Anchorage: Spenard Area True Crime Walking Tour

The Anchorage Spenard Area True Crime Walking Tour offers an immersive experience into the neighborhood’s gritty past. Participants explore the remnants of Spenard’s turbulent legacy, marked by organized crime and notorious figures. Guided by captivating storytelling, the tour features local Alaskan cuisine and opportunities to engage with the legendary Wicked Wanda. This unique excursion captures the essence of Spenard’s captivating underworld, making it a must-do for true crime enthusiasts. But what secrets lie within this neighborhood’s shadowy history? Delve deeper to uncover the thrilling tales that have defined Spenard’s troubled past.

This experience made our list of the 5 Best Walking Tours In Anchorage.

Key Points

• The Spenard True Crime Walking Tour immerses participants in the neighborhood’s turbulent history of disappearances, organized crime, and infamous underworld figures during the oil boom era.
• The tour features captivating storytelling, drawing from the memoir "Johnny’s Girl," and offers opportunities to sample local Alaskan cuisine to provide a counterpoint to the dark narratives.
• Participants may have the chance to encounter the local legend "Wicked Wanda," who shares captivating stories about Anchorage’s seedy underworld and showcases her unique bartending skills.
• The tour is not suitable for individuals with physical limitations, mobility impairments, or recent back issues, and dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated.
• The tour meeting point is located at the parking lot underneath the Spenard Windmill, and participants are advised to arrive early, bring a valid ID or passport, and wear weather-appropriate clothing.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Neighborhood Overview

The Spenard neighborhood exudes an intriguing blend of modern development and a gritty, edgy past.

Once a hub for brothels, bars, and organized crime during Anchorage’s oil boom in the 60s and 70s, Spenard has since transformed into a vibrant, eclectic community.

Remnants of its seedy history remain, including infamous watering holes that were once home to the city’s underworld figures.

Today, the neighborhood boasts a diverse array of local businesses, arts venues, and a lively nightlife scene.

Participants on the true crime walking tour will explore Spenard’s notorious past, uncovering tales of disappearances, murder, and the larger-than-life characters who shaped this dynamic area.

True Crime Experiences

Stepping into the depths of Spenard’s storied past, the true crime walking tour immerses participants in the grim realities that once gripped this neighborhood.

Through captivating storytelling, the tour guides regale guests with tales of Anchorage’s underworld, drawing from the memoir "Johnny’s Girl" by Kim M. Rich.

Participants can expect to:

1. Uncover the unsettling history of disappearances and organized crime that plagued Spenard during the 1960s and 70s.
2. Indulge in local Alaskan cuisine, offering a taste of the region’s culinary delights.
3. Visit infamous bars, where the infamous "Wicked Wanda" may make a cameo appearance.
4. Gain a deeper understanding of the complex legacy that shaped this once-turbulent community.

Local Alaskan Cuisine

Amidst the grim tales of Spenard’s past, the true crime walking tour also offers participants a chance to indulge in the vibrant local Alaskan cuisine.

As the tour winds through the neighborhood, guests will have the opportunity to sample regional delicacies and experience the flavors that have sustained Alaskans for generations.

From freshly caught seafood to traditional Inuit dishes, the tour provides a culinary counterpoint to the darker aspects of Spenard’s history.

Infamous Wicked Wanda

As the walking tour concludes at two famous Alaskan bars, participants may encounter the infamous Wicked Wanda. Known for her larger-than-life persona, Wanda is a local legend, captivating visitors with her wild tales and colorful anecdotes.

Attendees can expect:

1. An unforgettable interaction with Wanda, who regales the group with stories of Anchorage’s seedy underbelly during the oil boom era.

2. A chance to witness Wanda’s unique bartending skills as she mixes up potent libations.

3. Opportunities to ask Wanda probing questions about her past and her role in Spenard’s notorious history.

4. A memorable finale to the true crime walking tour, leaving participants with a deeper understanding of Anchorage’s gritty past.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Historic Figures and Underworld

Against the backdrop of Anchorage’s booming oil industry in the late 1960s and early 1970s, a cast of unforgettable characters emerged, shaping the city’s shadowy underworld.

One such figure was Kim M. Rich’s father, John F. "Johnny" Rich, a significant player in Anchorage’s criminal activities. His story, chronicled in Kim’s memoir "Johnny’s Girl," provides a glimpse into the dangerous environment that engulfed the Spenard neighborhood during this era.

The influx of cash and people fueled the rise of brothels, bars, strip clubs, and organized crime, leading to numerous disappearances and violent incidents that marked this tumultuous period in Anchorage’s history.

Accessibility and Restrictions

The Spenard Area True Crime Walking Tour isn’t suitable for individuals with certain physical limitations. Guests must be able to move or stand for 15-20 minutes at a time.

The tour isn’t recommended for those under 21 years, with mobility impairments, back problems, recent surgeries, or low fitness levels.

To fully enjoy the experience, participants should bring the following:

1. Passport or ID
2. Comfortable shoes
3. Cash
4. Weather-appropriate clothing

Dietary restrictions can’t be accommodated, and guests are responsible for managing their own food allergies.

Customer Feedback

Reviewers have enthusiastically praised the Spenard Area True Crime Walking Tour, with an overall rating of 5 out of 5 based on 2 reviews.

Guests highlighted the fun, engaging storytelling and delicious local foods experienced during the tour.

Reviewers appreciated the interesting and exciting nature of the excursion, which takes participants through the historic Spenard neighborhood and provides a glimpse into Anchorage’s underworld during the late 1960s and 1970s.

The tour’s focus on the memoir "Johnny’s Girl" and the infamous figure of John F. "Johnny" Rich has captivated audiences, making this a must-do activity for true crime enthusiasts visiting Anchorage.

Meeting Point and Directions

For the Spenard Area True Crime Walking Tour, the meeting point is the parking lot underneath the Spenard Windmill. This location is easy to find and provides ample parking for participants.

The tour begins promptly at the scheduled time, so guests are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early. To make the most of the experience, keep these tips in mind:

1. Bring a valid ID or passport, as you’ll be visiting local bars.
2. Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes.
3. Come prepared with cash for food, drinks, and any souvenirs.
4. Be ready to learn about the gritty history of Anchorage’s Spenard neighborhood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Guide a Professional Historian?

The tour guide doesn’t appear to be a professional historian. The overview indicates the tour is led by storytelling and focuses on true crime events, rather than providing a historical academic perspective.

Can We Take Photos During the Tour?

The tour guidelines don’t explicitly mention photography, so participants can likely take photos during the walking tour. However, it’s best to check with the tour guide beforehand to ensure there are no restrictions.

Is There an Option to Join a Private Tour?

There is no mention of a private tour option for this walking tour. The tour details indicate it’s a group experience limited to 9 participants, with no indication of a private tour available.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour has a limited group size of 9 participants. It is designed to provide a more intimate and personalized experience for those interested in exploring Anchorage’s true crime history in the Spenard neighborhood.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

There is no information provided about discounts for seniors or students. The tour has a limited group size of 9 participants, and the price is listed as $150 per person.

Recap

The Anchorage Spenard Area True Crime Walking Tour offers a captivating exploration of the neighborhood’s turbulent past. Visitors can enjoy the stories of notorious figures, savor local Alaskan cuisine, and even meet the legendary Wicked Wanda. This unique experience captures the essence of Spenard’s underworld history, making it a must-do for true crime enthusiasts visiting Anchorage.

You can check if your dates are available here: