Kitty-corner from the ACVB is the old Federal Building, which now houses the Alaska Public Lands Information Center (605 W. 4th Ave., 907/644-3661 or 866/869-6887, www.alaskacenters.gov, daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. mid-May–early Sept., Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. early Sept.–mid-May). This is a great starting point to learn about federal lands in Alaska, including national parks and forests, wildlife refuges, and Bureau of Land Management areas

Displays introduce you to Alaska’s wildlife and wild places, daily historical walks are offered throughout the summer, the bookstore has a good selection of Alaskan titles, and the auditorium is used for nature videos and talks.

A few blocks away is the Department of Natural Resources Public Information Center (550 W. 7th Ave., 907/269-8400, www.alaskastateparks.org, Mon.–Fri.). Located on the 12th floor, the information center has helpful staff and details on state parks, public-use cabins, where to pan for gold, state land sales, and much more.