So you want to visit a labyrinth in Alaska. I can help. I have selected 5 of the best (there are just over a dozen) that are accessible to the public from around the state, focusing on large population areas. If you want a full list of labyrinths in the state check out the Worldwide Labyrinth Finder.
Why visit a Labyrinth ?
Labyrinths are ancient and mysterious symbols that have been used for centuries for meditation, contemplation, and spiritual renewal. They are also a lot of fun to explore! If you're looking for a unique and challenging experience, walk a labyrinth with intention - it often leads to self-discovery. Personally, I like to walk labyrinths between dawn and sunrise or at sunset until dusk, but any time of day works. You may not realize it, but there is probably a labyrinth near where you live. Today we explore…
5 Labyrinths to Visit in AlaSKa
1. St. Mary's Episcopal Church Stepping Stone Labyrinth
This is a very unique construction of a labyrinth and had to make the list. The pathways of the classical labyrinth are made of stepping stones on the grass (or snow depending on your visit time). If you visit their website you can find a photo of it on the homepage.
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Address:
2222 E. Tudor
Anchorage, Alaska 99507
2. Christ Church Episcopal Labyrinth
A medieval 7 circuit labyrinth located at the back of the church an always open is made of bricks and gravel.
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Address:
5101 O'Malley Road
Anchorage, Alaska 99507
3. Catholic Diocese of Fairbanks Labyrinth
Located on the corner of Airport Way and Peger Road, this 11-circuit Chartres replica labyrinth made of rocks is open (when not covered by snow). It can be seen on maps satellite view to help find the location.
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Address:
1316 Peger Rd.
Fairbanks, Alaska 99709
4. Unitarian Universalists Fellowship of Fairbanks Labyrinth
The labyrinth here is made of white bricks into a paving material. It is also a 7-circuit Baltic-type - with a double path, meaning it has pathways in and out !
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Address:
4448 Pikes Landing Rd.
Fairbanks, Alaska 99709
5. Shrine of St. Therese Merciful Love Labyrinth
Drew Tarvin - flickr
The rock/garden Chartres style labyrinth has a 60 foot diameter and is open: Summer hours: 8:00AM - 10:00 PM, Winter hours: 9:00AM - 6:00 PM (or until dark). You can read about the Merciful Love Labyrinth on their website and find the breathtaking setting this labyrinth sits in. The labyrinth also has it’s own page where you can learn about it’s history.
Location: Juneau, Alaska
Address:
21425 Glacier Highway
Juneau, Alaska 99801
5 TIPS FOR VISITING A LABYRINTH
Set an intention for your walk so you can walk with purpose. It could be prayer, reflection, meditation, contemplation, or openness.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Typically this would read “Bring water with you, especially if you are visiting on a hot day.”, but for Alaska I would just say - Dress for the weather !
Take your time and enjoy the experience. There is no need to rush through a labyrinth.
Be respectful of other visitors. This includes not making noise and being respectful if walking with other people.
5 BOOKS TO READ ABOUT LABYRINTH WALKING
I wrote a blog post reviewing the following 5 books, each that deals with walking labyrinths. You can check them out yourself at the Amazon links below or read this blog post: 5 Books about the Spiritual Aspect of Labyrinths to learn a little about what each book teaches.
Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool by Dr. Lauren Artress 201 pages. AMZN
Labyrinth : Your Path to Self-Discovery by Tony Christie 312 pages. AMZN
Exploring the Labyrinth: A Guide For Healing and Spiritual Growth by Melissa Gayle West 209 pages AMZN
Walking the Labyrinth: A Place to Pray and Seek God by Travis Scholl 240 pages AMZN
Labyrinths from the Outside In: Walking to Spiritual Insight by Rev Dr Donna Schaper and Rev Dr Carole Ann Camp 187 pages AMZN
If you are interested in more spiritual labyrinth aspects I suggest the following websites:
Lauren Artress website - For coaching, workshops and classes.
Veriditas - The nonprofit labyrinth group founded by Lauren Artress
Worldwide Labyrinth Finder - Find a labyrinth to walk near you, or while on vacation
Maze Art I have made from Alaska: