Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center & Girdwood Brewery Day Trip

Wildlife sanctuary wonders meet Girdwood craft brews on a day trip from Anchorage

You’ll ride along Alaska’s dramatic Turnagain Arm, spot wildlife with a local guide who knows every bend, get close to rescued animals at the conservation center, then relax over lunch and craft beer tasting in Girdwood’s easygoing brewery scene. This is for anyone who wants real glimpses of Alaska—quiet moments included.

What’s included

Your day includes entry fees to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, all transportation by air-conditioned vehicle (with options for stroller access), lunch from local food trucks at Girdwood Brewery, a guided Alaskan craft beer tasting session (if you want), plus all taxes and fees covered so you can just focus on soaking it all in.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wildlife, scenic drive, lunch, and beer tasting

• Drive along Seward Highway
• Stop for wildlife viewing
• Visit Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
• Explore animal habitats for 1.5 hours
• Drive to Girdwood
• Have lunch at local food trucks
• Sample craft beers at Girdwood Brewery

The Experience

You sort of tumble right into Alaska the moment you leave Anchorage. The road to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is all sharp air and those huge Chugach Mountains pressing in. Our guide, Jamie, had this way of pointing out moose or Dall sheep before I even spotted them—she joked she’d grown up “half-wild herself.” At one point we pulled over at Beluga Point because someone thought they saw whales (false alarm, but the wind there smells like salt and spruce). I kept glancing back at the water, just in case.

The conservation center itself isn’t what I expected—less zoo, more open space with musk oxen munching quietly and brown bears doing their slow circuits. There’s this hush that hangs over the place, except for the occasional raven yelling from a fence post. Jamie explained how most of these animals were rescued after accidents or losing their mothers. I remember standing by the wood bison enclosure, hands cold against the rail, thinking about how much work goes into keeping these species around. It’s not flashy but it sticks with you.

Lunch was at Girdwood Brewery—a rotating food truck lineup (we hit taco day) and a flight of local beers that tasted kind of wild themselves. The brewery felt like someone’s big wooden living room; people came in muddy from hiking, dogs asleep under tables. I tried to pronounce one of the beer names—Li behind the bar laughed and offered me a sample anyway. We sat outside even though it was chilly; something about Alaskan sun makes you forget cold fingers for a while. The whole day was less about ticking things off and more about catching small moments—like the way light hits wet fur or how spruce sap lingers on your jacket long after you leave.

Top questions

How long does the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center visit last?

You’ll spend about 1.5 hours exploring the center’s habitats.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, lunch is included from local food trucks at Girdwood Brewery.

Are alcoholic beverages part of the experience?

Yes, a curated Alaskan craft beer tasting is included at Girdwood Brewery.

What animals can I see at the wildlife center?

You might see brown bears, moose, caribou, musk oxen, wood bison, and more native Alaskan wildlife.

Is pickup provided for this day trip?

The tour includes all transport in an air-conditioned vehicle; check if hotel pickup is available when booking.

Can children join this tour?

Yes—infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers during the experience.

Is this suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but may not be ideal for those with poor cardiovascular health.

How far is Girdwood from Anchorage?

Girdwood is about 40 miles south of Anchorage along the Seward Highway.