7. Mendenhall Glacier
Any list of top places to visit in Alaska is bound to include a feat of nature as wondrous and unique as the Mendenhall Glacier. Situated just outside of Juneau, analyses of this giant reveal that it’s retreating. And although its runoff has, fortunately, created Mendenhall Lake, the fact that the glacier itself is retreating has had a series of negative consequences. Unparalleled views of the glacier, as well as a detailed history of the entire area, are available courtesy of the year-round visitor center. And the fact that there’s also an ancient forest in the glacier’s midst isn’t too bad, either.
