Far North

Alaska's Arctic is home to the Inupiat Eskimos, many of whom still live a subsistence lifestyle and have preserved their culture for thousands of years. The Far North is filled with opportunities to experience authentic Alaska Native culture and see some of the nation's most remote and unpopulated public lands.


Barrow is the northernmost town in the United States of America, and one of the largest Eskimo communities. Experience Barrow's rich Native culture and subsistence activities firsthand in spring during the annual bowhead whale hunt and festival. This far north, the sun doesn't set for 82 days in the summer, so plan a trip between May and August and take advantage of the tour operators offering polar bear watching, photography tours and more. Barrow has several hotels, restaurants, gift shops and other visitor services and is accessed by schedule jet service from Anchorage and Fairbanks.

Just above the Arctic Circle and to the west lies Kotzebue, one of Alaska's oldest Inupiat Eskimo villages where traditional subsistence living is still practiced in conjunction with modern technology. Visit the NANA Museum of the Arctic for Native performances and storytelling. The National Park Service recently opened the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center in Kotzebue, serving as a hub for the four park areas in Northwest Alaska and giving Far North visitors a new destination for information, trip planning and cultural events.

Nome has a rich gold rush history, and you might even see some artifacts lying around. While only accessible by sea or air, once on the ground, explore 350 miles of road winding through tundra, mountains and coastal plains. Musk oxen roam the hills and sweeping views paint a dramatic backdrop against the tundra. Find Native art among 6,000 historical photos and exhibits about Native culture at the Carrie McLain Museum. Nome also marks the finish of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the longest dog sled race in the world. For the experience of a lifetime, visit Nome in mid-March for the race's finish and one of the biggest celebrations in the state.

Even though it seems extreme, you can actually visit the Far North in a day, through a land or flight tour out of Fairbanks to Coldfoot, one of the few communities north of the Arctic Circle accessible by road. Or fly into Bettles, a town catering to the independent hiker, angler or adventure traveler.

For more information about Far North Alaska, visit: http://www.travelalaska.com/Regions/RegionHome.aspx?RegionID=50