinerary is recommended for a balanced experience and allows additional time for other special attractions and adventures. Guided tours offer efficient exploration and the team at Alaska Tours can easily personalize itineraries for individuals and groups.

You’ll enjoy the ANHC’s Gathering Place as a resting area for breaks, with onsite food and drink from Café Di’eshchin, which translates from the Dena’ina Athabascan word for “I’m Hungry.” The café is closed during the winter.

Alaska Native Heritage Center tickets can be procured in advance online, on-site at the newly remodeled admissions area, or as part of an Alaska Tours package that includes Center admission.

Benefits to purchasing tickets and guided tours through Alaska Tours include the best access to exhibits and activities and the services of a friendly, expert guide providing insights at each stop. You can also combine a visit to the Center with additional adventures on many of our Alaska Driving Tours packages.

Ticket pricing ranges by person, season and inclusive experiences. Summer admission rates run are $29 for adults, $25 for seniors (65+) and $19 for youth (4-17). There are discounted rates for Alaskans, students, military and others; indigenous people receive free access with proof of tribal enrollment. Private tours start at $150 for 20 people. Winter dates and rates vary. 

Upcoming Events & Workshops at the Alaska Native Heritage Center

Another unique aspect of the Center is its cultural and educational community events, workshops, performances and classes. These experiences and the Center’s staff encourage visitor participation as a way to engage with Alaska Native culture on a more personal level.

Events and workshops include artist galleries, Indigenous Awareness Workshops, master artist workshops, weekly sewing classes, community Native Youth Olympics practices, special film festivals and concerts, and more. There are field trips for youth groups and schools. Stay up to date on classes, workshops and events at the Alaska Native Heritage Center and work with Alaska Tours staff to discover events that overlap with your visit.

Plan Your Trip to the Alaska Native Heritage Center

Excited about an ANHC visit? Here are top tips to enhance the experience, including best practices for engaging with exhibits, participating in activities, and supporting the Center beyond your visit.

• Plan Your Visit Strategically: Work in advance with Alaska Tours for itinerary customization, and peruse the Center’s website for events, programs and exhibits.
• Utilize Visitor Resources: Center resources maximize visitors’ time, with maps, a mobile app and a digital guide that includes audio tours. 
• Engage with Exhibits: Interacting with exhibits and staff bring new levels of understanding and appreciation. Don’t be shy: ask questions, dance to drums, and have fun!
• Dress Appropriately for the Climate and Activities: While most time is casually spent indoors, a visit also includes exploring the outdoor Village Sites. Prep for the Alaska weather before going.
• Respect Cultural Sensitivities: As a visitor, it’s crucial to learn about and experience Alaska Native culture directly from Alaska Native staff. Engaging respectfully enhances the quality of your visit and ensures meaningful interactions.
• Support the Center’s Mission: Sustain this thriving place by touring the extensive gift shop and online storefront, or contributing via donation.

A visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center provides a rare opportunity to experience one of America’s cultural treasures and immerse yourself in Alaska Native culture in a welcoming, exciting, and educational place. And the insights and benefits gathered from a visit to the ANHC make traveling in Alaska more fulfilling and fun. 

Alaska Native Heritage Center Reviews 

The Center has a 4.5 score out of 5 on Tripadvisor, with more than 1,700 reviews. What do visitors generally love about the Alaska Native Heritage Center? Everything! It’s no wonder the Center is renowned and award-winning, including the recipient of the 2023 International Guardians of Culture and Lifeways Awards. In 2020, the Ford Foundation named the center one of America’s Cultural Treasures, complemented by a $3 million grant. In 2022, it was honored by the National Endowment for the Arts.

SueJ114 from Florida wrote, “There is much to see and learn here. We joined a guided tour of the outdoor loop of houses led by young Native Alaskan volunteers. They were very informative, and really seemed to enjoy what they were doing. … Inside we watched Native Alaskan dancers, and also some athletes demonstrating their games/sports.”

Jacks Q. from Chicago added, “Very impressive & well-designed with outdoor and indoor exhibits, live presentations by old and young, but also take-your-time exhibits. … We 4 adults expected to spend 60 to 90 minutes but stayed for almost 4 hours.”

And Amelia A wrote, “My favorite part was the magnifying sections to show the intricacies of the basketry on display. I also viewed a demonstration of Native song and dance, which was really fun and quite interactive.”