Capital: Juneau
Largest City: Anchorage
Abbreviation: AK
Joined the Union: January 3, 1959
Nickname: The Last Frontier
It’s the Land of the Midnight Sun. In the mild summer months, the endless days in Alaska offer never-ending outdoor experiences – you never have to stop soaking up those life-changing mountain views. And during the bitter winters, the colorful Northern Lights illuminate the landscape as they dance across the sky. No matter the season, Alaska never fails to be a little slice of Arctic heaven.
Areas to Explore
FAIRBANKS
JUNEAU
Other Places to Visit
Skagway
Skagway is a major tourist hotspot on Alaska’s panhandle, situated at the head of Taiya Inlet and serving as a popular cruise ship destination. The city was also a crucial port during the Klondike Gold Rush, the history of which can be seen at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Visitors can feel like a part of the Gold Rush as they pan for gold, see sled dogs and more at Alaska 360’s Dredge Town.
Utqiagvik
Formerly known as Barrow, the village of Utqiagvik is the northernmost settlement in the United States. The city is just 1,300 miles south of the North Pole and only has around 5,000 year-round residents, most of whom who are Native Alaskans. Their culture and history in the circumpolar regions is on display at at the Iñupiat Heritage Center. During the summer when temperatures are milder, the Eskimo Games take place in the city, with winners moving on to compete in the World Eskimo Indian Olympics. In fall, the city takes to whaling, a practice which is characterized by the Whale Bone Arch, an icon of the area.
Wasilla
Part of suburban Anchorage, Wasilla was the longtime starting point of the world famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race until it moved to Willow in 2002. However, it remains home to the Iditarod Trail Headquarters, where visitors can learn about the race and its history. The city is also the site of the Museum of Alaska Transportation, which houses the trains, planes and automobiles that have helped shape the human landscape of The Last Frontier.
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