Travel Alaska

When most people think of Alaska, they think of the Northern Lights, icy glaciers, and bears. There are a lot more things in Alaska that people don’t know about. As America’s 49th state, Alaska has a lot of history, and adventure, for those hoping to make a trip in the future.

Alaska has over 10,000 years of human history, and about 15% of Alaska’s population is an Alaskan Native. The Unangax and Sugpiaq tribes depend on the sea for survival. They live in semi-subterranean houses made with wooden or whale bone rafters. Their hunting attire were designed to honor animal spirits. Athabascans were a migratory Native tribe that follows fish and game migrations across Alaska, and they relied heavily on trade, such as trading of canoes, sleds, dogs, and clothing. Other Native tribes in Alaska include Iñupiaq, St. Lawrence Island Yupik, Tlingit, Haida, Eyak, Tsimshian, Yup’ik, and Cup’ik. Each tribe relies on migratory animals, such as fish and whales, to rely on food and living conditions.

Storytelling is another major part of Alaskan heritage. Storytellers tell of experiences through myths, fables, traditions, and family histories, and teaching can also involve music and dancing to tell stories. Feasts and ceremonial gatherings play a big part in history. The Messenger Feast, or Kivgiq, is a festival that gives the opportunity to reestablish ties between distant kin through the exchange of gifts and food.

If you are a fan of adventure, there are many opportunities to experience the outdoors. There are excursions for hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, bird watching, and many more. Alaska has preserves and wildlife refuges to help give you a more peaceful approach to the amazing nature around you. Some of the most popular fishing locations are Kobuk River, Round Lake, and Noatak River. Hiking and biking trails can be found in almost every corner of Alaska, and each one is as beautiful as the next.

If you love seafood, then Alaska is one of the best places for you to try many different seafood options. Juneau is known for their salmon, halibut, cod, scallops, and spot prawns, which are all caught locally in the city. Juneau offers local breweries that experiment with fresh and local ingredients to create a taste palette that is utterly unique. The Kenai River Festival hosts more than 8,000 people a year, and includes live music, food, and a wine and beer garden. They offer more than 15 musical performances by rock, blues, country, and bluegrass artists.

Chef Jason Porter says, “Our close proximity to harbor communities like Seward, Cordova and Homer means that seafood served has been harvested locally and delivered fast.”

Alaska is a winter dreamland. The Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights, is what Alaska is most famous for, except for dog sledding. The northern lights occur from electrically charged particles colliding with gasses in the Earth’s atmosphere. The occurrence happens 60 to 70 miles above the surface of the Earth. The lights can vary in intensity and colors, and you will get the same experience twice when you see the Northern Lights.

Dog sledding is the most popular sport in the state of Alaska. Alaska has dog sled races in the winter months. During the summer, visitors can visit dog sledding camps at the tops of mountains, via helicopter, to learn about mushing, the dog teams, and even get to enjoy a ride on a dog sled. The most popular dog sledding race is the Tesoro Iron Dog Snowmobile Race, from Anchorage to Nome and to Fairbanks.

There is a lot of opportunities waiting for you in Alaska. Go explore, and make memories!