Small Resurrection Bay town is filled with big city excitement

At the head of Resurrection Bay, one of the jewels of Alaska calls to visitors each year.

Seward is one of Alaska's most visited spots each year for many reasons. There is something for everyone in the little town.

The harbor is home to many guide services and charter businesses, as people take to Resurrection Bay in search of silver salmon and halibut. Resurrection Bay is an important link to Seward's economy -- in addition to commercial fishing, it's the base for many wildlife and glacier cruises, sailing and kayaking adventures and photography opportunities.

Behind the town, Mount Marathon rises 3,022 feet. During the Independence Day celebration for which Seward is famous, the Mount Marathon race sees hundreds of people running up and down the mountain. It is one of the state's most notable events every year. Thousands of people flock to the area for the Fourth of July weekend.

Behind Mount Marathon is the Harding Icefield. There are numerous glaciers in the icefield, and eight of them approach the tidewater, calving in loud explosions that delight tourists and photographers who visit the area.

If you aren't as adventurous, there is plenty to do in Seward. The downtown district is home to many quaint gift shops and tourist attractions. The biggest attraction is the SeaLife Center, located at the end of town.

The SeaLife Center is dedicated to research and marine rehabilitation. It is also a living museum of sorts, as people can see hundreds of marine animals in their environment. Large tanks allow birds to swim down for food, while sea lions swim free in large glass tanks. The large facility allows people to go the second floor and get a great view of the animals in action.

The SeaLife Center opened in May, 1998. The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Settlement Fund provided $26 million of the $56 million cost, while grants, bonds and donations covered the rest of the cost.

Seward is located about 170 miles south of the Valley on the Seward Highway. A solid three-hour drive can be broken up by stopping at the Begich Boggs Visitor Center in Portage. Seward is close enough to be able to visit and return to the Valley in the same day, although there are plenty of spots to camp, including full-service RV hookups, both in Seward and along the way.

Currently, the Seward Silver Salmon Derby is going on, giving anglers just one more reason to visit the area. There is a $100,000 tagged fish out there, and a Seward grandma recently caught a $50,000 tagged fish. Last year, Al Verrall of Palmer finished second in the derby.