Alaska Museum of Science and Nature 🇺🇸

If you are exploring Anchorage, Alaska, the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature (AKSCI) offers an engaging look into the region's fascinating natural history. Renowned for its fossil collection, this natural history museum originally opened in 1994 inside an Eagle River shopping mall before relocating to its own building in the Mountain View neighborhood in 2015. Inside, you will discover six main exhibits packed with unique prehistoric and biological wonders.

You can marvel at the Dinosaurs of Darkness exhibit, which showcases skeletons and reproductions of creatures like Hadrosaurs, Ceratopsians, raptors, and an Albertosaurus, as well as life-sized dinosaur paintings by local artist James Haven. The Alaska Marine Life area features whalebones, skulls, and a full beluga whale skeleton, while the Ice Age Alaska exhibit presents models of Pleistocene animals such as saber-toothed tigers and American lions. You can also inspect a bird rookery in Birds of a Feather, compare human and animal replicas in Bare Bones, and view meteorites, fluorescent minerals, and prehistoric fossils from Sutton in the Rocks & Minerals exhibit.

It is a fantastic stop for curious minds of all ages.

What to see at Alaska Museum of Science and Nature

• Six main exhibits highlighting Alaska's ancient and modern natural history
• Dinosaurs of Darkness featuring an Albertosaurus, Hadrosaurs, and raptors
• Life-sized dinosaur paintings created by local artist James Haven
• Alaska Marine Life exhibit housing a complete beluga whale skeleton
• Ice Age models of prehistoric species like saber-toothed tigers and American lions

Visiting tips

Be sure to inspect the Rocks & Minerals exhibit to see fluorescent minerals, meteorites, and ancient fossils sourced from Sutton's prehistoric forest.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Alaska Museum of Science and Nature is easy to reach on Anchorage’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Alaska Aviation Museum and Alaska Native Heritage Center. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Anchorage travel guide.