What to See & Do in Cordova, Alaska

Cultural & Historical Attractions

  • Ilanka Cultural Center
    Museum honoring the Eyak, Alutiiq, Ahtna, and Tlingit peoples with local artwork, traditional artifacts, and a full orca skeleton.
    📍 32 Lake Avenue, Cordova, AK 99574
    📞 (907) 424-7903

  • Cordova Historical Museum
    Highlights Cordova’s railroad, fishing, and Gold Rush history, plus the 1964 earthquake. Located inside the Cordova Center.
    📍 601 First Street, Cordova, AK 99574
    📞 (907) 424-6665

Nature & Wildlife

  • Copper River Delta
    The largest contiguous wetlands on the Pacific Coast of North America. A haven for birdwatchers and home to moose, bears, trumpeter swans, and bald eagles.

  • Childs Glacier Viewing Area
    Known for dramatic calving events. Now primarily accessed via guided boat tours or air charters due to road washouts.

  • Childs Glacier Adventures & Shuttle
    Full-day guided boat trip to Childs Glacier with wildlife spotting and educational commentary.

  • Explore Cordova
    Offers land and water-based tours focused on ecosystems and regional wildlife.
    📞 (907) 429-5713

  • Orca Adventure Lodge Wildlife Viewing
    Panoramic wildlife tours in Orca Inlet guided by experienced naturalists.
    📞 (907) 424-7249

  • Serenity Adventure Charters
    Boat-based tours including fishing, sea duck hunting, and combo trips in remote areas.
    📞 (907) 360-3456

Local Events & Festivals

  • Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival
    Held each May to celebrate the arrival of over 5 million migratory shorebirds. Includes birding tours, science talks, and community programming.

  • Copper River Salmon Jam
    July festival combining live music, salmon cook-offs, races, and artisan markets to celebrate Cordova’s fishing culture.
    📞 (907) 424-3334

  • Cordova Iceworm Festival
    A weeklong winter celebration each February, featuring a parade, survival suit races, and crowning of the Iceworm King and Queen.

                                Seasonal Highlights in Cordova

Season Activities & Events
Spring (April–June) Copper River Shorebird Festival • Birdwatching on the Copper River Delta • Early-season hikes (Sheridan Glacier Trail) • Salmonberry picking
Summer (July–August) Copper River Salmon Season • Old Time Downtown 4th of July Celebration • Hiking season (Heney Ridge, Mt. Eyak, Alice Smith Intertie) • Kayaking & glacier tours in Prince William Sound
Fall (September–October) Brilliant fall foliage across Chugach National Forest • Coho (Silver) Salmon runs • Mushroom foraging & berry picking • Quieter season for photography & wildlife viewing
Winter (November–March) Cordova Iceworm Festival (late Jan–early Feb) • Skiing & snowboarding at Mt. Eyak Ski Area • Snowshoeing & cross-country skiing (Sheridan Glacier Trail) • Winter birdwatching on the Copper River Delta