Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery
A historic resting place for Anchorage founders and loved ones, featuring unique headstones and a veterans' memorial.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Enjoy storytelling events
Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery
Best Time
Enjoy storytelling events
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic resting place for Anchorage founders and loved ones, featuring unique headstones and a veterans' memorial.
"Beautiful grounds with unique headstones, a meaningful place to remember Alaska's pioneers."
Attend 'Stories at the Cemetery'
Catch summer evening events with costumed actors sharing local history.
Be mindful of aircraft noise
Proximity to Merrill Field means occasional small aircraft overhead.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Founders' Gravesites
Various sections
Pay respects to Alaska and Anchorage pioneers. Unique headstones tell stories of early settlers and their impact.
Veterans' Memorial Area
Designated section
A solemn space honoring service members. Many visitors wish for a prominent US flag to be flown here.
Unique Headstones
Throughout the cemetery
Discover a variety of artistic and personal memorials that reflect the diverse communities of Anchorage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Space is Limited
Respectful Visitation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Attend 'Stories at the Cemetery'
Catch summer evening events with costumed actors sharing local history.
Be mindful of aircraft noise
Proximity to Merrill Field means occasional small aircraft overhead.
Check headstone orders
Ensure headstone orders are correctly placed and mounted to avoid issues.
Respect maintenance rules
Follow guidelines for decorations; handmade items may be removed.
Tips
from all over the internet
Attend 'Stories at the Cemetery'
Catch summer evening events with costumed actors sharing local history.
Be mindful of aircraft noise
Proximity to Merrill Field means occasional small aircraft overhead.
Check headstone orders
Ensure headstone orders are correctly placed and mounted to avoid issues.
Respect maintenance rules
Follow guidelines for decorations; handmade items may be removed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery a meaningful place with beautiful grounds and unique headstones, honoring founders and loved ones. However, concerns exist regarding inconsistent maintenance in certain areas, high pricing for headstone services, and strict rules on decorations. The proximity to Merrill Field also means occasional aircraft noise.
"The orders that are placed through the cemetery are very high priced and should be properly placed when a family orders a headstone. 🪦 the fact that families pay large amounts of money for the headstone not to be mounted down is crazy! I'm sure you're over charging for things customers have already paid for when purchasing the headstone!"
Tileina Tupai
"The Anchorage Memorial Park is a very meaningful experience. It contains both contemporary grave sites for various Anchorage communities and heritage and historical burials of Alaska and Anchorage founders. The grounds are beautiful and I always enjoy seeing many of the unique headstones of loved ones residing there. The only issue is it's proximity to Merrill Air field. Lots of small aircraft fly over ahead. However since many of Alaska's founders and residents are pilots that is not necessarily a bad thing."
Abram Goodstein
"Remembering family and friends are important for me. Municipality of Anchorage does a good job maintaining the grounds. I'd like to see our United States of America flag flown over the veterans area graves."
peter frost
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The cemetery is accessible by car, with the John Bagoy Gate at Seventh and Cordova being a primary entrance. Public transportation options may be available; check local transit schedules.
Parking is available, though it can be busy during events or peak times. Be aware that large trucks used for preparations can sometimes damage headstones.
The grounds are beautiful but extensive. Consider a map if you are looking for a specific plot. Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the cemetery grounds is generally free. Special events like 'Stories at the Cemetery' may have associated costs or require seating arrangements.
Cemetery hours typically align with daylight, but specific access times can vary. It's best to check with the Municipality of Anchorage for the most current information.
Yes, Memorial Day is a significant time for remembrance. However, be aware of specific rules regarding decorations, as some items may be removed shortly after.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the gravesites of Anchorage founders, a veterans' memorial area, and numerous unique headstones reflecting the community's history and diversity.
Yes, 'Stories at the Cemetery' is a summer event featuring historical presentations by costumed actors.
Maintenance can be inconsistent, with some areas showing neglect like dandelions and unmowed sections, while others are beautifully kept.
Be mindful of aircraft noise from nearby Merrill Field and adhere to cemetery rules regarding decorations and upkeep.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal remembrance. However, always be respectful of the solemn nature of the site and avoid intrusive or disrespectful photo sessions.
The unique headstones and the veterans' memorial area offer poignant photographic opportunities. The natural beauty of the grounds can also be captured.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for potential aircraft noise from Merrill Field, which might be startling for younger children. Also, ensure they understand the importance of respecting the quiet and solemn nature of the cemetery.
🤔 History Buffs
Consider attending 'Stories at the Cemetery' if available, as these events often delve into local historical narratives.
Even without organized events, a self-guided tour focusing on the older sections can be incredibly rewarding. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Historical Significance
Beyond the prominent figures, the cemetery also represents the diverse communities that have shaped Anchorage. Visitors can find gravestones reflecting various cultural backgrounds, underscoring the city's evolving demographic tapestry. This makes it not just a burial ground, but a living archive of the people who built and continue to build Anchorage.
Maintenance and Community Concerns
There have also been concerns raised about the pricing and placement of headstones, with some customers feeling overcharged for services that are not properly executed, such as headstones not being mounted down.
Despite these challenges, many visitors appreciate the cemetery's role in remembering family and friends. The desire for a prominent US flag over the veterans' area highlights a community wish for greater recognition of service.
Unique Events and Experiences
During these events, costumed actors bring local history to life, offering a novel way to engage with the past. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs, creating a relaxed, community-oriented atmosphere. This initiative provides a different perspective on the cemetery, moving beyond solemn remembrance to active historical appreciation.
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