Oscar Anderson House Museum
Step into early 20th-century Anchorage at this historic 1915 home, filled with original antiques and offering a unique glimpse into pioneer life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Oscar Anderson House Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into early 20th-century Anchorage at this historic 1915 home, filled with original antiques and offering a unique glimpse into pioneer life.
"The guided tour was excellent, making us feel like we lived back then!"
🎯 Book Guided Tour Online
Highly recommended for a rich historical experience. Book via email in advance!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring the house and potentially the park, so comfy footwear is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Anderson House Interior
Inside the house
Step back in time with original antiques and heirlooms from the Anderson family, displayed openly for an intimate historical experience.
Heritage Garden
Exterior grounds
Discover a charming garden featuring rhubarb, strawberries, and day lilies, adding a touch of natural beauty to the historic site.
Coastal Trail Access
Adjacent to Elderberry Park
Enjoy scenic views and outdoor activities by accessing the famous Tony Knowles Coastal Trail right from the park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Guided Tour
Combine with Park Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Guided Tour Online
Highly recommended for a rich historical experience. Book via email in advance!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring the house and potentially the park, so comfy footwear is a must.
📸 Capture the Charm
The house and its surroundings offer great photo opportunities.
🚲 Bike the Coastal Trail
Rent bikes nearby and combine your visit with a ride on the scenic Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Guided Tour Online
Highly recommended for a rich historical experience. Book via email in advance!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring the house and potentially the park, so comfy footwear is a must.
📸 Capture the Charm
The house and its surroundings offer great photo opportunities.
🚲 Bike the Coastal Trail
Rent bikes nearby and combine your visit with a ride on the scenic Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.
👻 Ask About Ghost Stories
Locals and visitors sometimes mention the house's haunted reputation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Oscar Anderson House Museum for its intimate historical experience and knowledgeable guides. Many highlight the open display of antiques and the engaging tours that transport them back in time. Its location in Elderberry Park, with access to the coastal trail, is also a significant draw. Some minor dislikes include the need for advance booking for tours and seasonal operating hours.
"Our tour guide went Above & Beyond to make sure we had a very educational & enjoyable tour of the Oscar Anderson House. Great memories for the family. Thank you!"
Patricia Taylor
"The wonderful lady giving the tour was very knowledgeable. She walked us through the whole house, which was build for one of the first families in Anchorage. She answered all my children's endless questions. I brought 4 children ages 13-7 and they all enjoyed seeing the historical items and learning about early Anchorage."
Johanna Marvin
"This place is a hidden gem of Anchorage & great place to visit. There are lots of antiques & heirlooms from the Anderson family that are all out in the open to view as opposed to most museums that have a wall plexiglass as a barrier. I highly recommend the guided tour with Amy who is so nice about answering questions, but also very knowledgeable about everything in the house. The guided tour can be booked on line via email. As a side note, the house is located in Elderberry Park that is by the coastal trail. So we had a lovely afternoon as we did the the Anderson house, rented bikes & had some tacos at food cart close by....."
William Young
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Oscar Anderson House Museum is located in Elderberry Park, downtown Anchorage. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Many visitors also reach it by walking or biking along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.
While specific bus routes might vary, downtown Anchorage is generally well-served by public transit. Check the local transit authority's schedule for the most convenient options.
Yes, many downtown hotels are within walking distance of Elderberry Park and the Oscar Anderson House Museum, offering a pleasant stroll with scenic views.
Yes, there is parking available in Elderberry Park, which is adjacent to the museum. This makes it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
The museum has recently added an ADA-compliant pathway to its grounds, making it more accessible. Inquire about interior accessibility when booking your tour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission typically involves a fee for the guided tour. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current pricing information.
Booking tickets online in advance, especially for guided tours, is highly recommended to ensure availability and avoid disappointment.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the museum's official website or contact them directly for their current operating schedule.
You can explore the exterior grounds and heritage garden freely. However, a guided tour is strongly recommended to experience the interior and its historical significance.
Information on discounts for seniors, children, or groups is usually available on the museum's website or by contacting them directly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find a wealth of antiques and heirlooms from the Anderson family, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century life in Anchorage. The open display of artifacts is a unique feature.
A guided tour usually lasts about an hour. If you plan to explore the grounds and the adjacent park, you could easily spend 2-3 hours.
Yes, children often enjoy the historical items and learning about early Anchorage. The knowledgeable guides are adept at answering their questions.
Restroom facilities are typically available in Elderberry Park, which is adjacent to the museum.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to ask your guide or check for posted signs regarding photography inside the house.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the charming yellow house, the heritage garden, and the scenic views from Elderberry Park overlooking Cook Inlet are all excellent photo opportunities.
Photography rules inside the house can vary. Always check for signage or ask your guide before taking photos of the interior artifacts.
The house itself, with its historical architecture, and the surrounding natural beauty of Alaska offer unique subjects. Some visitors even mention its reputation as a haunted house.
Visitors often capture architectural shots of the house, garden scenes, and landscape photos from the park. Some also enjoy urban sketching of the historic building.
Drone usage is typically restricted in city parks and near historical sites. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone in the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Culture Seekers
The guided tours offer deep insights into the life of a Swedish immigrant and the development of the city. 🚴♀️ Outdoor Enthusiasts & Cyclists
Rent bikes nearby and enjoy the scenic coastal views before or after your museum visit. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Early Anchorage Life
It stands as the only historic house museum in Alaska and is the sole remaining wood-frame house from Anchorage's original settlement period. The house is filled with original antiques and heirlooms, providing an intimate look at the domestic life and possessions of a pioneer family. Unlike many museums, these artifacts are displayed openly, allowing visitors to feel a closer connection to the past. Visitors consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, like Amy, who bring the history of the house and Oscar Anderson to life.
Exploring Elderberry Park and the Coastal Trail
This park is a gateway to the renowned Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, a paved pathway stretching for miles along the coastline. Visitors can rent bicycles from nearby establishments and embark on a scenic ride, enjoying the fresh Alaskan air and breathtaking scenery. Elderberry Park itself is a lovely place for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or simply to relax and soak in the views. The heritage garden adjacent to the Oscar Anderson House adds a splash of color and fragrance, featuring plants like rhubarb and strawberries.
Combining a visit to the historic house with an exploration of the park and trail provides a well-rounded Anchorage experience, blending history, nature, and outdoor recreation. The 'Haunted' Reputation
+1 While the primary focus of the museum is historical preservation and education, this intriguing aspect adds another layer of mystique for some visitors. Stories and anecdotes about the house's spectral inhabitants circulate among locals and visitors alike, contributing to its unique allure. +1While the museum's official tours focus on the factual history and the life of Oscar Anderson, the 'haunted' aspect is often a point of conversation and curiosity.
It's a fun tidbit that adds to the house's character and can make the visit even more memorable, especially for those interested in local folklore and ghost stories. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit