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    Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel

    4.8 (21 reviews)

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    Heading towards the Anton Anderson Tunnel for Whittier, Alaska.
    Seth A.

    Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel starts in the town of Portage, AK and is the passable entranceway towards the beautiful seaside town of Whittier, Alaska. And...Whittier, AK is the "Gateway to Prince William Sound". Here you can have access to many remote destinations such as Valdez and Wrangell St. Elias National Park. This is a fee based tunnel. I can't remember exactly how much it was. It could have been around $10 in total, roundtrip for the summer of 2021. It's interesting how the tunnel works. Not only do you have to pay a round trip fee ahead of time, but you have to line up in a row and wait for the one-way tunnel to allow for traffic to pass through each way. For instance, they allow passenger cars from Portage to Whittier every 30 minutes. Then they stop the Portage traffic and allow for cars in Whittier to access the tunnel for driving back to Portage. Although I've probably made this complicated, lol...basically cars are permitted to pass through the tunnel each hour on the hour. So...(like I was) visiting Whittier for half the day...I had to keep track of the schedule to depart to maximize my time usage while in town. Btw, don't forget before driving through the tunnel, I highly suggest taking the 1-hour Portage Glacier Cruise for $45. It's a worthwhile activity situated just outside the tunnel entrance and affords you up close shots of massive Portage Glacier. Lastly, I would also advise to be aware of the weather. I came during the middle of June and had high expectations for seeing the snowcapped mountains of Whittier, such a rustic and sleepy harbor town and even taking a touristy day cruise. Unfortunately, it poured rain and I never got the full experience I was hoping for. I will have to return again in the future. Overall, this Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is quite useful for allowing visitors access to Whittier, AK leading to fun sightseeing adventures and general transportations on the waters of Prince William Sound.

    train approaching outside tunnel
    Robert C.

    Come along for a ride in North America's longest highway tunnel! Our Collette motor coach was heading for a boat cruise on Prince William Sound to see the glaciers, some 60 miles from Anchorage. Passed by the airport, and then the Turnagain Arm and Portage Lake, on this cloudy morning in July. We streak by hidden streaks of sunlight over beautiful gray blue waters, under snowcapped mountains in the background. 2.5 mile tunnel built during World War II and completed in 1943 for railroad traffic through the mountains to the army base at what is now the town of Whittier, population 220. Tunnel designed for -40 degree temperatures and 150 mph winds! In 2000 it was converted into a dual purpose tunnel for both trains and highway traffic, giving public access to Whittier by motor vehicle. Multiple entrance lanes, with private cars paying $13 to enter. Higher fees for multi axle vehicles. Tunnel entrance housed in a structure that looks almost like a chalet with a garage as a tunnel entrance. Single lane, one way traffic, shared with a railroad train. $13 fee for vehicles leaving on the half hour to Whittier, from 5:30am to 10:30pm. No fee for vehicles leaving on the hour from Whittier, from 6am to 11pm. Our motor coach travels well under the 30 mph speed limit, enters the tunnel, with daylight turning to partial darkness, riding right over the embedded railroad tracks. Tunnel has dim overhead lights, and emergency pull outs every 1600 feet. Don't want to have a breakdown or rear end collision in this one lane tunnel! Up ahead, a small glimmer of light appears. Oncoming train? It's the tunnel openings at the Whittier side, 2.5 miles away. Big vaulted doors on each side of the tunnel. 10 minutes later, darkness turns to daylight, as we exit the tunnel, with nine lanes of traffic waiting to come in. They air out the tunnel between trips with jet turbine ventilation. Of course it is raining as Whittier Alaska on the far side of the tunnel is the rainiest city in the United States, with almost 200 inches of rain per year, and over 9 inches of rain in July, it's driest month! We join a line of tourist buses next to port for our boat cruise on Prince William Sound, the main reason anyone comes to Whittier. Five hours later we repeat the tunnel journey, going back to Anchorage. Oh by the way, the tunnel closes at 11pm leaving Whittier. Miss that closing, and you are SOL, with no means of getting out of town until 6am the next morning! Good way to meet face to face grizzly bears hunting at night!

    Going through the tunnel
    Ruby C.

    We passed through Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel on our way to Whittier to board a cruise ship. I've never seen anything like this tunnel -- it had been built during WWII to transport materials and since it would be too costly to built a separate passage for cars, they decided to build the tunnel highway directly over the railroad tracks. If you're planning to drive through the tunnel, make sure to check times as there are scheduled times -- traffic going out of Whittier and traffic going into Whittier alternate every half hour. There's a cutoff time in the evening for cars leaving Whittier so if you happen to miss that cutoff time then you'll be spending a night in Whittier. Prior to go time.. cars and other vehicles lined up in their respective queues since different toll fares apply based on type of vehicle. After the tunnel is clear of cars coming from the opposite direction and the traffic light signaled green.. our coach was the first to go through the tunnel. It was neat to go through the tunnel but I was sure glad I wasn't driving since it's a single lane tunnel the width of one vehicle without much clearing between your vehicle and the tunnel walls. Concentration is definitely a must as you drive along the 2.5 mile tunnel highway. Definitely a neat experience.

    tunnel with train
    Danielle C.

    Alright, so driving around the Alaskan Countryside today, I kept running into a British bloke, with the same rental car as me. It became somewhat of a joke, neither of us had a clue where we were going, but were ending up in the same places. He mentioned Whittier to me. For some reason, he had been wanting to see the town since he was a child-. WHY? Well, it has quite a history, going back to WWII, and is pretty interesting. The one thing that made me want to go was the tunnel. It is the only access point to this town, other than the Prince Williams Sound. It has been carved into the middle of a mountain, and only has room for one lane of traffic. Trains use it too! So, each 1/2 hour, one side of the road is closed, crossing gates go down, and the cars and trucks wait for 30 minutes for the other side to go. Randomly, both sides are stopped so a train can get through. Imagine, driving underneath a mountain in a dim, dank, and dark tunnel. Falling rocks are a very common thing, and water seeps in through the ceiling. Emergency phones are accessible about every 200 feet. Pull off safety houses are available, with signs stating- if you see flashing lights, go to a safe house! The safe house is through a door in the side of the mountain... Totally BIZARRE!! AND--the narrow road, surrounded by mountain and completely enclosed has Railroad tracks in the middle of it! Your wheels continually get stuck in the track ruts. Kind of felt like I was in the twilight zone- it was worth the 12.50 to drive through! On my way back to the park, and out of Whittier itself, I saw a bright light at the end of the tunnel. I kept wondering what it was, and if they ever accidentally let cars in from both sides at once. It would mean a head on collision... as I let myself get freaked, I came out the other end. It was a train waiting- much worse than a car! GREAT DRIVE- if you are in the area- do it!

    $13 round trip per car.
    Thomas S.

    It was the coolest and only way to get to Whittier driving. The tunnel is about 2.5 miles long and is narrow. It is a rotating one way route. Traffic leave Whittier on the hour mark and traffic go to Whittier on the half hour mark. The cost is $13 round trip and payment is due at the going to Whittier side of the tunnel.

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    It's worth the $12 just to go through the tunnel. The town is cute. There is a couple nice parks to go out and explore.

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    Review Highlights - Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel

    Our Collette motor coach was heading for a boat cruise on Prince William Sound to see the glaciers, some 60 miles from Anchorage.

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    Alaska Veteran's Memorial

    Alaska Veteran's Memorial

    5.0(4 reviews)
    49.1 mi

    This memorial use to be known as the WWII Memorial. I am glad that they expanded it to cover all…read morethe wars and honor local residents that gave the ultimate sacrifice during that conflict. It is located on the Delaney Park Strip and there is metered parking available within a reasonable walking distance. The memorial was dedicated in 2001 and just recently underwent major renovations including access for the disabled, concrete rehabilitation, vandal-proofing, plant and landscaping work, a lighting system, expanded water service, public event accessories, and other enhanced design features. The centerpiece of the memorial is a statue of WWII soldier in combat attire holding a rifle in his hands and standing on top of a cement base. You will find a plaque on the base that reads "To Those Alaska Veterans Whose Eyes Have Seen What The Protected Will Never Know". Behind the statue is a plaza, with walls on each side that has all the conflicts that the US has been involved in, including WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and the names of the Alaska resident that died during that respective conflict. At the top of the plaza are a monument to Purple Heart recipients and two 8 feet high by 20 feet long sculptures that are illuminated at night. They are very nice. One, titled Reflections on the Great One, depict an Honor Guard and Eagle Release. The other tiled, O'er Land and Sea a Beacon Bright, depicts a bugler (hands and bugle only) and folded presentation flag for the fallen solider. These sculptures were added during the memorial's renovation project. You will also find a solider's cross statue in the plaza as well which was also added during the renovation. sadly, this memorial has become a hot spot for urban campers to hangout and sleep. I find it sad that they have nowhere else to go, especially considering the temperature. This is a nice and respectful memorial dedicated to the Alaskan citizens that made the ultimate sacrifice. It has a nice sculpture, and plaza area with a couple of benches to sit. Behind the plaza area is a long patch of green space separating it from the MLK memorial. This is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area. And next two the plaza in another patch of green space are picnic tables.

    In Delaney Park strip. Was very nice with names of our veterans from the various wars on the wall.read more

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    Alaska Veteran's Memorial
    Alaska Veteran's Memorial
    Alaska Veteran's Memorial

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    Mann Leiser Memorial Greenhouse & The Horticulture Complex

    Mann Leiser Memorial Greenhouse & The Horticulture Complex

    5.0(4 reviews)
    45.9 mi

    If you've spent any time at all in North Anchorage "tropical paradise" is certainly not the first…read moreterm that comes to mind. This is truly a hidden gem inside Russian Jack Springs Park. You enter through the solarium, a little tropical oasis with two goldfish/koi ponds, an incredible display of tropical plants and trees, and a large birdcage with a tree in it. We enjoyed simply sitting on the bench here and taking it all in. Next is the main greenhouse. There is quite a collection in there, some of the plants and trees have clearly been there a very long time, there are cacti that practically touch the ceiling, trees spreading out overhead, and all manner of other tropical plants that you won't find anywhere outside within a thousand miles of here. And there are starts and seedlings as well, indicating this will continue to be the lovely hidden oasis it is for years to come. I've been to bigger and more grandiose tropical greenhouses, but to have this at all in Alaska is quite an accomplishment. And it's free. A great way to spend an hour or so.

    Hidden Gem in the middle of winter. Wonderful place to…read morevisit, I can't believe I've never been here after so many years in Anchorage. (22+) Great for a field trip or just to observe and learn more! Perfect for an afternoon date in my opinion! There's Birds, Fishes & Endless Plants! Note, there's barely anyone on the weekdays but it may have just been my visit...Must!!! Plus: Mon-Sun //FREE Down: 8:00 AM-3:00 PM If you work full time during the week you'll need to plan a weekend visit, definitely worth it! Link to my VLOG http://youtu.be/nTvrMXsv4Vc

    Photos
    Mann Leiser Memorial Greenhouse & The Horticulture Complex - Sign

    Sign

    Mann Leiser Memorial Greenhouse & The Horticulture Complex - Storefront

    Storefront

    Mann Leiser Memorial Greenhouse & The Horticulture Complex

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    Captain Cook Monument

    Captain Cook Monument

    4.0(2 reviews)
    49.4 mi

    We stopped to check out the monument. It's not bad - it has a statue of Cook standing there and it…read morehas a plaque explaining how he got to Alaska and stuff. The whole area is on a platform overlooking the mud flats and you can see the area beyond there. Worth a short stop.

    This monument is dedicated to Captain James Cook, a British explorer whose expedition visited the…read morearea . The statue, that is the centerpiece of the memorial, is not an original however. It is a duplicate of the one in Yorkshire, England, by Sir John Tweed, R.A. This one is the work of Derek Freeborn and was donated to the State by BP oil company. Yep, that BP. The statue looks great, especially considering that it was installed in 1976 as part of the American Bicentennial Celebration. It sits in a little plaza area with a few wooden benches. The memorial is located in Resolution Park, overlooking Cook Inlet, with the statue of Captain looking out over the body of water. The life-sized bronze statue is perched on a tall wooden pedestal and has a bronze plaque on it that details Caption Cook and some of his exploits. The statue is not without its controversy. To some, Captain Cook represents the cultural violence of racism, genocide, and loss of land and history. The statue can be viewed as idolizing Cook who was a murderer and rapist. In addition to a change.org petition calling for the statue's removal, in 2020, Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz left the fate of the statue up to the nearby Native Village of Eklutna. It has yet to be decieded. The statue has been the victim of vandalism a few times, one such time was even before its dedication. As recent as 2020, two men were charged with criminal mischief after writing graffiti on the wooden pedestal that the Captain Cook statue sits. Who knows how long this statue will be here or even if it will be removed? So, go see it while you can. As far as parking goes, there is metered street parking and commercial garages and lots within a reasonable walking distance.

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    Captain Cook Monument
    Captain Cook Monument

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    Alaska Fallen Firefighter Memorial

    Alaska Fallen Firefighter Memorial

    4.0(1 review)
    48.0 mi

    This is a nice, tasteful and respectfully done memorial. It does not have a designated parking…read morearea, but there is metered street parking available within a reasonable walking distance. It is located right next to Fire Station 1. This memorial, which was dedicated in 201, honors the State's first responders that have made the ultimate sacrifice. It features a bronze statue of a firefighter in turnout gear, hold a hose and ready to fight a fire. The statue is very detailed, you can actually see the icecicles hanging from the firefighter's helmet. They look so real. The statue has a cement pedestal in front of it with a bronze plaque with the Firefighters Prayer on it. There are 6 walls low brick walls that are surrounding the statue. Two walls are joined together at the center and has an EMS and firefighters cross above them along with a bell. The walls have bronze plaques on the with the name of each State hero engraved on them. There are a lot of blank space and hopefully, it will stay that way. The plaza that the memorial sits is well maintained and in excellent shape. It was constructed completely with private donations and funds. The ground is made of brick pavers and has some lights counter sunk into it to provide nighttime illumination. This is a fitting tribute to those everyday heroes. This is not a big time consumer, but is neat to see and could be coupled with visits to the Anchorage Firefighters Museum, the Alaska Law Enforcement Museum, and other nearby attractions.

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    Alaska Fallen Firefighter Memorial
    Alaska Fallen Firefighter Memorial
    Alaska Fallen Firefighter Memorial

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    Martin Luther King, Jr. Living Memorial - Monument

    Martin Luther King, Jr. Living Memorial

    4.7(3 reviews)
    49.2 mi

    This memorial is situated downtown in the DeLaney Park strip (which used to be the first airport…read morefor Anchorage, way back when!) in-between the rose garden and the WWII memorial. Still, I bet most people haven't seen it. It's a series of granite plaques along with some beautiful landscaping...in the summer. I went to photograph it in the winter, and the snow adds its own charm. However, many of the plaques are not readable without some brushing and scrubbing. Too bad that it's not really maintained in the winter. The main plaques that are lit in the winter are a site to behold. There's an excellent etching of Dr King, along with a long list of sponsors that all pitched in to help get this thing built, back in the 90's. I'm so nostalgic for a time when almost everyone could rally behind a cause we all believe in, the sponsor list goes across all organizations and industries and was, 100%, non-controversial. Wait, am I nostalgic for...the 90's?! There is also a bust of Dr King but...I'm not a huge fan of it. It just doesn't look like him, in my opinion. If you showed me just the bust...I don't think I would know who it is. Anyway, this memorial is worth checking out.

    I like the sentiment of this memorial, but it could be a tad better. The memorial was dedicated in…read more1998 and renovated in 2002. It is in a small plaza area and consists of a bronze bust of MLK and two curved walls with bronze plaques with stories of MLK and the civil rights movement on them. The bust is not the best or most detailed that I have seen of MLK. There is also a granite slab with an image of MLK laser etched into it, along with the donors for the project. It is the nicest part of the memorial. There is metered parking within a reasonable walking distance of the memorial. It is definitely not a destination stop though and should be coupled with a visit to the Alaska Veterans Memorial, which is separated from this one by a just large field. It guess the urban campers that set up camp behind the memorial, nor the marijuana they were smoking, does not help the cause either. Admitting the memorial needs a little TLC. It has been 20 years since its last renovation. The commemorative panels had been degraded by neglect, weather and vandalism. One is even missing. I always find time to pay respects to MLK and it pains me that I cannot give this memorial 5 stars, but it is in too bad of shape and the bust is not good.

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    Martin Luther King, Jr. Living Memorial - Monument

    Monument

    Martin Luther King, Jr. Living Memorial - Monument

    Monument

    Martin Luther King, Jr. Living Memorial - Monument

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    Monument

    Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel - landmarks - Updated July 2026

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