Homer, Alaska has a number of excellent museums and cultural centers for you to explore. Most are a short drive from Alaska Luxury Adventures. We listed a few of our favorites in this article.
Pratt Museum
Location: 779 Bartlett St, Homer, AK Hours: Thursday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Distance from us: 4.6 miles
The Pratt Museum is a natural history museum dedicated to preserving the art, culture, and natural environment of the Kachemak Bay region. The museum was accredited by the American Association of Museums in 1982. It was the first private museum in Alaska to receive that accreditation. The Pratt Museum has extensive collections of over 24,000 objects related to the Kachemak Bay region, including archaeological artifacts, prints and photographs, agricultural tools, and much, much more.
The Pratt Museum has a number of exhibits, events, and educational programs offered throughout the year. The main exhibit explores Kachemak Bay's historical cultures and contemporary life along the bay. The exhibit has a number of videos, interactive computer programs, and photo essays. Other exhibits, which change on a regular basis, often include the works of well-known local artisans. Events and educational programs involve everything from scavenger hunts to hands-on activities and walking tours. Other popular attractions at the museum include watching seabirds in real time through a live-feed wildlife camera, hand-feeding fish, and touring the harbor around Homer Spit.
When you visit the Pratt Museum, you typically explore the grounds on your own, but the museum's knowledgeable staff is always nearby to answer any question you might have. Note that a small fee is required to visit the museum (around $15 for adults).
Location: 708 Smoky Bay Way, Homer, AK Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Distance from us: 4.0 miles
The Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies is an environmental education center dedicated to educating folks about the Kachemak Bay area's unique ecosystems. The center has over 350 members and dozens of volunteers who help provide educational programs and guided tours to its visitors.
The center has a number of guided tours offered during the year. You can take a guided natural history tour at Peterson Bay Field Station, a guided tour of Wynn Nature Center, a guided tour of Inspiration Ridge Preserve, or a dock tour. Tours are typically made up of around nine guests per guide, and can be customized to some extent to meet the group's needs. Tours of the Wynn Nature Center nature preserve are especially popular. The center is open from June until Labor Day. If you'd rather explore the area on your own, you have the option of self-guided hikes during this time.
Educational programs are usually geared towards kids. Programs cover topics such as marine ecology, forest ecology, Wynn Nature Center explorations, and a variety of summer day camp possibilities.
Prices vary depending on the specific tour or program. Contact the center for details.
Location: 95 Sterling Hwy, Homer, AK Hours: Summer, Daily, 9.00 am until 6:0 p.m. Winter, Tuesday through Saturday, 12: 00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Distance from us: 4.8 miles
Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center, considered the entrance to the world's largest seabird refuge, is dedicated to providing visitors with an understanding of Alaska's Pacific coastline. The center has a number of interactive and interpretive exhibits. Educational programs and guided tours and presentations are also available.
Some of the best activities at the center involve outside experiences. You can explore the Beluga Slough, various wetlands, and Bishop's Beach. You'll have the opportunity to see a variety of sea life, including otters, sea lions, and whales. And, of course, you can expect to see numerous species of birds, such as cranes, eagles, and gulls.
Inside the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center, staff provide detailed information about the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, wildlife viewing, and other points of interest. You can explore the center's numerous artifacts, wildlife sculptures, and stunning exhibits, including a Bering Sea rookery exhibit.
Admission to the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center is free. Give yourself plenty of time to explore this fascinating 60-acre site. And don't forget to bring a good pair of binoculars to make the most of bird-watching opportunities at the center.
