Top 15 Most Interesting Facts About Alaska

1. State Motto: "North to the Future".
2. State Bird: Willow Ptarmigan.
3. State Mammal: Moose (land) and Bowhead Whale (marine).
4. State Flag: Features eight gold stars on a blue field, symbolizing the Big Dipper and the North Star.
5. Total Area: 663,268 square miles, making it the largest state in the U.S.
6. Alaska has more coastline than all other U.S. states combined.
7. Denali, formerly known as Mount McKinley, is the tallest mountain in North America (20,310 feet).
8. Alaska has over 3 million lakes and more than 12,000 rivers.
9. The Northern Lights can be seen in Alaska between September and April.
10. Alaska is home to the largest national park in the U.S., Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
11. The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is a famous annual event in Alaska.
12. Alaska was purchased from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million, known as "Seward's Folly."
13. More than half of the world's glaciers are found in Alaska.
14. Alaska has 17 of the 20 highest peaks in the U.S.
15. It is the only U.S. state where you can see Russia from land (on Little Diomede Island).

Geography of Alaska

Alaska's vast and rugged terrain includes mountains, glaciers, and tundra. Key features include:

• Highest Point: Denali (20,310 feet), the tallest mountain in North America.
• Lowest Point: The Pacific Ocean (Sea Level).
• Mountain Ranges: The Alaska Range, Brooks Range, and the Aleutian Range.
• Major Regions:
  • Interior: Known for Fairbanks and the Arctic Circle.
  • Southcentral: Includes Anchorage and stunning fjords.
  • Southeast: Home to Juneau and Glacier Bay National Park.
  • Arctic: Tundra landscapes and the Northern Lights.

A Brief History of Alaska

Alaska has a rich history, from its Native peoples to becoming the 49th state of the U.S. in 1959:

• Alaska was originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Inuit and Aleut tribes.
• The territory was purchased from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million.
• It became a state on January 3, 1959.

Top 10 Things to Do in Alaska

1. Visit Denali National Park.
2. Take a cruise through Glacier Bay National Park.
3. Explore Anchorage's museums and trails.
4. Watch the Northern Lights in Fairbanks.
5. Go dog sledding or attend the Iditarod.
6. Hike the Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park.
7. Fish for salmon in the Kenai River.
8. Drive along the scenic Seward Highway.
9. Experience whale watching in Juneau.
10. Visit the Arctic Circle and see the midnight sun.

Top 10 Destinations in Alaska

1. Denali National Park
2. Glacier Bay National Park
3. Anchorage
4. Juneau
5. Fairbanks

Plan Your Visit

For more information about Alaska, visit the state’s official tourism site: Travel Alaska