10 Best Photo Places in the USA
Alaska (AK) is the largest U.S. state and the only one with coastlines on both the Pacific and Arctic Oceans. The capital city, Juneau, can only be reached from other states by air or sea. Known for its harsh weather and national parks, Alaska is home to the highest mountain in the United States, Denali, which stands at 20,308 ft. Oil extraction and fishing are vital to Alaska’s economy. Interestingly, the United States purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867.
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Table of Contents
Basic Information
Name Alaska Abbreviation AK Capital Juneau Largest city Anchorage (Population: 286 075) Current time 4:55 Time zone AKST (UTC-9), the state observes daylight saving time AKDT (UTC-8) Population 733,374 (#48 most populous US state) Area 665,381 sqmi (#1 largest US state) Admitted to the Union January 3, 1959 (#49 state to join) ⭐ Capital of Alaska
The capital of the state of Alaska is Juneau, named after French-Canadian prospector Joseph Juneau. It became the capital on January 3, 1959, when Alaska joined the Union as the 49th state. Juneau had already been the capital of the Alaska Territory since 1906, when the capital was moved there from Sitka.
🏙️ Largest City in Alaska
The largest city in Alaska is Anchorage, with a population of 286,075 as of 2023. The second-largest city is Fairbanks with 31,856 residents, followed closely by the capital, Juneau, with a population of 31,555.
🕒 Time in Alaska
The current time in Anchorage, Alaska is 4:55. Almost the entire state observes Alaska Standard Time (AKST, UTC-9), switching to daylight saving time (AKDT, UTC-8) from March to November. Only the Aleutian Islands in the west observe Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HAST, UTC-10).
🧑🤝🧑 Population of Alaska
According to 2023 data, Alaska had a population of 733,374, making it the 48th most populous U.S. state.
📍 Area of Alaska
The total area of Alaska is 665,381 sqmi, with 586,409 sqmi being land and 91,315 sqmi covered by water. In terms of area, Alaska is the largest U.S. state.
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Fun Facts About the State of Alaska
🧩 Which States Border Alaska
Alaska shares a land border only with Canada to the east. The rest of its territory is bordered by the Chukchi Sea, the Beaufort Sea (part of the Arctic Ocean), and the Pacific Ocean. Alaska’s coastline spans 46,600 mi, longer than the coastlines of the remaining 49 U.S. states combined.
📅 Date Alaska Joined the Union
Alaska became the 49th state of the United States on January 3, 1959, transitioning from the Alaska Territory to statehood.
📛 Alaska’s Nickname
Alaska is nicknamed “The Last Frontier”, a reference to its wilderness and geographic distance from the rest of the United States.
⛰️ Highest Mountain in Alaska
The highest mountain in Alaska—and in the entire United States—is Denali (20,310 ft). It was officially known as Mount McKinley until 2015. Denali is located in the Alaska Range.
🏞️ Rivers in Alaska
The longest river in Alaska is the Yukon River, stretching 1,982 mi. It is followed by the Kuskokwim River (702 mi), the Tanana River (584 mi), the Porcupine River (569 mi), and the Innoko River (497 mi).
🎓 Universities in Alaska
The largest university in Alaska is the University of Alaska Anchorage, founded in 1954 and home to about 14,000 students. The second-largest, with over 9,000 students, is the University of Alaska Fairbanks, followed by the satellite campus Wayland Baptist University in Anchorage, with approximately 4,500 students.
✉️ ZIP Codes in Alaska
Alaska has been assigned the ZIP code range 995xx–999xx. Detailed information is available in the article ZIP Codes in the USA. You can look up a ZIP code for a specific address on the U.S. Postal Service website.
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Weather in Alaska
The best time to visit Alaska is during the summer, when temperatures are pleasant and nature is in full bloom. Alaska is the coldest state in the USA, and in some areas, snow cover remains year-round. In the interior, expect significant temperature fluctuations.
Spring in Alaska is marked by melting snow, with average temperatures ranging from 32 °F to 46 °F. Snowmelt is slow, which often leads to muddy roads.
Summer in Alaska is short, with temperatures usually ranging from a comfortable 54 °F to 64 °F. Rainfall is relatively moderate, with thunderstorms especially common in the southern parts of the state. In northern Alaska, you can experience the midnight sun, when the sun doesn’t set for several weeks.
Fall in Alaska brings shorter daylight hours and a significant temperature drop in September and October. Average autumn temperatures range from 28 °F to 46 °F. The weather is variable, and by late October and November, snow showers are to be expected.
Winter in Alaska is long and extremely cold, with temperatures usually between 23 °F and 14 °F, and in some areas dropping to as low as -22 °F. Snowfall is heavy and nights are long.
🌡️ Average Temperatures and Precipitation in Alaska
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What to See in Alaska
1️⃣ Denali National Park
Denali National Park is home to the tallest mountain in North America, formerly known as Mount McKinley. The park is popular for its diverse wilderness and rich wildlife; visitors can encounter grizzly bears, wolves, or moose in the wild.
2️⃣ Anchorage
Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska and serves as a starting point for many tourist destinations. The city is home to the Alaska Museum of History and Culture, which gives visitors insights into the state’s past. The surrounding area offers numerous hiking opportunities and chances to see the northern lights.
3️⃣ Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in southern Alaska and, as the name suggests, is famous for its coastal fjords and massive glaciers. Most visitors explore the park by cruise ship, from which seals, sea otters, and whales can be spotted. A popular attraction is the Exit Glacier, one of the few glaciers accessible by foot. Kayaking is commonly used to get around the park.
4️⃣ Fairbanks
Fairbanks is known as the gateway to the Arctic region of Alaska. In winter, the city offers ideal conditions for viewing the northern lights. Nearby, the Chena Hot Springs offer a popular spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.
5️⃣ Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay National Park is renowned for its massive glaciers, some of which dramatically calve into the ocean. The park is home to wildlife such as bears, bald eagles, and whales—best observed from a cruise ship. Several marked hiking trails of varying difficulty levels are available throughout the park.
6️⃣ Skagway
Skagway was an important transportation and supply hub during the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 19th century. Today, it’s a small town that still holds many memories of its former glory. You can visit a historical park that commemorates the gold rush era or take a scenic trip on the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway through the mountains.
7️⃣ Katmai National Park
Katmai National Park is famous for the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, which was shaped by the eruption of Novarupta volcano in 1912—the largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century. The park is home to a large number of grizzly bears that can often be seen catching salmon in the river. Katmai is one of the most remote national parks, accessible only by plane or boat.
8️⃣ Sitka
Sitka was the capital of Alaska when it was still a Russian territory. The city has a rich history linked to Russian colonialism, and tourists can visit sites like an Orthodox church. Sitka is accessible only by boat or plane, but it offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the chance to see eagles, whales, and bears.
9️⃣ Wrangell–St. Elias National Park
Wrangell–St. Elias is the largest national park in the USA by area, covering 20,625 sqmi. It contains some of the world’s largest glaciers and several still-active volcanoes. A fascinating historic site within the park is the well-preserved Kennecott mining town, once a major center for copper mining. This lesser-visited park is perfect for those looking to enjoy hiking or camping away from crowds.
🔟 Other National Parks in Alaska
Alaska is synonymous with wild, untamed nature, much of which is protected as national parks. In addition to the parks listed above, you can also visit Gates of the Arctic, the northernmost of all U.S. national parks, located entirely above the Arctic Circle.
Kobuk Valley National Park is known for its herds of North American reindeer, also known as caribou. Lake Clark National Park is centered around the lake of the same name, with mountain peaks capped by glaciers.
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Largest Cities in Alaska
The table lists the ten largest cities in Alaska as of 2023. The data source is the federal agency United States Census Bureau, whose main responsibility is conducting the census.
City County Population 1 Anchorage Anchorage 286,075 Map of Anchorage 2 Fairbanks Fairbanks North Star 31,856 Map of Fairbanks 3 Juneau Juneau 31,555 Map of Juneau 4 Wasilla Matanuska-Susitna 9,945 Map of Wasilla 5 Sitka Sitka 8,282 Map of Sitka 6 Ketchikan Ketchikan Gateway 8,079 Map of Ketchikan 7 Kenai Kenai Peninsula 7,746 Map of Kenai 8 Palmer Matanuska-Susitna 6,378 Map of Palmer 9 Bethel – 6,292 Map of Bethel 10 Homer Kenai Peninsula 6,040 Map of Homer -
Sports Teams in Alaska
🏒 Hockey (NHL)
There is no NHL team based in Alaska.
🏈 American Football (NFL)
Alaska is not represented in the NFL.
🏀 Basketball (NBA)
There is no NBA team based in Alaska.
⚾ Baseball (MLB)
No MLB team is located in Alaska.
⚽ Soccer (MLS)
No team from Alaska competes in Major League Soccer.
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State Symbols of Alaska
Alaska has a variety of official symbols; this text highlights only a selection of them.
Flag of the State of Alaska
The state flag of Alaska was adopted on May 2, 1927. The design was created by a fourteen-year-old boy named Benny Benson from the city of Seward. The flag features a dark blue background with eight gold stars representing the Big Dipper and the North Star.
Seal of the State of Alaska
The design of Alaska’s seal depicts rays above mountains symbolizing the sun and various natural elements. The smelters on the left refer to the mining industry, the train represents the Alaska Railroad, and the ships symbolize maritime transportation. The trees stand for forests, and the farmer with a horse and wheat represents agriculture. Alaska adopted the current seal in 1910, before it achieved statehood.
State Motto
Alaska’s official motto is “North to the Future”, adopted in 1967 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Alaska Purchase from Russia. The motto reflects the idea that Alaska is separate from the Lower 48 states and can represent a new frontier for those seeking freedom.
State Flower
Since 1917, Alaska’s state flower has been the alpine forget-me-not (Myosotis alpestris), which grows in mountain meadows.
State Tree
In 1962, the Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) was declared the official state tree. It is abundant in southeastern Alaska. The tree’s name was derived from the city of Sitka.
State Bird
Since 1955, the willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) has been a symbol of Alaska. This bird nests in local birch groves.
State Fish
In 1962, Alaska designated the Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) as the official state fish. It is commonly found in the region’s rivers.
State Land Mammal
Since 1998, the official state land mammal has been the moose, of which there are approximately 175,000 in Alaska.
State Mineral
Since 1968, gold has been Alaska’s official state mineral. Gold mining began in the second half of the 19th century. The first gold rush in the region started in August 1896, when a deposit was discovered near Canada’s Yukon River.
State Sport
In 1972, dog mushing was declared the official state sport. Historically, it was a common mode of transportation in remote areas of Alaska.
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