Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center or something else?

[eeyore81]

Is there any transportation from Anchorage? We have the entire day prior to our cruise. I am trying to figure out what to do. The only transportation I can find is a stop on the way to the cruise port. Any suggestions on what to do for the extra day? We are a family of 6. One infant and my mom uses a mobility scooter. Thanks!

[mapleleaves]

rent a car for the day. It's an easy drive on a 2 lane hwy (about 45 minutes) to the Wildlife Center. Having a car would allow you to visit other interesting sights, ie gold pannning, Potters Marsh boardwalk, Portage Lake/Glacier Visitor Center, Alyeska Resort,Williawaw, etc. as noted in this link:

http://www.alaska.org/guide/turnagain-arm-drive

 

Without a car, spend your day in Anchorage. http://www.anchorage.net

[Krazy Kruizers]

6 people -- one uses a scooter -- rent a van.

[AKStafford]

Yes, you would need to rent a vehicle to get down the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center at Portage. Or you could arrange for a private hire car:

http://baclimoandbus.com/

http://auroralimousines.com/

 

If you don't go that route, the Alaska Native Heritage Center provides a shuttle out to their facility: http://www.alaskanative.net/

 

Another, more expensive, option would be to take the train to Whittier and then do a Prince William Sound glacier cruise. You'll be covering some of the same ground as your cruise transfer the next day, but it'll be worth it.

[eeyore81]

We are going on a Prince William Sound glacier tour with Major Marine the day our cruise departs (Saturday). Is the Wildlife Center "worth it" or should just stay in Anchorage on Friday. Seems a bit expensive (to rent a car or get a shuttle) and a bit of a drive if its not worth it.

[mapleleaves]

We are going on a Prince William Sound glacier tour with Major Marine the day our cruise departs (Saturday). Is the Wildlife Center "worth it" or should just stay in Anchorage on Friday. Seems a bit expensive (to rent a car or get a shuttle) and a bit of a drive if its not worth it.

 

<<< Is it worth it? >>

 

If you don't know that your family will enjoy it, we sure don't !!

 

A car ( minivan) will cost about $150 for the day, plus $35 for the Wildlife Center. Many of the sights on that link I posted are free ... Portage Lake, Williwaw viewing platforms, Potters Marsh, looking for sheep on the ridges.

Heck, with a full day you can drive to Matanuska Glacier or Independence Mine, or just north of Anchorage are Eagle River Nature Center, Thunderbird Falls, Eklutna Spirit Houses.

 

If you don't rent a car, what are your plans to entertain 6 people for the day for under $200? I'm sure you can .... the city web site can help you with that.

Edited June 24, 2014 by mapleleaves

[eeyore81]

Thanks for the comments. I reserved a rental car for the day. I think my family would like the Wildlife Center. We love animals and are excited to see some of the Alaska animals. We will make a few stops along the way to make a day of our trip. Thanks again for your advice!

[jskinsd]

You will see many amazing animals. And with a few tricky camera shots you can fool your friends in thinking you paid major dollars on an expensive tour. Does it really matter how you saw bears. You saw bears.:D

[Saving Up To Be Eccentric]

The awcc was probably my favorite stop between port and Anchorage. I do suggest also considering some other options for that day, as I don't know that your family will want to spend more than a couple of hours there.

[mapleleaves]

If you look thru this thread you'll find some comments and photos from suzanne123 who was at AWCC a few weeks ago.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2055554

[AKStafford]

Thanks for the comments. I reserved a rental car for the day. I think my family would like the Wildlife Center. We love animals and are excited to see some of the Alaska animals. We will make a few stops along the way to make a day of our trip. Thanks again for your advice!

Great choice! Enjoy it!