Alaska’s largest city is both a popular tourist destination and the center of commerce and transportation for the region; 40 per cent of the State’s population lives here. Local wildlife museums include the Alaska Zoo, the Imaginarium, and Potter’s Marsh, where up to 130 species of waterfowl can be viewed from a boardwalk. Geographical reminders of the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake (North America’s strongest) can be seen at Earthquake Park, while admission to the Alaska Experience Center includes a film on this devastating event. A wealth of local history can be seen at the Heritage Library and Museum, the Anchorage Museum of History and Art, the Oscar Anderson House Museum, and the Alaska Native Heritage Center, situated some 10km (6 miles) east of the city. A short trip north of town leads to the Eagle River Visitor Center and the alpine beauty of Chugach State Park. Also north of the city, at Eklutna Village Historical Park, highlights include St Nicholas Russian Church and the brightly painted ‘spirit houses’. South of Anchorage, at Girdwood, visitors can try their luck by panning for gold nuggets at Crow Creek Mine.