100 Dumb US Laws (With Proof They Exist)
Alaska (AK) is the largest state in the USA and the only one with coastlines on the Pacific Ocean and the Arctic Ocean. The capital, Juneau, is accessible from other states only by air or sea. Alaska is defined by its harsh weather and national parks, and it is home to the highest mountain in the United States, Denali, at 20,308 ft. Oil production and fishing are important to Alaska’s economy. Notably, the United States purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867.
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Table of Contents
Quick Facts
Name Alaska Abbreviation AK Capital Juneau Largest city Anchorage (Population: 286 075) Current time 5:54 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 the French-Canadian prospector Joseph Juneau. It became the state 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 it moved there from Sitka.
🏙️ Largest City in Alaska
The largest city in Alaska is Anchorage, which had 286,075 residents in 2023. The second largest city is Fairbanks with 31,856 residents, and the third is the capital, Juneau, close behind with a population of 31,555.
🕒 Time in Alaska
The current time in Anchorage, Alaska is 5:54. Almost all of Alaska follows the Alaska Standard Time (AKST, UTC-9) and observes daylight saving time from March to November as AKDT (UTC-8). Only the Aleutian Islands in the west observe Hawaii–Aleutian Standard Time (HAST, UTC-10).
🧑🤝🧑 Population of Alaska
According to 2023 data, Alaska had 733,374 residents, making it the 48th most populous U.S. state.
📍 Area of Alaska
Alaska’s total area is 665,381 sqmi, of which 586,409 sqmi is land and 91,315 sqmi is water. By area, Alaska is the largest state in the USA.
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Fun Facts About Alaska
🧩 Which States Border Alaska
Alaska’s only land neighbor is Canada to the east; the rest of its borders are coastlines along the Chukchi Sea, the Beaufort Sea (part of the Arctic Ocean), and the Pacific Ocean. Alaska’s coastline of 46,600 mi is longer than the coastlines of the other 49 states combined.
📅 Date of Alaska Statehood
Alaska entered the Union on January 3, 1959, as the 49th state, transitioning from the former Alaska Territory.
📛 Alaska State Nickname
Alaska is nicknamed “The Last Frontier,” which refers to its wilderness and geographic distance from the rest of the USA.
⛰️ Highest Mountain in Alaska
The highest mountain in Alaska, and in the entire United States, is Denali (20,310 ft), which was officially known as Mount McKinley until 2015. Denali lies in the Alaska Range.
🏞️ Rivers in Alaska
The longest river in Alaska is the Yukon River, with a length of 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 in Anchorage, with about 14,000 students. The second largest is the University of Alaska Fairbanks with more than 9,000 students, and the third is the Wayland Baptist University Anchorage campus with roughly 4,500 students.
✉️ ZIP Codes in Alaska
Alaska uses the 995xx–999xx range. For details, see ZIP Codes in the USA. You can look up a ZIP code for a specific address on the USPS website.
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Weather in Alaska
The best time to visit Alaska is summer, when temperatures are pleasant and nature is in full bloom. Alaska is the coldest U.S. state; in some areas, snow cover remains year-round. In the interior, be prepared for large temperature swings.
Spring in Alaska brings retreating snow, with average temperatures around 32 °F to 46 °F. Snow melts slowly, which can leave roads muddy.
Summer in Alaska is short, with temperatures usually in a comfortable range of 54 °F to 64 °F. Rainfall is relatively light, and thunderstorms appear mainly in the southern parts of the state. In northern Alaska you can experience the midnight sun, when the sun does not set for several weeks.
Fall in Alaska brings shorter daylight and, in September and October, a sharp drop in temperatures. Average fall temperatures are around 28 °F to 46 °F. The weather is changeable, and by late October and November snow showers are common.
Winter in Alaska is long and very cold, with typical temperatures between 23 °F and 14 °F, and in some areas falling to -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 namesake highest peak in North America, once known as Mount McKinley. The park is popular for its diverse wilderness and rich wildlife; in the wild you can encounter grizzly bears, wolves, and moose.
2️⃣ Anchorage
Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city and a jumping-off point for many attractions. The city has a museum dedicated to Alaska’s history and culture that introduces visitors to the state’s past. Nearby you can set out on several hikes or watch the northern lights.
3️⃣ Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park lies in southern Alaska and, as the name suggests, is famous for its sea fjords and massive glaciers. Most visitors tour the park by boat, where you can spot seals, sea otters, and whales. A popular highlight is Exit Glacier, one of the few glaciers you can reach on foot. Kayaks are commonly used to get around the park.
4️⃣ Fairbanks
Fairbanks is known as a gateway to Alaska’s Arctic; in winter the city offers ideal conditions for viewing the northern lights. Near Fairbanks you will find the Chena Hot Springs, a popular place to relax.
5️⃣ Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay National Park is known for its huge glaciers, some of which calve into the sea as they melt. Wildlife includes bears, bald eagles, and whales, best seen from the deck of a tour boat. The park has several hiking trails of varying difficulty.
6️⃣ Skagway
During the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 19th century, Skagway was an important transport and supply hub. Today it is a small town that still preserves many memories of its past. You can visit a historical park that commemorates the gold rush era, or take a 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, shaped by the 1912 eruption of Novarupta, the largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century. The park has a large population of grizzly bears, which you can see catching salmon in the river. Katmai is among the least accessible national parks, reachable only by air or sea.
8️⃣ Sitka
Sitka was Alaska’s capital when the state still belonged to Russia. The city has a rich history tied to Russian colonialism; visitors can see, for example, an Orthodox church. Sitka is accessible only by boat or plane, yet it offers beautiful ocean and mountain views. Outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy the area, and you can spot eagles, whales, and bears.
9️⃣ Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Wrangell-St. Elias is the largest national park in the USA by area; across 20,625 sqmi you will find some of the world’s largest glaciers and several still-active volcanoes. A notable historic site inside the park is the well-preserved company town of Kennecott, once a copper mining center. This lightly visited park is a good choice if you want hiking or camping without crowds.
🔟 Other National Parks in Alaska
Alaska is synonymous with wild, untamed nature, protected in many areas as national parks. Along with those listed above, you can also visit Gates of the Arctic, the northernmost national park, located entirely above the Arctic Circle.
The Kobuk Valley National Park is known for its herds of caribou. Lake Clark National Park surrounds the lake of the same name, and its peaks are shaped by glaciers.
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Largest Cities in Alaska
The table lists the ten largest cities in Alaska in 2023. The data source is the federal agency United States Census Bureau, whose primary task is 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 from Alaska.
🏈 American Football (NFL)
Alaska has no team in the NFL.
🏀 Basketball (NBA)
There is no team in Alaska that plays in the NBA.
⚾ Baseball (MLB)
There is no MLB team from Alaska.
⚽ Soccer (MLS)
No team from Alaska plays in MLS.
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Alaska State Symbols
Alaska has a range of official symbols; only some of them are listed here.
Flag of the State of Alaska
The state flag of Alaska was adopted on May 2, 1927; the design was created by fourteen-year-old Benny Benson of Seward. The flag is dark blue with eight gold stars that represent the Big Dipper and the North Star.
Seal of the State of Alaska
The design of Alaska’s seal shows rays over mountains, symbolizing the sun and various natural elements. The smelters on the left refer to the mining industry, the train symbolizes the Alaska Railroad, and the ships maritime transport. 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 for the centennial of the purchase of Alaska from Russia. The motto reflects that Alaska is separate from the Lower 48 states and can be a new refuge for people who seek 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 state tree was designated as the Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), which is abundant in Southeast Alaska. The tree’s name comes from the city of Sitka.
State Bird
Since 1955 Alaska’s symbol has been the willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus), which nests in local birch groves.
State Fish
In 1962 Alaska designated the chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) as the state fish, which is common in local rivers.
State Land Mammal
Since 1998 the official symbol has been the moose; about 175,000 live in Alaska.
State Mineral
Since 1968 the official state mineral has been gold, which began to be mined in the second half of the 19th century. The first gold rush in the region broke out in August 1896, when a deposit was discovered near the Canadian Yukon River.
State Sport
In 1972 dog mushing was declared the official state sport. In the past it was a common means of transportation in Alaska’s remote areas.
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