Alaska
Experience the Last FrontierRead a brief introduction to Alaska, and discover why it is one of the most celebrated regions for savvy and novice travelers alike.
Alaska's Ancient History
The earliest human inhabitants of the region of modern-day Alaska were Asiatic groups who crossed the Bering Land Straight approximately 40,000 years ago. Read more about the native people whose culture has shaped Alaska.
Alaska's Legacy of Fur Trading, Gold, and Oil
Alaska was discovered by European explorers in 1741 by Danish explorer Vitus Bering. Since then it has been coveted for its natural resources including fur, gold and oil. Recently, debate over the oil resources and landscape have become a hot topic.
Cultural Alaska
Although Alaska's status as a state is relatively new, the area has a very historic and rich local culture. There are hundreds of villages communities where people live traditionally and share their history with the willing visitor.
Rugged and Beautiful Landscape of Alaska
Alaska is the northernmost state, and the largest at 656,425 acres. It is twice the size of Texas. Almost completely surrounded by beautiful bodies of water, Alaska also boasts the highest peak in the US and the famous tundra.
Prince William Sound
Prince William Sound borders 3,000 miles of beautiful coastline featuring the Chugach Mountains. This remote region is a popular destination for travelers enjoying a small ship expedition.
Glacier National Bay
Glacier National Bay is a marine wilderness which includes snowy mountain ranges, tidewater glaciers and habitats, fjords, and freshwater lakes and rivers.
Denali National Park
Denali is home to North America’s highest peak, the awe-inspiring Mt. McKinley. The park includes 6 million acres of mountains, glaciers and wildlands -- and a variety of exotic wildlife.
Discover Wild Alaska
Alaska is known throughout the world for incredible and abundant wildlife. Wolves, grizzlies, whales, moose and more - discover what animals call this region home.
More Alaska Wildlife
The list of Alaskan wildlife is long and diverse. Here is a sampling of Alaska\'s most famous inhabitants.
Alaska's Ocean Cuisine
Alaska boasts over 34,000 miles of coastline, and the ocean provides an abundance of food. Shellfish, scallops, salmon, halibut & more!
Northern Lights, Long Winters, and Endless Summers
Alaska has some of the most famous weather patterns of any U.S. state. Because Alaska is so far north of the equator, its tilt relative to the sun is particularly extreme. Climate, day light, and Aurora Borealis are all affected by the northern latitude
The Battle for Alaska's Resources
The debate between environmentalists, industry, and Alaska’s citizens has raged for years. From the Gold Rush, to the oil boom, to conservationists like Olaus and Mardy Murie, Alaska’s landscape has been called to the forefront of the national psyche.
Introduction to Alaska Politics
Alaska is generall considered a Republican-leaning state, although over half of the registered voters classify themselves as "non-partisan" or "undeclared."
Visiting Fairbanks
Fairbanks is known as "the Golden Heart of Alaska," some say because of the discovery of gold there in 1902, some due to its location, and still others claim the name for the character of the city’s inhabitants.
Alaska's Urban Hub: Anchorage
Anchorage is an urban hub of Alaska, located in the south central part of the state. It is one of the oldest Alaskan cities, and now it is a booming city with a vibrant population.
Juneau Alaska
Juneau is Alaska's capital city, and though not the largest, it may be the most full of contrast. It is bustling metropolis in the heart of the Tongass National Forest.
Alaska Cruise: When to Go?
Alaska has it all: glaciers, wilderness, whales, wolves, forests, rivers, eagles, and mountains. Find out the best time to travel to Alaska.
Great Alaska
From the beautiful panhandle to cozy fishing communities, get an introduction to some of Alaska\'s most popular highlights and celebrated destinations.