Resolution Park

Stunning Panoramic Views

Resolution Park is a small urban park located at the west end of 3rd Avenue in downtown Anchorage, Alaska. The park offers visitors panoramic views of Cook Inlet, the surrounding mountains, and on clear days, even a glimpse of Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley) to the north.

The park's elevated position offers excellent opportunities for photography, particularly during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Visitors can observe the ebb and flow of the tides in Cook Inlet, watch for wildlife, or simply relax and take in the scenery.

The Captain Cook Monument

The park's main feature is the Captain Cook Monument, a bronze statue of the famed English explorer Captain James Cook. Installed in 1976 as part of the American Bicentennial Celebration, the statue is a replica of one found in Whitby, England - Cook's hometown.

It depicts Cook standing on a large wooden deck, gazing out towards Cook Inlet, which he explored in 1778 aboard HMS Resolution while searching for the Northwest Passage. Resolution Park was named after Cook's ship, HMS Resolution.

Historical Significance

Resolution Park serves as both a historical landmark and a scenic overlook. While Captain Cook never actually reached the site of present-day Anchorage, the park and monument commemorate his exploration of the inlet that now bears his name.

Indigenous Recognition

In 2025, the park received an addition called "What's on the Horizon", which features Indigenous place names for the mountains and natural areas visible from the park. This installation aims to recognize and honor the long history and presence of Alaska Native peoples in the region.