big game alaska

Way to see animals in a zoo like setting. Most of the animals have a sad story as to how they arrived at the facility. You can spend as much time or as little as you want as it is self-paced. We killed time waiting for the tunnel to Whittier to open.

It was a ok experience, animals were in good shape and easily viewed! Nice gift store with some interesting souvenirs. Had seen all the animals in the wild which is much more exciting. However for some of our older folks or people with handicaps it is a nice alternative!

Oh Yeah! This place rocks!! The animals are close the the fences so you can get photos that look like there isnt a fence. I had fun fooling the folks back home with my close up bear photo.

This was a great thing to do in the rain. You can drive around the park and view the animals from the dry car.

This si where we saw our first Big Game in Alaska. They were seen just as we got on the tram and then from in the air while riding up to the Ski area.

Not real wild about this property. I guess if a person has never seen some of these critters before it might be OK, but definitely not a destination in and of itself, and in my opinion, not worth the cost of admission. Definitely not for the active traveller that enjoys a hands-on experience -- truly for passive visitors only.

It's now known as the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and is NOT located in Girdwood, but 10 miles further down the Seward Highway at the mouth of the Portage River valley.  That said, the center is the best place to see up-close-and-personal some of the wildlife tourists hope to see when they visit Alaska.  There's a feel-good atmosphere here, knowing your money goes to a worthy cause.  The facilities are being upgraded and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly.  The region's unpredictable weather makes the outdoor aspect of the center a bit problematic for visitors.  (Open only on weekends in winter, and fairly wild and wet on many days during the summer.)  Just be prepared for the weather and you'll be fine.

This place is pretty cool. They have raised orphaned animals native to Alaska and have them in large enclosures (basically a small game preserve) to be viewed by the public in a safe-yet-natural setting. Make sure you check the hours of operation (different in summer and winter I believe) You'll want a couple of hours at least to drive and walk around the several acres and then see some neat displays in the gift shop. This is where you'll want to go if you missed seeing some Alaskan animals in the wild.

On our return from Anchorage, we decided to stop at the Big Game Alaska Park since after 12 years in Alaska, we have yet to stop, Entry fee was reasonable, roads were good in the park, clearly marked and animals were actually where the map (provided) said they were. The park was clean, well maintained and the animals all very friendly. Some even waved and greeted us.... just kidding!. We saw moose, caribou, reindeer, bison, musk ox and three BIG grizzly's. The elk was surely letting us know who was boss.... he strutted and made noises at us and was a beautiful sight. Their surroundings were somewhat like their natural habitat.Not once did I feel that the park was commercialized and for profit. I was a good feeling to view these incredible beasts and you could see future plans for a black bear area and more. The gift shop was a gift shop, with trinkets, clothing, and jewlery as well as the normal stuff of a gift shop. It was very friendly and inviting.We had agreed to go again on a sunny day and take a lunch. Even though it was very nice weather, we drove. Next time we'd elect to walk the park. What at atmosphere!I recommend an outing to the Big Game Park just for a few hours and lunch. It's great for the locals as well as visitors. It was a great outting...

Took the walk around the park and saw many Alaskan animals close at hand without having to carry "warning " bells. The bears are up close and personal and these folks are doing a great job. Well worth a visit !

Have you ever stood 6 feet away from 2 Grizzly bears with only a fence between you? This rehabilitation facility allows you to see a huge variety of animals in a natural environment. You drive through in your vehicle, stopping and getting out as you desire. I am an Anchorage l local and take visitors here all the time - to their delight! Price is reasonable and supports a good cause. GO see it! I am always amazed and I have lived in Alaska for half a century!

Don't stop here last like someone else suggested. This wildlife park is reasonably priced ($5 per person) and is open year round. These aren't just zoo animals .... these animals CANNOT live in the wild on their own ... they've been injured or abandoned or their mothers were killd before they were able to learn to survive on their own. The owners have a passion for these animals. If you have extra, give a donation... they greatly appreciate it.I live in Anchorage and our family visits several times a year. It's not recommended but we have pet the moose and a few of the other animals when they come up to see us. Most of the animals are pretty secure around all the visitors. You can get some AWESOME pictures of these animals without a fence in the way!The gift shop is wonderful. They have everything from Alaska themed pajamas to coloring books, postcards & stationary, caribou rugs, alaska-themed dishes, soap and candles... something for everyone. In the summer time they even have food, such as hot dogs, cookies, chips and soda.After you visit here you can drive a few more miles down the road and see Portage Glacier or go through the tunnel to Whittier to get some wonderful homemade fudge at Sound & Spirit at the end of the wharf. There's also day cruises out of Whittier .

May 3, 2004. The folks at this rehabilatation center are nice and the gift shop is reasonable and well stocked. However, we stopped here at the start of our trip worried that we might never see any other wildlife. What fools ! Stop here at the end if you somehow managed to miss the wildlife.