Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center While Staying at Millers Landing: A Journey into Alaska’s Marine Life and Legacy
Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center While Staying at Millers Landing: A Journey into Alaska’s Marine Life and Legacy
A stay at Millers Landing in Seward, Alaska, offers the chance not only to explore the state’s rugged beauty but also to dive into its inspiring stories of resilience and commitment to environmental stewardship. One must-visit destination just a short drive from Millers Landing is the Alaska SeaLife Center—a place dedicated to marine research, rescue, and conservation, with roots that trace back to the tragic Exxon Valdez oil spill.
The Alaska SeaLife Center: A Beacon of Conservation Born from Adversity
The Alaska SeaLife Center was founded in part as a response to the devastating Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. This environmental disaster, spilling over 10 million gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound, caused irreversible damage to Alaska’s pristine coastline and decimated countless marine species. But from this dark event, a beacon of hope arose. The SeaLife Center became a hub for research and rehabilitation, allowing scientists to study marine ecosystems, rescue distressed wildlife, and work on restoring the balance of Alaska’s aquatic life. Today, the Center stands as a testament to Alaska’s commitment to safeguarding its natural beauty and wildlife for generations to come.
Millers Landing’s Story of Resilience During the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill
At the time of the Exxon Valdez spill, Millers Landing had been open for seven years, a modest family business on a homestead established before Alaska’s statehood. But in 1989, Millers Landing faced the prospect of shutting down entirely due to the financial strain caused by the spill. Mike Miller, the family’s patriarch and founder, had a choice: close the business or find a way to help Alaska’s environment recover.
Instead of giving up, Mike chose the path of resilience and service. He pivoted Millers Landing, leasing the company’s boats to the cleanup efforts and personally joining the front lines. As a Master Chief Engineer, Mike worked tirelessly at cleanup sites, pouring his skill and energy into preserving the natural beauty of Alaska’s waters. This left the day-to-day operations of Millers Landing in the hands of his wife, Sherrie, and his 12-year-old son, Tom Miller, who helped keep the family business running during one of its most challenging times. This experience left an indelible mark on the family, inspiring a profound sense of responsibility toward environmental stewardship—a commitment that continues to shape Millers Landing to this day. Mike Millers sons Tom and Chance bought the business from their parents in 2014 and continue this legacy. As of the time of this blog, Millers Landing is 42 years old and still running strong!
A Visit to the Alaska SeaLife Center: Experience Alaska’s Marine Ecosystem Up Close
For those staying at Millers Landing, a visit to the Alaska SeaLife Center offers an unforgettable opportunity to witness Alaska’s marine life up close and learn about the ongoing conservation efforts inspired by the Exxon Valdez spill. The Center is home to diverse species, from Steller sea lions and puffins to octopuses and sea otters, providing visitors with a unique perspective on the marine ecosystems of Resurrection Bay and beyond.
Guests can explore interactive exhibits, watch live animal feedings, and even take part in special behind-the-scenes tours to see the rescue and rehabilitation work firsthand. The Alaska SeaLife Center is more than just an aquarium; it’s a place where conservation comes to life, inspiring visitors to protect the environment and support sustainability efforts.
Why Staying at Millers Landing Complements a Visit to the Alaska SeaLife Center
Choosing Millers Landing in Seward, Alaska, as your base gives you a unique connection to both the natural beauty of the area and its history of resilience. With its private beach frontage, range of eco-friendly lodging options, and a deep-rooted commitment to sustainable tourism, Millers Landing offers guests a full Alaskan experience, from kayaking the Kenai Fjords to observing Alaska’s abundant wildlife. Our family’s own history of environmental responsibility—born from firsthand experience during the Exxon Valdez spill—shapes everything we do, from our tours to our conservation practices.
As you enjoy the beauty of Millers Landing, you’re also helping to support a family-owned business that’s dedicated to protecting Alaska’s environment. Mike Miller’s choice to work on the cleanup left a legacy that has been passed down through the family, inspiring us to operate with a commitment to sustainability. Today, Millers Landing’s activities are run in-house without third-party contractors, ensuring that our tours and adventures maintain respect for the land and water around us.
Book Your Stay at Millers Landing and Discover Alaska’s Wild Side
From exploring the vibrant exhibits at the Alaska SeaLife Center to launching directly from our private beach into the fjords, your stay at Millers Landing will be filled with unforgettable experiences rooted in Alaska’s natural beauty and environmental heritage. Millers Landing isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a piece of Alaska’s story, intertwined with the commitment to protect and cherish this rugged wilderness.
Book your stay with us today at Millers Landing, and become part of a legacy dedicated to Alaska’s conservation and natural beauty.