Did you know that the humpback whales travel 3,100 miles (with little to no rest) during their annual migration? Get facts and photos about the 49th state. Winter comes around October and lasts through March, with daylight and temperatures differing in each region. The volcanic ash spit by these volcanoes can bring an airplane down in a matter of a few minutes. The Alaskan natives are the people who originally occupied the land thousands of years ago. It was easiest before the invention of cars and planes since dogs could easily get through all the snow. U.S. states and territories facts and photos. It is also the third longest river in North America. And they do not allow states to tax certain items. Alaska is also known for lumber, fishespecially salmoncoal, and jade, the state gem. The first commercial flight in Alaska, from Fairbanks to Nome, occurred in 1927, two years after the dedication of the Alaska Railroad. Other fish available are the arctic grayling, rainbow trout, dolly varden, arctic char, burbot, and northern pike. [7], 21. In fact, even in the summer months, the temperature inside an ice cave can remain below freezing. In the North Pacific, humpback whales spend their summer months feeding off the coast of California to Alaska. But with a state as big as Alaska, its weather varies dramatically depending on the region and the season. There is also a lot of wildlife in the area, like whales, otters, sea lions, and seals. These national parks preserve Alaska's unique nature - from glaciers to geothermal hot springs. Cruise ships offer a variety of activities for all ages, so there is something for everyone to enjoy. There are so many others in remote areas accessible through charter flights or through mountaineering. Make sure to read it next . Accessed February 14, 2014. The bay is part of Alaska's oil patch on the Arctic Ocean. What is Alaska Known For? 20 Things Alaska is Famous For Enchanting Ice Caves. Remote Monitoring of the Infrastructure in Rural Alaska with LoRaWAN When funding ran out, volunteers took over. The ghostly remains of what was once the world's richest copper mine. A summer dog sled ride where you sit in a wheeled sled where the dogs pull over dirt. Alaska has a longer coastline (6,640 miles) than all the other U.S. states combined. 26. Summer in Alaska starts in May and lasts through September, with temperatures averaging in the 70F range in the area known as the Interior (the States central region) but has been known to reach into the 90s. 21 Unique Things to do in Fairbanks Alaska - Ordinary Adventures The freshwater lake is more than 1,000 square miles big in the southwestern part of Alaska. The cooler regions of Alaska, such as the south-central and southeast, allow for the summer dog sled ride, while the mountain regions can offer you the glacier dog sledding tours. This feature helps the bird save itself from predators. The other four are Delaware, Montana, Oregon, and New Hampshire. .css-v1xtj3{display:block;font-family:FreightSansW01,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:100;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-v1xtj3:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-v1xtj3{font-size:1.1387rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-v1xtj3{line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-v1xtj3{font-size:1.18581rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-top:0rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-v1xtj3{font-size:1.23488rem;line-height:1.2;margin-top:0.9375rem;}}Check Out This Tick Remover From Bug Bite Thing, The 10 Best Snorkels for Underwater Exploration, Debris and Human Remains Recovered from Titan Sub, The Best Coolers for Backyards, Boats, and BBQs, The Camping Gear to Shop at REI's 4th of July Sale, The Best Solar Chargers to Keep You Plugged In, Coast Guard Confirms Catastrophic Loss of Titan, Shop the Huckberry x Crocs Classic Western Boot. 27 Interesting Facts About Alaska "Alyeska," Aleut for "The Great Land," is all about the love of true wilderness. Flying over glaciers is supercool, but they better watch out for the volcanoes! Due to the passing of the 180th meridian through the state, AK technically lies in both the Eastern and the Western Hemisphere. Alaska has 3,000,000 lakes. [3], 5. The northern and western coasts are tundra landscapes: flat and treeless with whipping winds. 11. Many thought the harsh habitat was a bad buy until gold was struck in 1872. Yes, you read right. The number of time zones decreased to two on September 15, 1983, when Secretary Elizabeth Dole passed a plan to do so. Get facts and photos of the U.S. states and territories, and the District of Columbia. Alaska Is Home to North America's Tallest Mountain. Denali (Mount McKinley) in Alaska is the highest mountain peak (20,310 feet) of the United States andNorth America. Sunday Worship June 25, 2023 | Stream CCLI #21810036 - Facebook Temperate Rainforest and that Record-Setting Rainfall. 240 days of Northern Lights The name comes from the French word 'marche,' meaning go, which slowly changed to 'mush' over time. Accessed February 15, 2014. Accessed February 15, 2014. It Has the Largest Water Area in the Country, 11. With less than one percent of its land populated by people, it . Apart from playing a vital role for maintaining a healthy ecosystem, these wolves are an important resource for Alaskas tourism sector. Henry Grahame. They can be slippery, so be sure to take your time and watch your step. Things We Learned on Alaska Road Trip As Locals + Photos - Insider Don't let Alaska's short growing season fool you. 67 Alaska Facts and Weird Laws - Contact Senators Homesteading is a lifestyle where you are completely self-reliant on your own being. In combination with British Columbias Great Bear Rainforest immediately to the south, it encompasses the largest intact temperate rainforest on earth.[35]. This means that visitors need to dress warmly and be prepared for the elements. Kaladi Brothers Coffee is pretty much synonymous with Alaska at this point, and we love supporting local Alaskan businesses! Corvallis, OR: Oregon State University Press, 2002. Our winters stayed around snowing temperatures, and the summers usually peaked at 60 degrees. So without further ado, heres what is Alaska known for: When most think of Alaska, they envision snow, cold, and more snow. Gold is the official state mineral. Feedback If you can go on a short hike, you can approach some of the land-based glaciers. The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is a famous 1,000 mile (1,609 km) race from Anchorage to Nome each February. The most famous local is a reindeer Anchorage's reindeer resident is a star. From selecting a ship and embarkation port to reserving the best shore excursions, there's a lot to know before your cruise begins. Alaskas capital is an unforgettable destination home to one of the largest wilderness regions in the country. March 15, 2011. [5], 20. Alaska Facts | Facts about Alaska | Kids World Travel Guide | USA [9], 23. This mean that the sun rising and sun setting are pretty much the same thing. Barry the bald eagle arrives in the country's biggest state, Alaska, to hang with his friend MC Will the willow ptarmigan. Cracking Fun! 28. 4Haycox, Stephen W. Alaska: An American Colony. Its good to keep in mind that this activity is for fun and not for you to become a millionaire because the chances of you finding a substantial amount of gold are quite slim! For Its Rich Wildlife And for Bears, where to see the northern lights in Alaska, Best 20 Things To Do in Juneau (Must-Live Experiences), 15 Most Stunning Glaciers in Alaska That Will Take Your Breath Away. So why did Russia sell Alaska to the Americans in 1867? Did you know that Juneau is the only state capital that cannot be reached by road? 50 Interesting & Fun Facts About Alaska State to Discover - Destguides Sarah Hartness Mar 9, 2023 22:22 UTC 16 min read Destguides may receive commissions from purchases made through affiliate links in this article. Alaska is home to the largest remaining population of gray wolves in the United States. Visitors from around the globe flock to Alaska to see these wolves in their natural habitat. Michael Allen Smith | Flickr. They weigh up to 1,500 pounds.[10,17]. 1. The airliner, however, managed to land safely in Anchorage. The name Alaska comes from the Aleut word Alyeska, meaning the great land. Keep your eyes peeled because there are 30,000 of the countrys National Animal. 16. Off the north and west coasts of Alaska you might spot polar bears, beluga whales, and walruses. Alaska became the 49th U.S. state in 1959. The state's largest city is Anchorage; the second largest is Fairbanks. Go for a fishing trip, a hike, or off to see some bears at the Katmai or Lake Clark National Parks. Alaska is the only state in the US with land in the eastern hemisphere. They also have visitor centers in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Ketchikan, and Tok (down the Alaska Highway). The construction of the Alaska Highway from February to November 1942 is heralded as one of the great engineering feats of, Some 4,000 black troops in the 93rd, 95th, and 97th Regiments joined approximately 6,000 white troops in Alaska to, From September 1942 to September 1945, 7,926 American planesfighters, bombers, and cargowere ferried along the Alaskan/Siberian Ferry Route (ALSIB), which was an air ferry system supplying the Russians with American aircraft during, Admiralty Island, in the Alexander Archipelago, supports North Americas largest concentration of grizzly, William Paul, a Tlingit member of the Alaska Native Brotherhood (ANB), appeared before the U.S. Congress in 1921 to testify against. ANTHC's Rural Energy Group, in partnership with communities, focuses on implementing energy-efficient and . Alaskas national parks are humongous, and some are a challenge to get to and explore. 20 Extremely Weird Things People From Alaska Do - Only In Your State There are not many trails or human-made places in this West Coast National Park, and there is only one 92-mile-long road. 10State Symbols (Alaska Kids Corner). 6. Attractions Food & Drink Map Leaderboards Stories Unusual Attractions in Alaska Juneau, Alaska Mendenhall Ice Caves Breathtakingly blue walls shimmer inside the "Glacier Behind the Town.". Today, the smallest distance between Alaska and Russia is only 2.5 miles. The first fact about Alaska, is that it's the largest State in the United States. The temperature in northern Alaska dropped to -80F in 1971, marking the coldest temperature ever recorded in the United States. These fish, also called the Chinook salmon, among other names, can weigh up to 100 pounds. 9. Today, the mountain is called Denali. Humpbacks usually travel in a group of 2-15 individuals. Alaska State Facts - 50States.com - 50states According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game,there are five types of salmon species thriving in their waters: sockeye, chum, coho (silver), chinook (king) and pink. Alaska is the 48th most populous and the most extensive of the 50 states of the United States. Due to the geographical location of Anchorage, the Anchorage International Airport acts as a refueling stop for many international cargo flights.[13]. [1], 3. 100 Interesting Facts That Will Amaze You, First Russian makes contact with Natives in Alaska, Vitus Bering sites the Aleutian Islands and begins Russian exploration of Alaska, British Captain James Cook explores coastal Alaska on his voyage to find the Northwest Passage, Gregor Shelekhov founds first permanent settlement on Kodiak Island, Anglo-Russian treaty is signed, establishing Russias borders, First mission school for Eskimos at Nushagak is started, First Organic Act is passed, which allows U.S. government to appoint officials to run the territory, Alaska Native Brotherhood (ANB) is founded, Women in Alaska are granted the right to vote, Great Race of Mercy happens: Diphtheria serum is run on the Iditarod Trail to Nome, Alaska State Constitution is written and approved, First Eskimo World Olympics is held in Fairbanks, Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) is enacted, Trans-Alaska pipeline begins transporting oil, Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) designates almost 80 million acres as wilderness, Exxon Valdez oil spill happens in Bristol Bay, Alaska celebrates 50th anniversary of statehood. 27 Interesting Facts About Alaska (2022) Most People Don't Know Featuring beautiful shades of blue and white, these caves are a must-see for any traveler to the state. Iditarod trail Sled Dog Race recalls a 1925 medical mission in which a relay of 20 dog teams carried medicine 674 miles in 127 hours to halt a deadly diphtheria epidemic in Nome. Read more articles about the United States: Sarah_Hartness My husband and I celebrated our 35th anniversary by taking a two-week road trip through Alaska. The state leaves taxes up to local governments, and they must decide what they want to tax and by how much. Malaspina Glacier is the world's most accessible of its kindbut that's not the only reason scientists find it so cool. The most active volcanoes are in the Wrangell Mountains and on the Aleutian Islands. You cant take a trip to Alaska without seeing the towering glaciers, and there isnt a shortage of places to view them from. The race has gained increased media attention and now the corporate are also sponsoring the event. Travelness is reader-supported: When you buy through our links we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. But as anyone who's been there knows, the country's largest, most sparsely populated state can absolutely burst with color, from the luminous green of the Northern Lights, to the deep aqua of its glaciers, to the flourish of wildflowers fed by its long summer days. The US Bought Alaska From Russia Alaska has been "owned" by lots of different countries. The North Star is also on the flag, referring to it leading the state toward a promising future. 18 Top Things to Do in Alaska - U.S. News Travel More articles about Alaska: 50 Interesting & Fun Facts About Alaska State to Discover; Read more articles about the United States: 60 Most Romantic Things to Do in Vegas for Couples; 50 Interesting & Fun Facts About Illinois State to Know; 20 Romantic Things to Do in Oahu for Couples; 30 Landmarks in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Visit 1. I love Alaska and having lived there a good chunk of my life, I have experienced most of what it has to offer. Alaska's Wildlife Includes the World's Largest Bear Species. Thats 2 cents per acre. There are 29,000 square miles in Alaska covered in glaciers, which is five percent of the state. Have you experienced any of these unique things about living . The Barrow International Airport is named today the Wiley Post-Will Rogers International Airport after the two. The name Alaska is derived from an Aleutian word, On March 24, 1989, the 987-foot Exxon Valdez supertanker ran aground hard on Bligh Reef, Alaska, opening a tractor trailer-sized hole in the side of the ship. This means not touching the ice, or damaging the cave in any way. 51 Alaska Facts That Are Interesting - The Fact File These areas support the livelihood of many local communities, are home to diverse wildlife populations, provide an environment for wilderness recreation, and protect archaeological resources. While not recognized by Guinness, this chocolate waterfall is likely to be the world's largest. On March 27, 1964, an earthquake with a magnitude of 9.2 occurred in Alaska's Prince William Sound region. Indeed, when visiting the caves, it is important to dress warmly and wear sturdy shoes. Go dip netting. The cost of an Alaskan cruise can be between $600 to $5,000 per person. But while it is part of Alaskas history, gold panning nowadays is only allowed in designated private and public lands. Quick Facts And Statistics About Alaska. Alaska and Hawaii are the only states that you cannot drive to from the US. Alaska has 3 million lakes. We will be in touch soon with discounts on tickets and hotels and our latest guides. It is in the northeastern part of the state, and it is home to wildlife, people, and fish. On July 7, 1958, the U.S. Congress voted to admit Alaska into the Union as the 49th state, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the proclamation on January 3, 1959. ", Dr. Seuss House aka The Goose Creek Tower. It was officially admitted to the union on January 3, 1959. Your best bet to explore this town is by cruise such as Holland America. The names Alyeska and Alaska come from the Aleut word "alaxsxaq," which means "the mainland." When you include Alaska's islands, the state has 33,904 miles of coast and shoreline. The second and third largest cities in Alaska are Fairbanks and Junea, each with around 32,000 people. Alaska is a state of wonders that offers the most breathtaking scenery. The name was changed in 2016 to match the name of the park it is in. The payment to its residents is made from the investment earnings on Alaskan mineral royalties. A great way to experience glaciers, small towns, whale watching and dog sledding is through a cruise line such as .css-3wjtm9{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.125rem;text-decoration-color:#1c6a65;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-3wjtm9:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}Holland America. If you're planning a cruise to Alaska, it's natural to have questions about cruising to the 49th state. 9Simmerman, Nancy Lange. What is Alaska known for? Did you know that wild Alaskan salmon is a powerhouse of nutrition?[20]. The name Alaska means mainland or great land. 9 Weird Things About Anchorage, Alaska Alaska clocks in as the largest state in the US almost two and a half times larger than the next largest state, Texas. I explained in full detail in this article: where to see the northern lights in Alaska. 2023 Fact Retriever LLC. Seward is situated about 120 miles south of Anchorage in southern Alaska. It is larger than the smallest state (Rhode Island) in the U.S.[13], 34. He later went on to build Madison Square Garden in, One of the earliest records of man in the Americas is a caribou bone with a serrated edge found at Old Crow in Alaskas northern Yukon. On Holland America, National Park rangers come onboard for the day to give presentations and commentary as the ship sails through the park. On January 23, 1971, the coldest day and place on record was recorded at Prospect Creek Camp. Dog mushing is Alaska's official state sport. Dog mushing used to be the primary way to get around Alaska. Its feathered feet also help this sedentary bird walk on the frozen ground.[38]. Most Alaskan moose are in the western half of the state. The total cost of the transaction was $7.2 million, which came out to just two cents per acre. Barry the bald eagle soars from coast to coast to meet state birds and learn about their homes. Swim in the freezing cold ocean. 18. Please be respectful of copyright. A helpful resource for the volcano lover or say, researcher. And the central part of the flag is the dipper, which symbolizes strength. It did $113 million in damage. Cape Saint Wales in Alaska, the site of the Eskimo village of Wales (pop. The city itself also does not have too many roads, with the longest only spanning 50 miles. It is also the second largest freshwater lake in the US, after Lake Superior. Beach sand ridges at Alaskas Cape Krusenstern National Monument, deposited by the. 6Hunt, William R. Alaska: A Bicentennial History. Interesting Facts About Alaska, America's 49th State - Eatlivetraveldrink Visit Denali National Park to see its snow-capped celebrity, Denalithe tallest mountain in North America. There are literally hundreds of fun facts about Alaska, America's 49th state, but we've whittled down that list of Alaska trivia to our top 25: #1: On October 18, 1867 Alaska officially became a territory of the United States. Here are a few interesting facts I have learned about the city of Fairbanks. The portion of Alaska that is in the Arctic Circle is the coldest part of the state as this is the most northern part of Earth. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. VAT registration number: 347471777. On a 20-minute drive in Juneau, Alaska, I spotted more than a dozen bald eagles. Alaska was the 49 th state to join the United States of America on January 3, 1959. The use of dogs and sleds in this manner dates back to 2000 BC. Out of 365 million acres, only approximately 160,000 of those acres are inhabited by American Civilization. 15 Facts About Alaska. The city is in the southern part of the state. Russia sold Alaska to the US because it was so remote from its population and hard to defend and manage. Alaska has over 40 active volcanoes. In fact, Alaska is home to more than 40 percent of the country's surface water resources. This frozen tunnel in central Alaska is both an engineering feat and a valuable climate classroom. 12Whitehead, John S. Completing the Union: Alaska, Hawaii, and the Battle for Statehood. Ice caves are some of the most incredible natural wonders, the most surreal and beautiful places in Alaska. It is full of salmon, glaciers, lakes, and mountains, and 30% of the park is covered in ice.