We tend to judge Alaska by what we see on extreme reality shows on TV. Yet this incredible state has so much to offer the adventurous traveler.
Over 2 million people visited Alaska during 2018, that’s a 5% increase from the year before. Clearly, travelers are discovering that there’s more to this seemingly cold and inhospitable land than first meet the eye.
Read these facts about Alaska to discover how fascinating this state really is.
1. Alaska Has the Highest Mountain in the USA
Not only is Alaska home to the highest mountain in the United States, Denali, it’s also where you’ll find the next 16 highest peaks in the country.
Denali towers over the tundra at 20,310 ft. above sea level. It is the centerpiece of the 6-million-acre Denali National Park and Preserve. This beautiful area is home to some odd-sounding creatures such as the collared pika and hoary marmot as well as thousands of better-known forest creatures.
Since it’s so tall, Denali has been irresistible to climbers since 1903 and is part of the prestigious 7 Summits.
2. It’s the Sunniest Place in America
What? It’s true, those 24-hour bouts of sunlight during the summer add up. Over the course of a year, Alaska has more daylight hours than anywhere in the lower 48 states.
With these long days to enjoy, it makes sense that the warmer months are the best time to cruise Alaska or enjoy the many outdoor activities on offer here.
3. Alaska Has More Beaches Than the States
Over 34,000 miles of coastline plus seemingly endless summer days are a great way to take advantage of beach benefits in Alaska. While Alaska’s beaches may not offer the long stretches of golden sand that conventional beaches do, but they’re great for seaside fun.
You can expect day time highs of around 60°F – 80°F during the summertime. Kayaking, boating, fishing, exploring, and swimming are some of the top activities to enjoy on Alaska’s beaches during warm spells.
4. Facts About Alaska Animal Laws
Alaskan people have a long history of living closely among their local denizens and have several rather strange laws concerning them.
Although hunting bears and moose is the norm in Alaska, it’s illegal to:
- Push a moose from a plane
- View a moose from a plane
- Feed beer to a moose
- Wake a sleeping bear to take a photograph
- Whisper in someone’s ear while they’re hunting moose
How and why these bizarre rules came into being is buried deep in the mysteries of Alaskan culture.
5. Outhouse Races Are a Thing in Alaska
Every year, during the Fur Rondy Festival, contestants line up with their custom-built outhouses on skis to race across the ice for glory.
The first potty past the post gets the fame but there are also prizes for cleanest, most-colorful and best-engineered vessel. The festival is on during the last week of February every year.
Discover More
If you love traveling in nature, Alaska is the perfect fit for you. Yet this beautiful country is also accessible to those who like their home comforts thanks to luxury cruises and guided tours.
Why not try something totally different on your next vacation and discover some more facts about Alaska first hand?
