20 Wild Facts About Alaska

Alaska, the largest and most sparsely populated state in the United States, charms with its breathtaking landscapes and wild beauty. Nestled in the far northwest corner of North America, it boasts stunning natural wonders, including towering mountains, pristine glaciers, and vast tundra expanses.

Here are 20 wild facts about Alaska you might not have known:

Its diverse wildlife, from moose to grizzly bears, thrives in this untamed wilderness. The state is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a host of activities such as hiking, fishing, and dog sledding. Beyond its natural wonders, it has a rich cultural tapestry shaped by its indigenous peoples and a history intertwined with the Klondike Gold Rush. The aurora borealis graces the night skies in the northern regions, adding a celestial touch to this land of extremes. Alaska’s rugged charm and remote allure make it a unique and memorable destination for those seeking an adventurous escape into the last frontier.

1. Some areas have no daylight for two months of the year

Utqiaġvik (formerly known as Barrow) is the northernmost town in Alaska. It faces an annual polar night lasting from mid-November to mid-January, during which residents encounter an extraordinary absence of daylight for two months straight—65 days to be exact. It also receives 24-hour daylight from May 10 – August 2.

2. Some places are inaccessible by car

To reach the state’s capital, Juneau, one must rely on alternative modes of transportation, such as planes, cruise ships, or ferries, as it is not accessible by road.

3. The official state sport of Alaska is Dog Mushing

Alaska has designated dog mushing as its official state sport since 1972, and the Alaskan malamute, commonly used in mushing, holds the title of the official state dog.

4. There are odd Moose-related laws

Unique moose-related laws exist in Alaska, including bans against pushing a moose from a plane or offering a moose a drink. Sensible advice extends beyond state borders: refrain from such actions anywhere.

5. Temperatures can seriously plummet

Alaska holds the U.S. record for the coldest recorded temperature: an astonishing -80°F on January 23, 1971, in Prospect Creek, 31 miles from the city of Coldfoot.

6. There is a Christmas Town in Alaska

North Pole, Alaska, home to the Santa Claus House gift shop, embraces Christmas year-round. Thousands of letters addressed to Santa arrive at its unique ZIP code annually.

7. The state flag was designed by a teenager

The Alaskan state flag, featuring the Big Dipper and the North Star, was designed by 13-year-old Benny Benson in 1927. Despite Alaska’s statehood in 1959, Benson’s charming design remains unchanged.

8. Huge mountains

Alaska boasts 17 of the 20 highest peaks in the U.S., with the towering Denali reaching 20,320 feet, claiming the title of North America’s highest summit.

9. Into hammers? There’s an entire museum dedicated to them

Haines, Alaska, is home to the first-ever hammer museum in the U.S., showcasing an intriguing collection of hammer sculptures, handle-making machinery, and spring-loaded meat tenderizers.

10. There used to be a festival dedicated to moose droppings

Talkeetna, Alaska, once hosted the Moose Dropping Festival, where varnished moose droppings were dropped from a crane, but the event was retired in 2009 due to safety concerns.

11. McDonald’s in Alaska means business

McDonald’s in Alaska offers the Denali Mac, a heartier version of the classic Big Mac with larger patties and more secret sauce, totaling 840 calories.

12. The indigenous population is massive

Alaska boasts a concentrated Indigenous population, including the Aleuts, Inupiat, Yuit, Athabascans, Tlingit, and Haida, making up over 19 percent of the state’s residents.

13. The US bought Alaska from Russia for some loose change

The United States purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million, equivalent to about two cents per acre.

14. More men than women

Alaska boasts the highest male-to-female ratio in the United States, with 107 men for every 100 women.

15. Alaska boasts multiple heroic dogs throughout history

Alaska honors heroic sled dogs, with Balto and Togo playing significant roles in delivering medicine to a remote village. Togo’s stuffed body is displayed at the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Museum in Wasilla.

16. Many beautiful coastlines

Boasting more coastline than the other 49 states combined, Alaska’s vast and diverse shores contribute to its unparalleled natural beauty.

17. Grow giant vegetables in the summer months

Thanks to long summer days, Alaska produces oversized produce, including a 138-pound cabbage, a 65-pound cantaloupe, and a 35-pound broccoli.

18. It may be possible to see one part of Russia from Alaska – now that’s close

The proximity of the Russian island of Big Diomede and the U.S. island of Little Diomede in the Bering Strait makes it theoretically possible for some Alaskans to see Russia from their homes.

19. Roadkill may be considered property of the state

Alaska considers moose, caribou, and bears killed by cars as state property, redistributing roadkill as food to charity organizations.

20. America’s largest national forest is based in Alaska

Alaska hosts America’s largest national forest, the Tongass, which is approximately three times the size of the second-largest, the Chugach, both situated in the state.