Are you searching for day trips near me in Alaska? Anyone who lives in Alaska knows that the road system can be quite a lofty challenge to tackle. In such a huge state, even a simple day trip can mean spending hours upon end on the wide-open road. But worry not as there is a much-welcomed alternative that will make you happy as can be!

Hop on the railroad — one of the best Alaska train trips, which is also one of the best train rides in the USA — and enjoy any of these seven incredible adventures that will lead you to some of the most unforgettable places in the Last Frontier.

1. Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop – Girdwood
Flickr - Michael Hayes
Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop, Chugach National Forest, Seward, AK 99664, USA
Flickr - Jessica B.
Developed in an exclusive partnership with the Chugach National Forest Service, this is one of the most popular train excursions in Alaska. The Glacier Discovery Train will lead you to a stop where you can enjoy a well-traveled and easily accessible 1.3-mile gravel path that leads from the train tracks to the edge of Spencer Lake. You won't believe the truly spectacular view of Spencer Glacier.

For more information and to book your trip, visit the Alaska Railroad website.
2. Hurricane Turn Train – Indian River Valley
Facebook - Alaska Railroad
Indian River Valley, Tenakee Springs, AK 99841, USA
Flickr - synapticburn
As one of the last trains in the nation to provide flag stop service, this unique excursion is offered all year long throughout The Last Frontier with slightly more limited offerings during the winter months. Enjoy stops along this Indian River Valley journey including Talkeetna, Chase, Curry, Sherman, Gold Creek, Twin Bridges, Chulitna, and Hurricane Gulch. It will be one of the best day trips in Alaska you can take.

For more information and to book your trip, visit the Alaska Railroad website.
3. Aurora Winter Train – Anchorage to Fairbanks
Facebook - Alaska Railroad
Anchorage, AK, USA
Facebook - Alaska Railroad
This exclusive wintertime train ride is sure to blow your mind. Head north from Anchorage all the way up to Fairbanks and cross your fingers that you'll see a stunning Northern Lights show along the way. No matter what, you'll be fully submerged in a winter wonderland paradise from start to finish. It's one of the best train excursions in Alaska.

For more information and to book your trip, visit the Alaska Railroad website.
4. Coastal Classic Train – Anchorage to Seward
Facebook - Alaska Railroad
Seward, AK, USA
Facebook - Alaska Railroad
Next up on our list of the best Alaska train day trips is this fantastic journey! After just one ride on this spectacular trip, you'll fully understand why National Geographic Traveler ranked it among their Top 10 Train Rides in North America. Soak in views of the Turnagain Arm and Chugach National Forest as you head south from Anchorage down to Seward on The Kenai on one of the best day trips in Alaska.

For more information and to book your trip, visit the Alaska Railroad website.
5. Denali Star Train – Anchorage to Fairbanks
Facebook - Alaska Railroad
Fairbanks, AK, USA
Facebook - Alaska Railroad
As Alaska is home to the tallest mountain in North America, it's no surprise that there would be an enchanting rail excursion focused around this renowned attraction. Enjoy views along the way from Anchorage up to Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali, and the 'golden heart city' of Fairbanks. Get your summer off to a great start by booking one of the best day trips in Alaska today.

For more information and to book your trip, visit the Alaska Railroad website.
6. Grandview Glacier Discovery Train – Anchorage
Flickr - USDA Forest Service Alaska Region
Whittier, AK 99693, USA
Flickr - USDA Forest Service Alaska Region
Similar to the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop, this incredible day trip will lead you to some of the most unforgettable places. Start in Anchorage and head south to check out Girdwood, Whittier, Portage, Spencer Glacier, and finally, Grandview. Make sure you have your camera ready because you'll want to snap photos from beginning to end. This is one of the most incredible train excursions in Alaska.

For more information and to book your trip, visit the Alaska Railroad website.
7. White Pass & Yukon Railroad – Skagway
Flickr - Miranda
Skagway, AK 99840, USA
Flickr - Ted McGrath
The White Pass & Yukon Railroad train ride will take you on one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life. Enjoy soaking in epic panoramic views of The Last Frontier and the Yukon while you relax in your comfortable onboard accommodations during one of the most unique day trips in Alaska. You can read more about this historic train route in our previous article.

For more information and to book your trip, visit the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway website.

If you’re looking for day trips near me in Alaska, consider one of these incredible scenic train rides. Which one or ones would you like to take? Let us know in the comments!

If you enjoy hiking and you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind trail, read about this one epic hike in Alaska will also lead you straight into another country.

If you’re still in the mood for more Alaska adventures, take a look at this video:

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More to Explore

More Adventures in Alaska

Melissa M. | July 27, 2021

Where can we find museums in Alaska? 

  • The Tanana Valley Railroad Museum located in Fairbanks offers a wide array of interesting historical exhibits and fun train rides.
  • The Hammer Museum in Haines showcases historical hammers from many different cultures and illustrates the overall origins and evolution of tools.
  • The Alaska Museum of Science and Nature in Anchorage features an assortment of dinosaur bones and other relics related to the age of the dinosaur.

Read on to learn about some of the many other intriguing museums in Alaska.

What are some of the most unique day trips in Alaska?

  • The Alyeska Resort in Girdwood offers skiing, disc golf, tram rides, and mountain biking trails – all accessible depending on the time of the year.
  • Kenai River Brewing Company in Soldotna features an impressive list of beers that you can learn about and sample along one of their beer-tasting tours.
  • The Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum in Fairbanks is a world-class automobile collection that attracts staunch car buffs and passing admirers alike.

Read on to learn about some of the many other unique day trips in Alaska.

What are some other road trips in Alaska?

  • The Denali Park Road, going from McKinley to Kantishna, travels through the heart of Denali National Park and is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
  • Hatcher’s Pass Scenic Drive between the towns of Willow and Palmer features a wealth of hiking and skiing opportunities depending on the time of year.
  • Old Glenn Highway Scenic Drive connects Anchorage and Palmer and spans 19 miles through the stunning Alaska farmland.

Read on to learn about some of the many other captivating road trips in Alaska.

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