Cultural travelers on the rise

A growing number of visitors have ranked the arts, heritage and cultural activities as one of their top reasons for traveling. In the travel industry, these visitors are known as cultural tourists.

"Cultural tourists" -- what in the world does that mean?" you might ask. Cultural tourists are travelers who visit historic sites, art galleries, theater, museums, cultural events, fairs and national and state parks. According to the Travel Industry Association of America, nearly 93 million Americans say they include at least one cultural, arts, heritage or historic activity or event while traveling in 2001.

That translates to about one in five (21 percent) of total domestic person-trips include a historic/cultural activity. In comparison, historic/cultural travel volume is up 10 percent from 1996. So what does this mean for tourism in the Valley?

The Valley offers a wide range of cultural and historic activities -- in fact, there are over 200 historic sites, more than 20 state parks and the state's most attended event, the Alaska State Fair, are all located in the Mat-Su. Take time to learn about the Valley's history by visiting some of these cultural sites. Here are a few examples to get you started.

In Wasilla, the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry, located at Mile 47 Parks Hwy., has a large collection of trains, planes and automobiles with photographs vividly describing the story of the early Bush pilots, prospectors, farmers and laborers who built this state. Call 376-1211 for more information.

Named after the "mother of the Iditarod," the Dorothy Page Museum offers a nice mix of displays showcasing a little bit of everything including local history, early pioneering and homesteading lifestyle, gold mining and the Iditarod. Adjacent to the museum is a collection of original buildings coined as the Wasilla Historic Townsite. These buildings are open to the public and shed light on how early settlers lived and worked. Also, every Wednesday from noon to 6 p.m., local vendors sell their produce and crafts at the Wasilla Farmers' Market, located on the grounds of the historic townsite. For information about the museum, contact the city of Wasilla at 373-9071.

Just like Eklutna Historical Park, Independence Mine State Historical Park at Hatcher Pass was also placed on the National Register of Historic Places in the 1970s. Throughout the park there are several descriptive interpretive signs making it simple to understand the history of the area when taking a self-guided tour. However, taking a guided tour adds an extra dimension to the learning experience and gives visitors an opportunity to tour some of the buildings that are normally closed to the public. Open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., call 745-2827 to learn about guided tours and other activities offered at the park.

Although not located in the Mat-Su, we would be remiss if we didn't mention two wonderful places where you can learn about Alaska Native culture and history -- the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the Eklutna Historical Park, both located off the Glenn Highway on the way to the Valley from Anchorage.

Open in 1999, the Alaska Native Heritage Center is in its fourth year of operation. The 2003 theme, "Explore the Past, Experience the People" includes programs on traditional housing, watercraft, native health and wellness and clothing. During the summer months there are daily programs of dancing and storytelling. On Aug. 23, the center will be raising a 30-foot totem pole designed and carved by renowned Tlingit artist, Nathan Jackson.

The totem pole will be raised in the traditional Southeast style with visiting elders, artists and dignitaries attending.

For more information, people can visit www.alaskanative.net or call their information hotline at (800) 315-6608.

Eklutna Historical Park, located off the Eklutna Exit, has the largest collection of Athabascan Indian "spirit houses" and is the home of the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church. This is a fascinating place to learn about native customs and traditions as well as the history of the first Russian Orthodox Church Parrish. As you enter the park, your eyes can't help but be drawn to the brightly colored spirit houses. To date, these houses mark the 94 known burial sites in the park. The colors, size and how each house was designed has significant meaning.

The original St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, built in the 1830's, is also located at the park and available to the public for viewing. The church was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 24, 1972. Inside still stand the original screens that were brought over from Russia. To learn more about the history of the area, Russian Orthodox Church and traditions, we recommend taking a guided tour that lasts approximately 20 minutes. Call 688-6026.

Although we are not able to mention every museums and historical landmarks located throughout the Mat-Su Valley, contact the Mat-Su Convention & Visitors Bureau at 746-5000 or visit us on the Web at www.alaskavisit.com to discover other places where you can start your cultural tourism adventure.