For a thorough introduction to everything Alaska, head to the Anchorage Museum. The state's largest museum houses exhibitions that detail everything from local wildlife to native cultures to Alaskan history and art. You'll also come across touring exhibits that highlight important aspects of the state's past and present. Even if you aren't new to the Last Frontier, recent visitors said that this museum is well worth the trip, and mention the interactive kids section and the informative exhibits as true highlights.

You can stop by the Anchorage Museum – located downtown – every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer (the museum operates shorter hours during the winter months). Admission is $15 for adults and $7 for children (ages 3 to 12). For more information, check out the official website.