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Alaska Agriculture & Kenai Fjords - WAXX Radio
Rail Adventure
Courtesy of Visit Anchorage, Teri Hendricks
Two National Parks
Alaska SeaLife Center
Pan for Gold
Iditarod Trail Headquarters
Bob Bosold
Bob Bosold
Bob Bosold has been the Farm Director at WAXX 104.5 for over 40 years. Bob received the Farm Broadcaster of the Year award in 2002 and was recently inducted into the Wisconsin Broadcasters Hall of Fame. He also makes many appearances at farm…
Discover rich agriculture, extraordinary wildlife, and fascinating culture within Alaska’s otherworldly landscapes. Begin in Fairbanks, where we pan for gold, take in views of the iconic Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and relax on an enriching sternwheeler cruise along the Chena River. Next, travel the historic Richardson Highway to Delta Junction and learn about the development of Alaska’s Interior at Big Delta State Historical Park, visit Mugrage Hay and Cattle farm, and hear about the Delta Barley Project at Alaska Flour Company. Venture into the unspoiled wilderness of Denali National Park with a naturalist guide, then head south to the Matanuska-Susitna (Mat-Su) Valley, the heart of Alaskan agriculture. Enjoy a stop at the Iditarod Trail Headquarters before continuing to Anchorage. During a day trip to Palmer, revel in an afternoon at the lively Alaska State Fair and a fascinating farm visit, including an opportunity to meet a species who survived the Ice Age: musk oxen. The following day, climb aboard for a ride to Seward on the Alaska Railroad to embark on an exciting catamaran ride in Kenai Fjords National Park. Our trip concludes with a visit to Alaska SeaLife Center and a celebratory Farewell Lunch.
Trip overview may vary by departure.
Highlights
Travel the Alaska Railroad
Experience the journey that National Geographic Traveler ranks among its Top Ten Train Rides in North America! Relax with GoldStar Service from Anchorage to Seward, featuring a private bar, glass-dome ceilings, and an outdoor viewing platform for unbeatable views of massive glaciers and towering waterfalls as we wind along Turnagain Arm in the wilderness of the Kenai Peninsula. Our Alaskan guide also shares fascinating insights!
Alaska’s Agricultural Splendor
Visit Alaska Flour Company, nestled within the breadbasket of Alaska, for a fascinating tour of their expansive 1700-acre grain farm that includes viewing test plots, seeing the milling process, and sampling new products in development. At Mugrage Hay and Cattle farm, discover how a father-son duo focuses on producing the highest quality beef and hear about their innovative projects that push for agriculture infrastructure. Then, step back in time while learning about the onceendangered ancient animals that used to roam alongside woolly mammoths at Musk Ox Farm.
Denali National Park & Preserve
Spanning over six million acres of Alaska’s interior wilderness, these preserved lands boast a diverse terrain of tundra, dense forests, and awe-inspiring glaciers that accommodate some of the most spectacular wildlife in the country. The heart of the park is Mount Denali, North America’s tallest mountain reaching a height of 20,320 feet and often shrouded in clouds. When conditions are favorable, you may catch a glimpse of its soaring peak – a bucket list experience of a lifetime. This area also draws in people from around the globe hoping to catch sights of Alaska’s “Big Five” which includes moose, caribou, grizzly bear, Dall sheep, and the elusive gray wolf.
Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise
Relax aboard a catamaran as our experienced captain fully narrates our journey and provides information on the area’s wildlife, history, and geology. View an active tidewater glacier and watch for calving, where chunks of glacial ice break off and crash into the water. If possible, the crew will pull a small floating ice chunk on board to admire the detail and beauty. Be sure to also keep your eye out for marine life sightings, such as orcas, humpback whales, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, puffins, eagles, and many species of seabirds.
- Day 1: Fly to AlaskaOur adventure begins with a flight to Fairbanks, the Golden Heart City and our home for the next three nights.
- Day 2: FairbanksToday, we’re introduced to Fairbanks’ history as we trace its development from the gold rush to the discovery of "Black Gold." Take in sights of the famed Trans-Alaska Pipeline and become a gold-panning master at historic Gold Dredge 8, where we keep what we find! Afterwards, enjoy a delicious all-you-can-eat lunch at the Steamboat Landing, then board the Riverboat Discovery III sternwheeler. Our narrated journey along the Chena River includes a floatplane, sled dog demonstration, and a stop at a recreated Athabascan Native village. The evening is at your leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 3: Delta Junction FarmsThis morning, we travel along the historic Richardson Highway and enjoy an iconic photo opportunity where the Trans-Alaska Pipeline makes a river crossing on a suspension bridge! Further down the road, we reach Delta Junction, an inland delta where the Chena and Tanana Rivers meet and feed Alaska’s largest agricultural area. Boasting spectacular views of the Alaska Range, this rural town lies in the fertile Tanana River Valley and got its start in farming by keeping workers fed during the Gold Rush. Take a walk through the past and learn about the development of Alaska’s Interior at Rika’s Roadhouse in Big Delta State Historical Park, once an important crossroad for miners, traders, trappers, and the military. Next, visit Mugrage Hay and Cattle farm to hear how they pasture raise the highest quality beef and advocate for agriculture. After an included lunch, discover the Delta Barley Project as we travel into the grain growing region and visit a local barley farm, Alaska Flour Company. Later, we return to our hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 4: Denali National Park and PreserveEnjoy a relaxing morning on our motorcoach as we travel through the rugged Alaskan wilderness to the state’s most popular attraction, Denali National Park and Preserve. At six million acres, it is one of the largest unspoiled regions in the world! Savor an included lunch before our exciting journey into the tundra with a naturalist guide who shares intriguing park history and helps us keep watch for majestic wildlife, such as moose and grizzly bears. Later, we settle into our nearby accommodations.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 5: Iditarod Trail HeadquartersTake in more of Alaska’s extraordinary scenery today on a southbound drive to the Matanuska-Susitna (Mat-Su) Valley, the heart of Alaskan agriculture. Arriving in Wasilla, indulge in an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet at Settlers Bay Lodge before our visit to the Iditarod Trail Headquarters. Learn about the state sport of mushing and the world-famous Anchorage-to-Nome race while browsing a variety of fascinating displays. Afterwards, we check in to our accommodations in Anchorage and spend the evening relaxing or exploring independently.
Meals Included: Lunch
- Day 6: Alaska State FairOur day starts with a visit to the Musk Ox Farm in Palmer. Get to know these magnificent animals that once roamed alongside saber-tooth tigers and learn about their fine underwool called qiviut. This is the only place in the world where you can find gently hand-combed qiviut fiber, which is rare and more durable than most other types of wool. This afternoon, we attend the Alaska State Fair, the locals’ last celebration before summer gives way to winter. Marvel at the giant fruits and vegetables, indulge in classic fair food, browse exhibits, or learn about the Matanuska Colony and see a barn that belonged to one of the original pioneers. We then visit one more local farm before returning to Anchorage.
- Day 7: Alaska Railroad & Kenai CruiseWe board the Coastal Classic for a breathtaking journey on the Alaska Railroad this morning, heading south into the Kenai Peninsula. Have your camera ready to capture magnificent scenery that can only be seen by train, some of the best in Alaska! Upon reaching Seward, we board a high-speed catamaran for a thrilling adventure. Admire the natural wonders during our 120-mile narrated cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park and watch for sea otters, seals, whales, and other marine life. Our captain also stops for incredible views of a towering tidewater glacier! Our accommodations are in Seward tonight.
Meals Included: Lunch
- Day 8: Alaska SeaLife CenterOur final morning in The Last Frontier is spent at Alaska SeaLife Center, where research and rehabilitation help some of the state’s threatened marine life. Get up-close to a variety of animals, including sea otter pups and puffins. We then celebrate our adventures with a Farewell Lunch before returning to Anchorage for our overnight flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 9: Arrive HomeWe arrive home with wonderful memories of our time exploring Alaska’s agriculture and natural wonders.
What's Included
All Accommodations
- 3 nights in Fairbanks
- 1 night near Denali National Park
- 2 nights at Hilton Anchorage
- 1 night at Harbor 360 Hotel in Seward
Attractions & Highlights
- Gold Dredge 8 & gold panning
- Riverboat Discovery III cruise feat. floatplane, sled dogs & Athabascan village
- Alaska Flour Company farm & mill
- Big Delta State Historical Park feat. Rika’s Roadhouse
- Trans-Alaska Pipeline
- Mugrage Hay & Cattle farm
- Denali National Park guided tour
- Iditarod Trail Headquarters
- Musk Ox Farm
- The Alaska State Fair
- Rail journey aboard the Coastal Classic from Anchorage to Seward
- Kenai Fjords National Park cruise
- Alaska SeaLife Center
10 Excellent Meals
- Lunch at Draft House & Lodge in Delta Junction
- All-you-can-eat lunch at Settlers Bay Lodge in Wasilla
- Farewell Lunch in Seward
Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.
Minneapolis - Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport