Glenn Highway
Culture and Nature along Glenn Highway

Departure:	Anchorage, Alaska
Destination:	Mile 118 Raptor Viewing Area, Alaska
Time to allow:	1 day

Covering rugged mountain terrain through the last real American frontier, you'll experience natural beauty and native culture.

• Start: Anchorage

  

  The city of Anchorage began as a ramshackle community of rail line workers living in tents. The community, settled in 1915, has grown and evolved into the largest city in Alaska with 260,000 people.

  For a look at Alaska culture, Anchorage is the place to be. Explore the Anchorage Museum of History and Art or the Alaska Native Heritage Center for a taste of what Alaska has to offer.

• Stop 2: Alaska Native Heritage Center

  Directions from previous place:	The Center is located in northeast Anchorage, next to Bartlett High School. Just a short drive from downtown, the Center is surrounded by the majestic Chugach Mountains.

  This center brings to life the rich history, culture, music and art of major Native American peoples of Alaska.

• Stop 3: Eklutna Village

  

  Directions from previous place:	Take Glenn Highway north to Eklutna. Exit at Eklutna, turn left to the park.

  The Athabascan Village of Eklutna features a combination of Russian and Native culture.

• Stop 4: Eklutna Flats and Palmer Hay Flats

  

  Directions from previous place:	Just a few minutes up the Byway from Eluktna Village.

  The Eklutna Flats and Palmer Hay Flats are a tidally influenced wetlands area at the confluence of the Knik and Matanuska Rivers. This flat open area provides the broadest view of the Matanuska Valley bordered by the Chugach Mountains, a stone's throw to the east. The ancient Talkeetna Mountains rise in the distance.

  This area is teeming with waterfowl and other migratory birds in spring and fall. Visitors may even spot a moose during the long winter months. The Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge comprises a large portion of this area.

• Stop 5: Kepler- Bradley State Park

  Directions from previous place:	Follow the Byway for a short distance, the state park is on the west side of the Byway.

  A fisherman's paradise, this popular state park comprises several trout and grayling filled lakes. Kepler-Bradley State Park is within easy driving distance of Anchorage. The lakes are located in crevassses in between morraine ridges formed by glaciers. Trails from the park connect to the Mat/Su Borough Crevasse Morraine Trail System.

• Stop 6: King Mountain State Wayside and Lodge

  Directions from previous place:	Continue along the Byway, Lodge is located just off the road.

  King Mountain State Wayside is located in the shawdow King Mountain and adjacent to the Matnuska River.

• Stop 7: Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Area

  

  King Mountain State Wayside is located in the shawdow of King Mountain and adjacent to the Matnuska River. The wayside provides a scenic place for travelers to camp and have a picnic.

  Just a quarter mile up the road is the historic King Mountain Lodge. One of the original roadhouses, the lodge provides food, lodging and camping opportunities. It serves as the center of the Chickaloon community.

• End: Mile 118 Raptor Viewing Area

  Directions from previous place:	Located farther down the Byway.

  At this raptor viewing area peregrine falcons and golden eagles can be seen soaring over the Interior highlands in search of prey. During March, April, and early May, these birds create quite a spectacle and observers marvel at their presence. As the most prominent flyway viewing spot in Alaska, the flyway at Milepost 118 was only discovered 20 years ago.

  Informational panels include discussion and maps of the early Knik, Chickaloon, and Nelchina Trail system part of which makes up the Glenn Highway Corridor. It also discusses Lion's Head, an ancient volcano that alone withstood the might of the Matanuska Glacier and provides testament to yet another geological force that help formed the magnificant landscape of the corridor.