Celebrate Solstice at Eagle River Nature Center.

• Author: Pounds, Nancy
• Position: TRAVEL

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A Journey to the Eagle River Nature Center offers an accessible gateway to adventure. The center, located at the entrance to Chugach State Park, is about a 45-minute drive from Anchorage. Trails wind around the area for easy loops with mountain views and the center features displays of Alaska animals. Center operators schedule a bevy of outdoor-related events each month, including several children's activities. December events include classes on avalanche safety and winter bird identification.

"Our most popular event in December is our Lantern Walk," says Laura Kruger, operations manager.

The 17th annual Winter Solstice Lantern Walk is Dec. 15 at 5 p.m. Participants, many with homemade lanterns, trek down snowy trails lined with candle-lit ice lanterns to a bonfire for marshmallow roasting and singing. The heated yurt serves as a warm-up station. A sparkling winter beauty encompasses the family-oriented event.

"The trails are lit up by dozens of ice lanterns made by volunteers and staff," Kruger says. "We can't think of a better way to ring in winter solstice and...