The race begins in Anchorage and the musher and his sled dogs battle the elements to get from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska. The race commemorates the Alaskan gold rush era when the Iditarod Trail was the route for which supplies were brought to the various mining camps. Mushers and their dogs brought out much of the gold that was discovered in Alaska's interior during this time. In 1925, mushers also brought life-saving serum to the town of Nome, Alaska because of a diptheria epidemic. This year, the Iditarod begins on March 4.
Many people come to Alaska to see glaciers.
Alaska's number one visitor attraction, Portage Glacier , is located only 50 miles south of Anchorage. The drive to the glacier is spectacular. You'll see other glaciers hanging from the mountainsides. You may also get a chance to see wildlife. Keep your eyes open.