Girdwood was named for James Girdwood, who staked the first claim on Crow Creek in 1896. Two years later the Crow Creek Mine was built, and today you can still see some original buildings and sluices at this working mine. You can even learn how to pan for gold and then give it a try yourself (adult/child $25/16), or pitch the tent and spend the night (from $25). It’s a peaceful little place and worth a visit just to walk around.
Crow Creek Mine
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
26.73 MILES
If you can't travel to the Bush region to experience Native Alaska culture firsthand, visit this 26-acre center and see how humans survived – and thrived …
25.3 MILES
The unique wildlife of the Arctic is on display at this zoo, the only one in North America that specializes in northern animals, including snow leopards,…
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
12.86 MILES
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Comprising 4000 acres of forest and muskeg in east central Anchorage, this park features 20 miles of trails. In the center of the park is the Bureau of…
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20.67 MILES
Whittier's history goes back to – well – 1941, so you might be surprised to hear that it has a museum. Bivouacked next to a grocery store beneath the…
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University of Alaska Anchorage
28.13 MILES
UA-Anchorage is the largest college campus in Alaska. The Campus Center is home to a small art gallery and the bookstore, which has a good selection of…
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25.78 MILES
The garden is a colorful showcase for native species, where gentle paths lead you through groomed herb, rock and perennial gardens in a wooded setting…
Nearby attractions
2.13 MILES
The Alyeska Ski Resort Tram offers the easiest route to the alpine area during the summer. The resort offers a Dine & Ride combo (adult/child $39/25) that…
2. Girdwood Center for Visual Arts
2.84 MILES
In town this center serves as an artisan cooperative during the summer and is filled with the work of those locals who get inspired by the majestic…
3. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
12.86 MILES
A nonprofit wildlife center where injured and rescued animals are on display. Particularly of interest are the wood bison, the only herd in the US. They…
15.05 MILES
A lode mine originally blasted out in 1901, Indian Valley Mine still produces gold. You can buy bags of ore ($20, $50 or $100) and see for yourself. The…
19.59 MILES
This small grouping of log cabins preserves relics from early miners and homesteaders with a great deal of respect. Creaky buildings give a feel for life…
6. Prince William Sound Museum
20.67 MILES
Whittier's history goes back to – well – 1941, so you might be surprised to hear that it has a museum. Bivouacked next to a grocery store beneath the…
20.69 MILES
Part of Whittier’s bizarreness stems from the fact that most of its inhabitants live in the same building, the 14-story Begich Towers. The Begich started…
20.8 MILES
You can’t miss this ugly Cold War creation that melds into the surrounding landscape like a moose on a catwalk. Hailing from an architectural school best…