Alaska is one of the newest states in the United States. Alaska was only admitted to the Union in 1959, after being purchased from the Russian Empire for two cents per acre in 1867. It’s also the largest state in the United States; in fact, Alaska is all about big: wide open spaces, massive glaciers, and even the country’s tallest mountain.
This northernmost state has plenty to keep any wildlife enthusiast occupied. There are many reasons to visit this border of wilderness, including artefacts of Russian history, echoes of the Gold Rush, and an avalanche of native culture from Tlingit to Alutiiq.
1: Talkeetna
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First and foremost, Talkeetna is the starting point for everyone planning to hike at least a portion of Denali. At almost 20,000 feet above sea level, this is America’s highest mountain peak, once known as Mt. McKinley.
For those who are less daring, Denali National Park is a fantastic site to take in amazing vistas of the mountain. The eccentric Talkeetna Riverfront Park is a nice location to meander and locate a picnic site for the less daring, and the Talkeetna Historical Society is a great place to learn more about the town. The Denali Brewing Company offers a variety of beers to try. Also, read Best Tacos near me.
2: Skagway
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When Skagway was founded in 1887, it was a little town. However, in 1896, the community was irrevocably changed by the Klondike Gold Rush. Prospectors descended on Skagway, and the rest, as they say, is history, which you can read about at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center.
Skagway’s former greatness is obvious not only in the town’s Historic Center’s Wild West-style wooden buildings, but also when taking the White Pass and Yukon Route’s wonderfully magnificent train excursion. The incredible views from this tiny gauge railway, which dates back to 1898, will leave you speechless.
3: Petersburg
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In the late 1800s, a Norwegian called Peter Buschmann arrived here, attracting other Norwegian settlers as well as other Scandinavian immigration. This has earned Petersburg the moniker “Little Norway,” which explains the abundance of Norwegian flags and even the miniature Viking ship on display.
The Clausen Memorial Museum honours Petersburg inhabitants’ lives, culture, and art, and provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about the city. Petersburg is a little-known treasure of a destination to visit for sports fishing aficionados, and keen-eyed bird-spotters can catch a glimpse of rare bald eagles at Eagles Roost Park. Also read romantic hotels near me.
4: Juneau
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Juneau has served as Alaska’s capital since 1906. It is, in reality, the second largest city in the United States in terms of land area. There is no road access, which is surprising for a capital. That’s because the town is surrounded by extremely rocky terrain, which is terrible news for road-trippers but good news for outdoor aficionados.
The tranquil Auk Nu Trail winds its way up through Tongass National Forest’s temperate rainforest. The East Glacier Loop, which leads hikers onto the Mendenhall Glacier itself, is another option for something less forested. Other historic structures include the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, which was built in 1894 by Serbians and Tlingit people who were concerned about European invasion.
5: Seward
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Seward, located in Resurrection Bay and bordered by the craggy Kenai Mountains, is a very beautiful spot to visit in Alaska. For those who prefer to hike on an actual glacier, a trip to nearby Exit Glacier is ideal. You may also take a leisurely stroll through Obihiro Park, which offers views of the stunning mountain environment on the other side of the bay.
Little Seward was founded in 1793 by Russian trader Alexander Baranov, who established a fur trading post on the site that would later become Seward following the Alaska Purchase. Thankfully, unlike many other Alaskan communities, this small town has decent road connectivity to Anchorage. Also read Breakfast Near Me.
6: Homer
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For good cause, Homer is known as “the end of the road.” Only the Sterling Highway connects this tiny village to the rest of the world. Local artists and other creatives have taken advantage of the distant environment, resulting in an eclectic array of galleries and craft shops throughout town, particularly along Pioneer Avenue.
The Pratt Museum has a collection of local relics and art, as well as an ancient pioneer cabin to explore. The Alaska Islands and Oceans Visitor Center is a fantastic place to learn about the area’s natural history, or you might simply go fishing and see eagles at Homer Spit.
7: Valdez
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Valdez is about as far away as you can get without feeling uncomfortable. It’s all about appreciating the natural beauty that surrounds you here. If you’ve come to Valdez for the scenery, there won’t be much disappointment. From numerous fishing options in Port Valdez – complete with spectacular mountain vistas – to catching a peek of the magnificent Bridal Veil Falls, and even heli-skiing, there won’t be much disappointment. Also, read Best Italian Restaurants Near Me.
To travel even further off the main road, head to Shoup Bay, which has a plethora of campgrounds and hiking paths. The Valdez Museum is a fantastic site to learn about the area’s history, or you might make plans to attend the annual Last Frontier Theatre Conference while you’re in town.
8: Ketchikan
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Tlingit totem poles are famous in Ketchikan. In fact, it is known for having the world’s largest collection of totem poles. These can be seen at Potlatch Park, Saxman Totem Park, or Totem Bight State Park; however, the majority are re-carvings of previous totem poles. The Totem Heritage Center, which shows a collection of 19th-century totem poles salvaged from abandoned towns in the vicinity, is the place to go for the real stuff. Also, read Burgers Near Me.
The historic 1930 First Lutheran Church is located in Ketchikan’s scenic Newton neighbourhood, which boasts attractive structures that spread uphill from the crystal lake. However, you may add to the beauty by strolling down the Creek Street Historic District’s boardwalk.