Alaska offers far more than just whale watching and bear spotting, though those experiences are certainly magnificent. The Last Frontier state serves up an incredible array of unique activities that showcase its dramatic landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and adventurous spirit.
From soaking in remote hot springs to participating in Native cultural experiences, these distinctive Alaskan adventures will help you experience the state as few visitors do.
Ice Climb a Glacier Cave
Venture inside the stunning blue caves of Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau, where experienced guides lead small groups through ethereal ice formations. These temporary structures change shape throughout the year, making each visit unique, while the filtered blue light creates otherworldly photo opportunities.
Harvest Your Sea Salt
Join local harvesters in Sitka to learn the traditional process of creating sea salt from pristine Alaskan waters. You’ll collect seawater, learn about evaporation techniques, and take home your own batch of mineral-rich salt that captures the essence of the North Pacific.
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Ride the Hurricane Turn Train
Hop aboard one of North America’s last flag-stop trains, where locals wave down the conductor between Talkeetna and Hurricane Gulch. This unique railway service offers glimpses into remote homestead life while traversing some of Alaska’s most dramatic landscapes.
Attend a Native Culture Camp
Participate in traditional skills workshops at Alaska Native heritage centers, where you can learn basket weaving, drum making, or traditional food preparation. These immersive experiences often include storytelling sessions and demonstrations of traditional games.
Soak in Tolovana Hot Springs
Trek 11 miles through the wilderness to reach these remote natural hot springs near Fairbanks. The reward includes rustic cabins, three pristine soaking pools, and possible views of the northern lights during winter visits.
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Pan for Gold
Try your luck at historic gold panning sites in Nome, where modern-day prospectors still strike it rich. Local experts teach traditional panning techniques while sharing tales of the gold rush era that shaped Alaska’s history.
Navigate Pack Ice in a Hovercraft
Take a unique ride across the frozen Beaufort Sea near Prudhoe Bay, where specially designed hovercraft transport workers and adventurous visitors across the Arctic ice pack. These vessels offer a distinctive perspective on Arctic maritime life.
Harvest Ice from a Glacier
Join a local bartender’s expedition to harvest crystal-clear glacier ice for craft cocktails. These trips combine helicopter access to remote icefields with education about glacier formation and climate change impact.
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Attend the World Ice Art Championships
Visit Fairbanks in March to witness international artists create massive sculptures during the World Ice Art Championships. The evening light shows transform these crystalline masterpieces into glowing works of art.
Explore an Abandoned Copper Mine
Tour the historic Kennecott Copper Mine in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, where abandoned red buildings stand in stark contrast to surrounding glaciers. The site offers fascinating insights into Alaska’s mining heritage and early 20th-century industrial development.
Participate in Native Games
Try traditional Alaska Native athletic competitions during the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics in Fairbanks. Events like the knuckle hop and ear pull demonstrate the strength and endurance needed for traditional Arctic survival.
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Sleep in an Igloo Hotel
Stay at the iconic Igloo City Hotel near Cantwell, where uniquely shaped rooms offer quirky accommodations along the Parks Highway. Though no longer operating as a hotel, the structure remains a fascinating piece of roadside architecture.
Join a Reindeer Yoga Class
Participate in a unique yoga session at a reindeer ranch near Fairbanks, where friendly reindeer roam freely among practitioners. These peculiar classes combine wellness with wildlife education in a distinctly Alaskan way.
Forge with Ancient Meteorites
Work with local artisans to create jewelry using fragments from the Pallasite meteorite found near Seward. These workshops connect cosmic history with traditional metalworking techniques.
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Wade the Salmon Spawn
Don waterproof gear to witness the incredible salmon spawn up close in Cordova’s streams. Local guides teach about salmon ecology while providing unprecedented access to one of nature’s most remarkable phenomena.
Make Lifelong Memories in the Last Frontier
From cosmic metallurgy to Arctic athletics, Alaska offers countless opportunities to step beyond the typical tourism experience and engage with the state’s unique culture and environment. These distinctive activities provide deeper connections to the Last Frontier’s heritage, people, and wild spaces, creating memories that last far longer than any wildlife snapshot.
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