There are hundreds of lists of things to do in the USA or individual states like Alaska, but we’ve come up with one thing in every state plus D.C. in 21 different categories. Truly something for everyone, from historic places to foods you have to try, from the downright quirky to amazing museums, and from weird places to stay to fun things to do. Our primary criteria were we have or want to see them, and they are things you can physically visit or try.
A map showing the location of everything on our bucket list for the Last Frontier can be found at the end of the post.
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HISTORIC PLACE: CASTLE HILL
Photo by James Brooks | CC BY 2.0
Known as the American Flag Raising Site, Castle Hill is where the US flag, for the first time with 49 stars, was raised after Alaska became a state.
Sitka, Alaska 99835
FAMOUS PERSON: BENNY BENSON
Photo reproduced with kind permission of Tim Vo
Benny Benson was just 13 when he won a contest to design a flag for the Territory of Alaska. His design of the big dipper on a blue background became the state flag after Alaska was admitted to the USA.
❝ The blue field is for the Alaska sky and the forget-me-not, an Alaskan flower. The North Star is for the future state of Alaska, the most northerly in the union. The Dipper is for the Great Bear — symbolizing strength. ❞– Benny Benson
Read Reviews of Benny Benson Memorial | Seward, Alaska 99664
NATURAL WONDER: AURORA BOREALIS
Of all of the wonders that Mother Nature puts on for us to enjoy, the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis must be one of the most spectacular. An ever-changing display of colour moving across the sky, everyone should witness this miracle of nature at least once.
Fairbanks, Alaska
FOOD & DRINK: SALMON AND PEPSI
Pepsi Photo by Sally Mahoney | CC BY-SA 2.0
What could be better than Alaskan Salmon, freshly caught from the icy waters off the coast? And whilst we couldn’t find a soft drink from Alaska, there is a Pepsi bottling plant in the state; but if you can let us know of an authentic Alaskan soft drink, please let us know.
FACTORY TOUR: THE GREAT ALASKAN BOWL COMPANY
See how traditional handcrafted wooden bowls are made from start to finish. These beautiful pieces are all one of a kind due to the nature of wood and the manufacturing process.
Read Reviews for The Great Alaskan Bowl Company | 4630 Old Airport Rd, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709
MAN-MADE: FAIRBANKS ICE MUSEUM
Photo by Amy Meredith | CC BY-ND 2.0
The incredible objects and sculptures made by the resident ice carving experts are a wonder to behold. Year-round, the museum is kept at a chilly -7°C or 19°F to keep the sculptures in pristine condition, thankfully the museum offers the use of parkas to keep guests warm.
Read Reviews for Fairbanks Ice Museum | 500 2nd Ave, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701
RECORD-BREAKING: WRANGELL-ST. ELIAS NATIONAL PARK
Despite its peak being in both Canada and the USA, Mount St Elias fails to be the highest peak in either country, coming in at number 2 for both countries. Don’t let that put you offer exploring the beauty that the park encapsulates though, stunning vistas and amazing peaks abound, despite being just 10 miles from the sea in places.
Read Reviews of Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve
READ MORE: See what we found in the rest of the USA
QUIRKY RECORD: WORLD’S LARGEST SANTA CLAUS
Photo reproduced with kind permission of John Robert McNally
What other quirky, world’s largest, could be built in a town called North Pole than a giant Santa Claus, or Father Christmas? This giant representation of the famous gift giver stands 42 foot (13m) tall and weighs 900 lbs (408kg), must be all those mince pies he eats whilst delivery presents!
Read Reviews of Santa Claus House | 101 St Nicholas Dr, North Pole, Alaska 99705
ACTIVITY: ICE FISHING
Boring a hole in the ice you are standing on and is the only thing stopping you falling into freezing water, may seem foolhardy, but just a couple of inches can hold enormous weight. Dropping a line with bait through the hole in order to try and attract some fish is certainly a different way of fishing.
Read Reviews of 1st Alaska Tours | 2240 Hanson Rd, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709
ATLAS OBSCURA: BURIAL SPIRIT HOUSES
Photo by Raymond Bucko, SJ | CC BY 2.0
These colourful burial houses are placed over the deceased and painted in family colours. Unlike many gravestones or other memorials, these are not kept up, instead, they are left to rot and crumble into the earth. Athabascan tradition says that which is taken from the Earth must be allowed to return.
26612 Eklutna Village Rd, Chugiak, Alaska 99567
MOST VISITED: DENALI NATIONAL PARK
Photo by regory “Slobirdr” Smith | CC BY-SA 2.0
Encompassing the highest peak in the USA, Denali National Park has more to offer than just a record. Maybe you’ll come across a grizzly bear whilst backpacking? Or enjoy the varied terrain by hiking through it? Whatever you decide, Denali National Park is an outdoor playground.
Read Reviews for Denali National Park and Preserve | George Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
STATE/NATIONAL PARK: GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK
Whether you see the bay from a cruise ship, or from the land, the stunning beauty of this park has much to offer. Whale watching for humpbacks, admiring the beauty of a glacier, perhaps seeing one calve, you’ll be sure to have a fantastic time.
Read Reviews for Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
EVENT: IDITAROD
Billed as the Last Great Race on Earth, Iditarod is a 1,000-mile sled dog race across unforgiving terrain. From Anchorage to Nome, it takes the competitors 1-2 weeks to complete the course, which alternates between two different routes each year. A true test of grit and determination, for man, and dog.
Read Reviews of Iditarod | Anchorage to Nome.
DIFFERENT PLACE TO STAY: THE AURORA EXPRESS
Photo reproduced with kind permission of Brianne
From railcars with historical themes from Alaska to others with whimsical themes, the Aurora Express offers guests the chance to sleep on a train for a different experience.
Read Reviews for The Aurora Express | 1550 Chena Ridge Rd, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709
READ MORE: See what we found in the rest of the USA
DIFFERENT PLACE TO EAT: THE PUMP HOUSE RESTAURANT
Photo reproduced with kind permission of Terry Feuerborn
Recreating an atmosphere from the 1890’s Gold Rush, The Pump House Restaurant offers fine dining on the banks of the Chena River. Alaskan seafood, prime beef and a choice of microbrews all in an authentically furnished dining room should make any meal a pleasure. One of the pool tables is well over 100 years old and the bar is made of solid mahogany!
Read Reviews of Pump House Restaurant796 Chena Pump Rd, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709
HAVE SOME FUN: HUSKY HOMESTEAD
Before you step up to the Iditarod, why not see if you’ve got what it takes and visit the homestead of four-time winner Jeff King. The tours of the homestead can show you how they train the dogs, show you the sleds they pull and you even get to cuddle a puppy (you can’t keep it though, no matter how cute you think it is).
Read Reviews of Husky Homestead | Mile 238.5 Parks Hwy (Booking Office), Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska 99755
FILM LOCATION: KNIK GLACIER
Photo by Paxson Woelber | CC BY 2.0
For Star Trek fans, this is where the snowy wastes of the penal asteroid ‘Rura Penthe’ were filmed in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. Seeing the beautiful pale blue of glacial ice is well worth the visit even you aren’t a “Trekky”.
Alaska 99686
FUN FACT
Photo by Paxson Woelber | CC BY 2.0
In 1943 Japan invaded the Aleutian Islands, which started the One Thousand Mile War, the first battle fought on American soil since the Civil War.
SOMETHING DIFFERENT: WITNESS A GLACIER CALVING
Photo by Forest Service Alaska Region, USDA | CC BY 2.0
An easy to get to glacier and one where you can witness calving, where a section of the glacier breaks away from the main body. Be careful though, some calvings, whilst spectacular, can send 10 foot (3m) waves across the river and people have been washed away!
MUSEUM: ANCHORAGE MUSEUM
Photo by Diana Norgaard | CC BY-ND 2.0
Showcasing Alaska through its history, art, ecology and science, the Anchorage Museum welcomes over 180,000 visitors a year who come to learn about the Last Frontier.
Read Reviews for Anchorage Museum | 625 C St, Anchorage, Alaska 99501
SCENIC DRIVE: HAINES HIGHWAY
This spectacular drive forms part of the Golden Circle Route for those who want to enjoy a longer drive and see even more stunning scenery. From wildlife including Bald Eagles to stunning vistas of lakes, rivers, mountains and Glaciers; if you can’t just bear to stop, then carry on driving and explore some of Canada!
READ MORE: See what we found in the rest of the USA
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RESOURCES | PLAN YOUR TRIP TO ALASKA
To book flights, rental cars, accommodations, and activities for your trip, please check out our recommended travel providers, favourite apps and websites.
These are a few tours we would recommend for your trip to Alaska, USA.
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