Valdez is a city in Alaska, United States. According to the 2010 US Census, the population was 3,976. It is the third-most-populous city in the Unorganized Borough of Alaska. The town is located in the Chugach Census Area.
Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum
The Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum is among the best places to visit in Valdez. The museum is free and houses a nice collection of Inuit artifacts and taxidermy. It is not very large but has a lot to offer. One of the most interesting exhibits is a display of rocks.
The museum is also an excellent place to learn more about the history of the region. Exhibits are available on topics ranging from the 1964 earthquake to the construction of the Trans-Alaska pipeline. Visitors can also view artifacts from the early days of the city.
The museum is also home to the largest collection of Native Alaskan art. This includes Taxidermy mounts, baskets, carvings, and archaeological artifacts. There are also educational programs at the museum.
The museum is a nonprofit association that has teamed with the City of Valdez to manage the museum. This allows the museum to keep its independence and flexibility while caring for the collections and preserving the region’s heritage. It employs a part-time curator and museum educator.
Valdez is a great place to visit if you’re looking for something to do. The town is home to several activities, including glacier and ice field tours, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. The city is also home to two museums. The Joseph Bourke Museum was founded in 1901 and features information on the history of the area. A day trip to Valdez is incomplete without a visit to this museum.
The Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum is another must-visit place in Valdez, Alaska. This museum houses one of the largest collections of Native Alaskan art. Originally, the Whitneys bought the items from Native artisans and sold them in their gift shop. Later, they donated the artifacts to the Prince William Sound Community College. During the winter season, the museum is closed and only open during the summer months.
Old Town Valdez Site
One of the most unique aspects of Valdez is its waterfalls, which freeze in the winter to create epic ice curtains. These falls drop from 300 feet and are fed by a snow melt system. A hike through the canyon can be rewarding and thrilling. Besides the waterfalls, you can also try white-water kayaking. If you’re not into hiking, you can take the scenic drive through the mountains to Keystone Canyon. This stretch of road has amazing views and is a fascinating place to explore geology and history.
The site also features a concrete slab that was once the town post office. Signs on the slab list the names of earthquake victims. It is a fascinating way to learn about the past and add your own imagination to the story. You can also walk up to the Ruth Pond Overlook by taking a half-mile-long trail. The path is steep, but it features railings and steps to assist you with the climb.
The surrounding area of Valdez is absolutely stunning. Mountains meet the ocean and the area has lots of rainfall and waterfalls. It was almost destroyed by the big Friday earthquake in 1964, but people were able to move the town inland where the soil was more stable.
Valdez’s climate is temperate, with temperatures ranging from -20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time to visit is between June and August, when the summer months bring warmer weather and longer daylight hours. Even if the weather isn’t ideal, you can still enjoy hiking trails. There are also plenty of opportunities to go skiing, snowboarding, or ice-climbing.
Bridal Veil Falls
There are plenty of things to do in Valdez. The city has a diverse population. The median age is 38, and there are a lot of young families here. The diversity index ranks Valdez at 584 nationally and at 8 within the state.
If you’re an adventure seeker, you’ll want to check out the waterfalls in Valdez. Horsetail Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are two of the most popular, and they’re both accessible. After a short hike, you’ll have a clear view of these beautiful falls.
Another natural attraction in Valdez is the Valdez Glacier, a 15-minute drive from Valdez. It’s a scenic spot where you can observe icebergs floating in the water. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a guided tour or rent a kayak.
There’s so much to do in Valdez, Alaska! From glacier tours to sea creature sightings, you can find something to please everyone. The city also has a vibrant cultural scene. Kayak tours are a great way to see the city and wildlife from the water. The area has several great restaurants that serve fresh Alaskan seafood.
There are also many hiking trails and glaciers in the region. The surrounding mountains are similar to the Alps in Europe. You can explore ice caves and large icebergs. The town also has a museum and historical archive, where you can learn about the local history.
Bridal Veil Falls is a popular destination for ice climbers in winter. The route is visible from the Richardson Highway, and usually has thick ice and good belay edges. This 2.6-mile route can be climbed in one or two hours.
Mareas Glacier
There are plenty of activities for you to do in the area. You can go heli-skiing, which is a popular activity in Valdez, or try your hand at snowmobiling or backcountry skiing. You can even visit some waterfalls and take in the beautiful scenery of the area.
When you visit Valdez, you will have the chance to witness one of nature’s most magnificent displays. The city is teeming with small-town charm, and there are plenty of places to stay. In addition to hotels, bed and breakfasts, and motels, you can also find camping and RV sites. Many accommodations offer tour packages that will allow you to see the surrounding area. Whether you choose to stay in a hotel or camp, you will be rewarded with spectacular views and scenic trails.
There are also many guided sea kayaking tours in the area. Many outfitters offer trips ranging from half-day to a week. You can rent kayaks and other gear from the outfitter. You can also catch salmon, rockfish, and lingcod on the nearby waters. To fish, you will need an Alaska fishing license.
When visiting Valdez, be sure to plan a tour that takes you to Mareas Glacier, a massive block of ice that is popular during the summer months and a popular ice skating destination in the winter. The tour takes nine hours and costs $170 per person.
Another place you may want to visit while you’re in Valdez is the Valdez Glacier. This glacier is about 15 miles outside of Valdez, and you can see it from a park. In the summer, there are kayaking tours to the lakeshore, and you can even take a helicopter up to the glacier’s face for a spectacular view.