Alaska

Our Beautiful
Alaska
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Brief Introduction to Alaska
Alaska (AK) is the northern most state of the United States of America. Located to the west of Canada, it is the largest of the 50 states. Fishing, oil, and natural gas are the dominant sources of Alaska's economy. Additionally, tourism and miltary bases also contribute to Alaska's economy. Alaska was purchased from Russia on March 30, 1867 for $7.2 million dollars. Alaska became the 49th state to be admitted to the U.S. on Jan. 3, 1959. While Alaska is generally known for being very cold in the winter, it also enjoys moderate temperatures during other times of the year. According to Wikipedia, Alaska was occupied by numerous indigenous peoples for thousands of years prior to the arrival of Europeans. The Aluet peole still inhabit the Aleutian islands and are a seafaring people. Besides the Russians, there have been expeditions to the Alaska area, including the Spanish. The purchase of Alaska by the United States became known as Seward's Folly after William H. Seward who negotiated the deal. Alaska is also known for the famous Klondike Gold Rush in the late 1890s. In 1964 Alaska suffered the 2nd most powerful earthquake in the history of the world with a magnitude 9.2 quake. Many people were killed and numerous coastal villages were destroyed.

Of course there are many more fascinating facts about Alaska. In the future, we will be adding much more detail on a separate page. If you have a fact about Alaska that you believe will be of interest to the public, please let us know. Please click Contact Us to forward your information. For the Top Attractions in Alaska, please see below.

Top Attractions (alphabetical)

With so many attractions in Alaska it is difficult to put them in a short list. This list will be added to/modified from time to time, so please keep checking back for the latest updates.
In the future you will be able to vote for your favorite attractions in Alaska.
For a larger list of attractions, please click here.

  • Alaska Aviation MuseumAnchorage, AK: Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum – Aviation in Alaska is an essential part of getting around. Lake Hood contains the world's largest seaplane base and this is where the museum is actually located. Not all state parks are accessible by road. The museum has wonderful historical exhibits, education, tours and the Hall of Fame. There are four hangers with exhibits and vintage aircraft. Included is a "Restoration Hanger" where volunteers work on restoring aircraft. It has everything you would want in a aviation museum and includes flying aircraft. Bring a little of the museum home with you by purchasing items at the gift store. It is open to the public for a nominal fee. The museum features regular events with lectures about interesting historical topics.
  • Alaska Museum of Natural History - MammothsAnchorage, AK: Alaska Museum of Natural History – The Natural History of Alaska brings to mind the native peoples and their cultures. It also brings to mind the “Gold Rush” period, and the heroic efforts put forth by many explorers and adventurers to conquer Alaska. This is an incredible museum with something for everyone. Not only can you see fantastic exhibits, but there is availability for school trips, birthday parties, etc.
  • Chugach State ParkAnchorage, AK: Chugach State Park - One of the four largest state parks in the United States and Alaska's most accessible natural area, makes this a "must see!" The park includes the famous Iditarod Trail winding through the area. The park is located in south central Alaska near Anchorage. It is approximately 495,000 acres. There is such a diversity of sites to see and things to do that attempting to list them on this page would defeat the purpose of this page. Check out the link!
  • Anchorage, AK: Seward Highway – Seward Highway runs between Anchorage, AK and the seaside community of Seward, AK. As you begin the trip from Anchorage, you see spectacular views of a shoreline and the peaks of the Chugach Mountains. From there you will find many attractions to peak your attention.
  • Chena Hot Springs - Aurora Ice MuseumChena Hot Springs, AK: Chena Hot Springs Resort – Founded over 100 years ago, Chena Hot Springs is 60 scenic miles from downtown Fairbanks. It is the most developed hot springs in Alaska with legendary healing mineral waters. In addition to nice accomodations and a shuttle to Chena Hot Springs resort, there is a variety of activities available including viewing wildlife up close, year round Aurora Ice Museum, pool house, and many more. Click on the link above for more information.
  • Denali National ParkDenali, AK: Denali National Park – Denali National Park is more than just a mountain. It covers six million acres of wild land with one road running through it (George Parks Hiway). The park culminates in North America's highest peak. At 20,320' Mt. McKinley is a sight to behold and is a must do place for mountaineering. The park also features glaciers, pack rafting, skiing, dog musing and is an athletes place to go to test themselves. Wild animals roam on unfenced land. For more and current information, click on the link above.
  • Fairbanks, AK: Pioneer Park – Dinner and a Show – Alaska Style. In the year 1967, the Alaskan Centennial Exposition was held in Fairbanks.
  • Glacier Bay National ParkGlacier Bay National Park (west of Juneau) - According to the Alaska State website Glacier Bay National Park covers 3.3 million acres and rugged mountains,dominating glaciers, rainforest, wild coastlines, and sheltered fjords. This park is generally reached by cruise lines in the Inside Passage. Glacier Bay National Park exhibits some of the most scenic country in the north American continent. If you enjoy great scenary and and wilderness experience, this is the place to visit!
  • Ketchikan, AK: Alaska Cruise – Cruises are available on the "inside passage" with ports of call including Ketchikan, Juneau (the capital of Alaska), and many others. These cruises make for wonderful family vacations with spectacular scenery and wildlife viewing.
  • Nome, AK: Iditarod – The far north of Alaska holds a special appeal to folks who love dog mushing. The Iditarod dog sled race, starting in Nome is a sportsman's dream. It is billed as the "Last Great Race on Earth®  ."
  • Kenai Fjords National ParkSeward, AK: Kenai Fjords National Park – "Where mountains, Ice, and Ocean meet." Kenai Fjords lies at the edge of the Kenai Peninsula and includes nearaly 40 glaciers flowing from the Harding Icefield. This park is near the town of Seward and was established in 1980. It is said that here the "Ice Age" lingers. The roads to Exit Glacier generally become snowbound and closed in November, with snow often lasting into May. It is then accessible by cross-country skis, snowmobiles, and dogsled. Please stay clear of the wildlife!
  • Skagway, ALSkagway, AK: White Pass and Yukon Route Railway Tour – The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway was built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush. It is a marvel of engineering considering the harsh weather and geography. This exciting adventure takes you on a spectacular journey of mountains, glaciers and gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles, and even to see a Paddle Wheel boat at Carcross.
  • More... (forthcoming)
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Major Features of Alaska

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Alaska Facts (the info below is for Alabama - here as an example)

  • Area: 52,423 sq.mi (135,775 sq.km.), 30th
  • Land: 50,750 sq.mi. (131,442 sq.km.), 28th
  • Water: 1,673 sq.mi. (4,333 sq.km.), 23rd
  • Coastline: 53 mi. (85 km.), 17th
  • Shoreline: 607 mi. (977 km.), 19th

Did You Know?

  • Alaska...