Explore Alaska

From the dizzying mountain tops to the vast and seemingly infinite stretches of arctic tundra, Alaska is a land of mystical magnetism. Perhaps its enduring allure can be attributed to its relative inaccessibility—it holds a certain feeling of farness, of a land untouched and out of reach. Though its landscape may be diverse and its climate extreme at times, Alaska holds tremendous beauty for those daring enough to make the journey.

EXPLORE ALASKA'S STORIED PAST AND VIBRANT PRESENT.

Historians believe Alaska has been inhabited by humans since as early as 10,000 BCE, having crossed over the Bering Land Bridge which extended from Siberia. Together, these migrant groups form the Seven Nations of Alaska First Nations People, each with distinct cultural belief systems, languages, and histories. These histories are widely celebrated throughout the region and play an integral role in the land’s storied past and vibrant present. You can learn more in places such as The Museum of the North, which moved into its new location at the University of Alaska in 2005 and showcases various artifacts and exhibits that outline and honor Alaska’s unique and rich cultural heritage.

Much later, in 1784, Russians (led by a man named Vitus Bering— the namesake for the infamously harsh and tumultuous Bering Straight) arrived in Three Saints Bay on Kodiak Island. He then began establishing settlements, only to sell the land mass to the United States in 1867 after financial troubles in the Russian government. The acquisition was highly criticized at the time due to many believing the land was inhospitable and devoid of resources. Gold was later found in 1890, initiating a wave of settlers and prospectors.

The state remained relatively remote until Alaska’s tourism industry took off after World War II, during which time two Aleutian Islands, Kiska and Attu, were occupied by Japanese troops. American soldiers returned from battle commending the land’s natural beauty, initiating its status as a tourist destination. With the rising importance of tourism to Alaska’s economy (the state now receives nearly double its population in visitors with 1.4 million tourists each year), environmental conservation became a chief priority. In 1980, 53.7 million acres of the Alaskan landscape was added to the National Wildlife Refuge System, securing Alaska with two thirds of the total land mass dedicated to United States’ National Parks.

From the moment you touch down in Anchorage (the most populous city in Alaska, located in the southeastern region), the charming and rustic appeal of this location will steal its way into your heart. Be sure to check out one of the town’s local farmers markets for all sorts of memorabilia (and produce, depending on the season you visit). There are plenty of kitschy Alaskan delicacies to try, like salmon quesadillas (don’t knock it ‘til you try it!) or their famous and festive reindeer sausage. Before trekking out too far from the metropolis of Anchorage, be sure to give yourself the chance to take in the diversity of the landscape and the expansive shoreline in Chugach State Park.

Traveling northward, the complex land formations and thick boreal forests dissipate, softening into the low-elevation Taiga Forest. Here, you'll find Denali National Park; the perfect place tp reflect on the immense grandeur of this earth and to contemplate your own place within it. The six million acres of wild land also contains North America's tallest peak, Denali (recently re-named from Mount McKinley), summiting at a bewildering 30,310 feet above sea level. If you’re travelling to Janeau, the state capital, stop by the Mendenhall Glacier, which stretches an awe-inspiring thirteen miles and is the most accessible out of the thirty-eight glaciers in the region. Its worldclass visitor center contains interactive and informative exhibits and is an excellent place to observe and understand the persistent threat that climate change poses to our natural world.

Despite all that Alaska has to offer, its population sits at a mere 710, 231 (recorded in 2010). Its climate is fierce and unforgiving, the landscape is jagged and difficult to terrain. And still, people travel from all over the world to experience its remarkable and unprecedented beauty. Visitors often report an otherworldly sensation when immersed in the landscape; it is the sort of majestic scenery that requires reminders that you are, indeed, on Earth. Eowyn Ivey (an Alaskan born writer) aptly described her homeland as “the bright edge of the world”. There is adventure gleaming in this corner of the Earth: in the northern lights beaconing from the sky, calling out in invitation. Will you answer?

PEOPLE TRAVEL FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD TO EXPERIENCE ITS REMARKABLE AND UNPRECEDENTED BEAUTY

TOP TWELVE ALASKAN TOURIST ADVENTURES

01 APENGLOW (AT MIDNIGHT)

During the long daylight season when midnight sun shines in fractures as it dips below mountain peaks, a prolonged twilight lingers over the landscape, gleaming off of the snow and ice. A breathtaking and awe-inspiring spectacle of light. MANDENHALL GLACIER

02 MANDENHALL GLACIER

Just twelve miles from Juneau, the state’s capital, exists a remarkable coalition of ancient ice. A wonderful spot for Alaskan views of epic proportions. The visitor center offers kayaking, guided tours, and hiking trails for the adventurous!

03 CHUGACH STATE PARK

The fourth largest state park in the United States, and the most biologically diverse and wildlife-rich habitat existing in such close proximity to a major city (Anchorage). Chugach State Park contains a diverse range of land formations, from alpine tundra to marine waters, with 45 different species of mammals.

04 THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

04 If you haven’t had the privilege of seeing the brilliant array of neon colors electrify the sky with their midnight dance, Alaska is the perfect place to do. Photos fall short in communicating their beauty.

05 DENALI NATIONAL PARK

05 Experience Alaska’s remarkable array of landscape and be blown away by spectacular views of the Alaskan Range (containing Mount Denali) while exploring Taiga forests, meadows, sculpted valleys, and moraines—just a few features of the park’s six million acres.

06 TREE TOP WALK IN KETCHIKAN

Adventure through the Alaska canopy and get exclusive view while being immersed in the rainforest's diverse ecosystem.

07 MATANUSKA RIVER

Surrounded by the valley of the same name concentrated with cottonwood, balsam poplar, spruce, and birch trees, this river trickles its freezing whitewater downstream 75 miles from Matanuska Glacier to Knik Arm of Cook Inlet, where it finds the sea.

08 TRACY ARM FJORD WATERFALL

The marvel of Mother Nature is on full display at Tracy Arm Fjord Waterfall, where glaciers release their melted portions in epic force into mesmerizingly crystalline blue-green water.

09 GUSTAVUS

Formerly known as “Strawberry Point” (and sometimes still referred to as such by locals) because of its predilection for berry-picking, Gustavus is a small fishing village that will give you an authentic Alaskan experience.

10 RESSURECTION BAY

This destination received its name after soldiers were forced to retreat into the bay's calmer waters to wait out a deadly storm, which finally broke on Easter Sunday. A spectular view awaits if you're able to visit by boat.

11 WHALE WATCHING

A highly recommended pastime for visitors, wherever you are in the region. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the grandeur of these majestic creatures up close and personal.

12 SEWARD

This town is named after William H. Seward, the Secretary of State who negotiated the purchase of the landmass in 1867. Moderate temperatures due to its location keep this city a popular tourist destination.