SEWARD BOAT HARBOR
Seward’s historic downtown and picturesque boat harbor are home to quaint galleries, quirky shops, and one of the largest public mural collections in Alaska. S H O PP I N G
From top-of-the-line outdoor gear to handmade local crafts, there’s something for everyone in
the shops and galleries around Seward (p. 60). Dozens of local ar tists sell their wares in our historic downtown shops. The harbor area also offers an array of Alaskan products and unique souvenirs. M U R A L WA L K
Spend an afternoon exploring the 30 vibrant paintings dotting Seward, proudly known as the “Mural Capital of Alaska.” Under direction from the Seward Mural Society, each painting depicts unique historical characters, local events and natural landscapes while celebrating the beauty and spirit of Alaska.
historicAL highlights Seward is one of Alaska’s oldest communities. Our ice-free port has long served as a natural gateway to Alaska’s resource-rich interior. Here are a few historical highlights, dating back to our region’s First Peoples.
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CO M M U N I T Y M U S EU M
Curated by Resurrection Bay Historical Society, the Seward Community Library & Museum (p. 55) houses a collection that documents Seward’s past. The museum is located on the first floor of the city library and hosts events about historical people and events throughout the year. G O L D PA N N I N G
Relive the Alaska gold rush by trying your hand at panning for gold. Learn how to find your ‘pay dir t’ with Adventure 60 North (p. 59) and see how early Alaska miners, full of optimism, spent their days panning Alaska’s creeks.
IDITAROD TR AIL
BENNY BENSON
It Starts in Seward
Designer of the State Flag
The Iditarod National Historic Trail is a 2,300-mile trail network, originally developed to deliver mail by dog team from Seward to rural Alaska Native villages. From the Iditarod Monument, retrace the path of these brave mushers as you walk north on the paved trail toward the harbor.
John Ben “Benny” Benson, an Alutiiq boy living in Seward, was 13 years old when he won a contest in 1927 to design the flag for the Territory of Alaska. Benny’s iconic design featuring the Big Dipper remains today. The Benny Benson Memorial north of the lagoon honors this beloved Alaskan.