Captain Cook Monument

The feel

A life-size bronze statue of Captain James Cook stands in Resolution Park in downtown Anchorage. Cook stands on a large wooden deck, looking out toward the route he used to explore Cook Inlet in 1778 aboard HMS Resolution. The statue was installed in 1976 as a gift from British Petroleum for the American Bicentennial, and it is a replica of the statue in Whitby, England.

From the park, Susitna mountain, the Sleeping Lady, is visible straight across the water. On a clear day Denali can be seen to the north, and the Anchorage dock and the sunsets are in view. A Dena'ina place names sign beside the monument states that the Dena'ina inhabitants named all the features of the land in view before Cook sailed into the inlet.

What to expect

What it is

A bronze statue of Captain Cook in Resolution Park, with a Dena'ina place names sign added in March 2023.

Crowds and best time

A clear day shows Denali to the north, and sunsets are in view.

Parking

Free street parking and paid downtown lots are nearby.

Season and access

Walk-in, downtown, at the corner of 3rd Avenue and L Street, a few blocks from 4th Avenue.

Mingo says

Pick a clear day, since that is when Denali shows to the north. Cook himself was in the area only for a short period in May and June of 1778.

Before you go

• Plan to walk in from downtown parking, as the site is a few blocks from 4th Avenue.
• Read the Dena'ina place names sign beside the statue.
• Look for the replacement dividers Cook holds, a gift from Whitby after the originals went missing.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.