Just hearing the state’s name conjures images of towering mountains, endless forests, and a kind of wild beauty that’s hard to put into words. When you start digging into what really makes this state tick, you’ll be blown away by how much more there is to Alaska than just cold weather and stunning landscapes. It’s a place that feels almost otherworldly, where extremes are the norm and every corner hides a surprise.
Sure, we all picture glaciers and polar bears, but did you know that Alaska has more coastline than the rest of the U.S. combined? These facts will make you understand why Alaska is called The Last Frontier, it’s one of the last places where nature rules and adventure is always within reach.
So, if you’re curious about Alaska, you’re in for a treat. We’ve pulled together 14 cool facts that showcase just how unique and fascinating this northern state really is.
1. Alaska is the Largest State in the U.S.
Alaska is huge, like, really huge. It’s bigger than Texas, California, and Montana combined. With 663,300 square miles of space, Alaska takes up about one-sixth of the entire U.S. You could fit 19 smaller states inside it and still have room to spare!
But what’s wild is that despite its massive size, Alaska is one of the least populated states. Much of its land is wild and untouched, which only adds to its rugged, frontier-like appeal. Exploring Alaska feels like stepping into a world that’s far removed from the rest of the country.
2. Home to the Highest Mountain in North America
If you’re into climbing or just appreciate a good mountain view, Denali is Alaska’s crown jewel. At 20,310 feet, it’s the tallest peak in North America. Even if you’re not a mountaineer, just seeing it in person is something special.
Denali National Park, where the mountain is located, draws people from all over the world, eager to experience its towering majesty. On clear days, it’s visible from miles away.
3. Midnight Sun in the Summer
If you think long summer days are nice, Alaska takes it to the extreme. In parts of the state, especially north of the Arctic Circle, the sun doesn’t set for weeks at a time during the summer. In Utqiaġvik, you get 24 hours of daylight for about 83 days straight.
Living with constant daylight can be disorienting at first, but many people in Alaska embrace it. You can hike, fish, or even golf at midnight if you’re up for it! It’s like the summer never ends, giving you endless opportunities to explore.
4. Alaska Also Has 24 Hours of Darkness in the Winter
On the flip side, Alaska also experiences the polar night where the sun doesn’t rise for weeks. In the winter, some places have more than 50 days of complete darkness. While it sounds a bit spooky, Alaskans have learned to make the most of it.
Dark, cold winters are perfect for cozying up indoors or heading outside to witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena, the Northern Lights. Embracing the darkness comes with its own magic.
5. You Can See the Northern Lights
Speaking of the Northern Lights, Alaska is one of the best places in the world to see this natural wonder. The Aurora Borealis, as it’s officially called, fills the night sky with vivid colors, streaks of green, pink, and purple that seem to dance in the darkness.
Fairbanks is a popular spot for aurora hunters, but these lights can be seen across much of the state during winter. It’s the kind of experience that’s hard to put into words, and if you ever get the chance, witnessing the Northern Lights will leave you absolutely mesmerized.
6. Alaska Has More Than 3 Million Lakes
If you love water, you’ll feel right at home in Alaska. The state boasts over 3 million lakes, ranging from tiny ponds to massive bodies of water like Lake Iliamna, which is about the size of Connecticut. Fishing, kayaking, or just chilling by the water, you’ll find no shortage of options here.
Because Alaska is so vast and remote, many of these lakes are completely isolated, offering a peaceful escape into nature. You could spend years exploring all of them and still not see them all!
7. Alaska is Bear Country
Alaska is home to all three species of bears—brown bears (including grizzlies), black bears, and polar bears. It’s one of the best places in the world for bear-watching, with over 100,000 brown and black bears roaming the state.
If you want a front-row seat to see bears in action, head to Katmai National Park during salmon season. You’ll see bears catching fish in mid-air at Brooks Falls, it’s an unforgettable experience, and one of the reasons Alaska is a wildlife lover’s paradise.
8. The Iditarod Sled Dog Race is Legendary
Dog sledding is a huge part of Alaska’s history, and the Iditarod is the ultimate event. This iconic sled dog race covers nearly 1,000 miles, stretching from Anchorage to Nome. It’s a grueling test of endurance for both the mushers and their dogs, who brave extreme conditions to cross the finish line.
Even if you’re not there for the race, dog sledding is still a big deal in Alaska. Many towns and villages still rely on sled dogs for transportation, and if you visit in the winter, you might even get a chance to ride with a team of dogs yourself!
9. Alaska Has More Volcanoes Than Any Other State
Alaska isn’t just about glaciers and mountains, it’s also home to over 130 volcanoes, many of which are still active. In fact, Alaska has more volcanic activity than anywhere else in the U.S., with the Aleutian Islands home to a string of active volcanoes.
Don’t worry, though, most of these volcanoes are located far from populated areas. But if you’re into geology or just want to witness nature’s raw power, Alaska’s volcanoes add yet another layer of intrigue to the state’s already dramatic landscape.
10. Home to the Largest National Park in the U.S.
When it comes to national parks, Alaska doesn’t do anything small. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is the largest in the U.S., covering a jaw-dropping 13.2 million acres. That’s bigger than Switzerland!
This park is truly off the beaten path, offering visitors a chance to explore remote wilderness without the crowds. From glaciers and rivers to towering mountain ranges, Wrangell-St. Elias is a dream destination for anyone looking to experience nature in its rawest form.
11. Alaska Was Once Owned by Russia
Believe it or not, Alaska wasn’t always part of the U.S. It was actually owned by Russia until 1867 when the U.S. bought it for $7.2 million, about two cents an acre. At the time, many Americans thought it was a waste of money, dubbing it “Seward’s Folly” after the Secretary of State who made the purchase.
Today, of course, Alaska’s natural resources, including oil, gold, and fish, make it incredibly valuable. Turns out that investment was a pretty smart move after all!
12. No Sales Tax in Most of the State
If you’re used to paying sales tax on everything, shopping in Alaska might feel like a breath of fresh air. Most parts of the state don’t have any sales tax at all, meaning the price you see is the price you pay. Some localities do impose small sales taxes, but for the most part, it’s a tax-free shopping experience.
It’s just one of the many perks of living in or visiting Alaska, especially if you’re looking to save a little cash while exploring.
13. It’s Home to the World’s Largest Sea Otter Population
Alaska has the largest population of otters in the world. You can often spot them along Alaska’s coastline, especially in the Aleutian Islands and around Prince William Sound.
These playful sea otters are not just fun to watch, they also play a crucial role in Alaska’s marine ecosystem. By feeding on sea urchins, they help keep kelp forests healthy, which support a whole host of other marine life. If you’re ever lucky enough to spot a raft of otters bobbing in the water, it’s a sight that’ll make you smile.
14. Alaska Has a Rich Indigenous Culture
Long before Alaska became part of the U.S., it was home to diverse indigenous peoples who lived off the land for thousands of years. Today, Alaska’s Native cultures are still very much alive, with 229 federally recognized tribes across the state. These groups include the Inupiat, Yupik, Tlingit, Haida, and many others, each with their own languages, traditions, and art.
If you visit Alaska, you’ll see traces of these vibrant cultures everywhere, from totem poles in Southeast Alaska to traditional whale hunts in the North.
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With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
