Discover Alaska’s Rich Transportation History Near Anchorage

Just a short drive from downtown Anchorage and landmarks like the Alaska Aviation Museum, the Museum of Alaska in Wasilla offers an immersive dive into the state’s transportation and industrial history. With aircraft, trains, tractors, and even a fin whale skeleton in progress, this museum gives Anchorage families, teachers, and visitors a one-of-a-kind experience grounded in local heritage.

Step inside Alaska’s past at a museum experience just a short drive from Anchorage.

Anchorage’s Gateway to Alaska’s Industrial Past

Anchorage visitors will find a wealth of historical insight at the Museum of Alaska, just under an hour north. Whether you’re near the Anchorage Museum or Lake Hood, it’s worth the drive to explore a vast outdoor campus where transportation, machinery, and hands-on exhibits tell the story of Alaska’s growth.

More than a museum—it’s an evolving experience.

Discover Our Signature Collections

Our exhibits highlight the machines, people, and moments that shaped Alaska. Explore the evolution of transportation and industry, and how they intersect with culture, community, and environment.

Transportation Collection

Step into the driver’s seat of Alaska’s past with vintage automobiles, bush planes, and Alaska Railroad locomotives/cars.

Whale Skeleton Project

Follow our community-led journey to preserve and display a 40-foot fin whale skeleton, a one-of-a-kind natural history exhibit in the making.

Industrial Heritage Collection

Explore the powerful machines that fueled the Gold Rush, timber, and pipeline eras—tools that built the backbone of Alaska.

Education

Browse historic Alaska with our exhibits, events, and volunteers in action across the museum grounds.

We teach more than history—we build futures.

Alaska’s story comes alive just north of Anchorage

The Museum of Alaska offers a unique extension to Anchorage’s cultural scene. Located just under an hour away in Wasilla, it’s the perfect destination for families, educators, and visitors looking to explore Alaska’s past through real vehicles, tools, and mechanical wonders that built the state.

The museum is built by the community—for the community.

Community Outreach & Volunteer Opportunities

From the Mat-Su Valley to the far reaches of Alaska, we bring history into the community through pop-up exhibits, events, and school outreach. Our volunteers make it all possible.

Your membership fuels our mission to preserve, educate, and inspire.

Join or Donate Today

As a nonprofit 501(c)(3), the Museum of Alaska relies on generous supporters to keep history alive. Whether through membership, sponsorship, or a one-time donation, every dollar helps fund exhibits, events, and education.

Frequently Asked Questions