Alaska Railroad Depot, Anchorage (must see)

The Alaska Railroad Depot, also known as the Anchorage Depot, stands as a historic and active transit hub near downtown Anchorage. Serving as the anchor of the Alaska Railroad system, this depot is a gateway for tourists traveling to iconic destinations such as Denali, Seward, and Fairbanks, as well as the scenic Glacier Discovery Routes.

Constructed in 1942 with an original design by architect Joseph L. Skoog, the three-story structure, featuring the Moderne architectural style, was built with concrete and steel to meet the demands of the WWII era. Enlarged in 1948, the depot retains a flat-roofed, minimalist façade with subtle nods to Beaux-Arts classicism through features like a belt course and three-bay pavilion entrance. Inside, the well-lit waiting room showcases original light maple woodwork with Greek key ornamentation, quarry tile flooring, and ceramic tile wainscoting, adding charm to its functional design.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999, the depot is valued for its role in Alaska's transportation history and its durable construction, which sustained only minor damage during the 1964 earthquake. Today, the depot serves as the central office for the Alaska Railroad and leases part of its space to local organizations.