Alaska's cities
Girdwood, Alaska
Glaciers, gold and good times highlight life along Turnagain Arm
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Indian Valley Mine
The mine is one of only two underground mines in the area and was built in 1916. Visitors can pan for gold, discover the mine's history in the museum or visit the gift shop.
The mine is at Mile 104 Seward Highway and is open from mid-May through mid-September.
Portage Glacier Cruises
Receding Portage Glacier is one of the easier glaciers to view in Southcentral Alaska. Gray Line offers one-hour cruises on Portage Lake to within about 300 yards of the glacier. Tours can be booked at the Anchorage office, 745 W. Fourth Ave., Suite 200, or or bought at the dock.
To reach the boat, follow Portage Lake Road around from the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center at the lake. The tour costs $25, less for kids 11 and under, and is operated from May through mid-September. Call 907-277-5581.
More about Girdwood
Employment includes the school, service businesses, Alyeska Ski Resort and the Westin Alyeska Prince hotel. Several artists live in the area. A few residents commute to Anchorage. Thirty-six Girdwood residents hold commercial fishing permits. There are a number of seasonal-use and vacation homes in Girdwood.
Girdwood has an airstrip. The Alaska Railroad provides daily train service in the summer.
Nearby attractions are the Bird-to-Girdwood hike/bike trail, a highway viewing area for the bore tide and beluga whales, hooligan and salmon fishing and viewing, and the Begich, Boggs Visitors Center at Portage Glacier and Lake.
History
The community was named for James E. Girdwood, who staked a claim at Crow Creek in 1896. The Girdwood post office was established in 1907. In 1951, the Seward Highway was completed, linking Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula.
The city of Girdwood was formed during the 1960s, but the community was unified with the City of Anchorage and the Greater Anchorage Area Borough in 1975.
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