50 Fun Things to know about Alaska

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50 Fun Things to know about Alaska

Alaska is renowned for its untamed wilderness, diverse animals, and distinctive culture. It has a landmass that is more than twice the size of Texas, provides countless options for outdoor exploration and adventure.

Yet Alaska offers a wide variety of enjoyable activities that are wonderful for people who prefer indoor pursuits, such as visiting museums, cultural centers, and regional attractions. It’s not only about the great outdoors, either.

Alaska has something for everyone, including dog sledding, whale watching, lovely town exploration, and eating fresh seafood. Here ar 50 Fun Things to know about Alaska.

1.It has the most beautiful natural scenery

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Alaska is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and picturesque vistas. In addition to the animals that can be found all around the state, it is home to glaciers, mountains, fjords, forests, and more.

In some areas of Alaska during the winter, you can view the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. Denali National Park, Glacier Bay National Park, and Kenai Fjords National Park are just a few of the state’s national parks that give tourists the chance to discover and take in Alaska’s natural splendor.

2.It is the largest state in the United States by area

By land area, Alaska is the largest state in the United States. More than twice as vast as the next largest state, Texas, it has a total land area of 663,267 square miles (1,717,856 square kilometers). Alaska comes in third place after Texas and California in terms of overall area, including water.

The amazing and beautiful features are attributed to the state’s vast size allowing it to have an extremely varied landscape. Despite its huge land area, Alaska has one of the lowest population densities in the United States.

3. The state has one of the lowest level of population in the United States

As of 2021, over 731,545 people are expected to live in Alaska, making it the 48th most populous state in the union. At an average of just 1.3 persons per square mile, Alaska has the lowest population density of any state in terms of land area.

Over the years, Alaska’s population has increased gradually but steadily, mostly as a result of natural growth (births minus deaths) rather than immigration from other states. Nonetheless, there has also been some migration to the state from other regions of the nation and the world, especially in its major centres.

4.The state’s official nickname is The Last Frontier

The phrase “The Last Frontier” alludes to Alaska’s expansive and untamed terrain, which is still completely undiscovered and uninhabited. Alaska is referred to as the “last frontier” of the American West because it still exudes an adventurous and exploratory spirit.

Early in the 20th century, while Alaska was still a territory and not yet a state, the moniker was created.  Many Americans were captivated by the moniker because they were intrigued by the concept of an untamed wilderness.

For many Alaskans who appreciate the state’s natural beauty, tough terrain, and distinctive way of life, the term is still commonly used today and a source of pride. It embodies the pioneering spirit of the state and its status as one of the last American frontiers still in existence.

5.Alaska was purchased from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million

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The Alaska Purchase, named after the American Secretary of State William Seward who brokered the agreement, refers to the $7.2 million acquisition of Alaska from Russia in 1867. The acquisition occurred amid a period of political and economic unrest in both the US and Russia, and it was motivated by a number of causes.

Russia wanted to sell up its North American territory, which it had been unable to fully exploit due to its remoteness and severe environment, at the time because it was having financial problems. On the other hand, the United States saw the acquisition of Alaska as a chance to enhance the size of its territory and access to more natural resources, particularly fur and fisheries.

The deal was first criticized and regarded with scepticism in the US, as many questioned the worth of the huge, thinly populated country. Nowadays, the majority of people think the United States government made a wise and visionary decision with the Alaska Purchase.

6.The state is home to 17 of the 20 highest peaks in the United States

Alaska is home to 17 of the country’s 20 highest peaks, including Denali, also known as Mount McKinley, which rises to a height of 20,310 feet and is the highest peak in North America (6,190 meters). The Alaska Range, which traverses central Alaska, is home to the remaining 16 Alaskan summits that make up the top 20 highest peaks in the United States.

A key appeal for mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts from throughout the world are Alaska’s high peaks, notably Denali. Many of these peaks rank among the hardest and most rewarding climbs in the world because of their difficult terrain, severe climate, and remote locations.

7.Alaska is home to numerous national parks

There are eight national parks in Alaska, each having distinctive flora, fauna, and cultural heritage. There are outdoor leisure options available in each of Alaska’s national parks, including hiking, wildlife viewing, camping, and fishing.

They offer an opportunity to enjoy the untamed splendor of Alaska’s wilderness areas. The largest wilderness region in North America, glaciers, and a variety of species, including grizzly bears, caribou, and wolves, may all be found in Denali National Park and Preserve.

8.The famous Northern Lights also known as the Aurora Borealis is located in Alaska

The Northern Lights are a type of natural phenomena that develops when solar particles that have electrical charges smash with atmospheric particles to produce brilliant light displays in the night sky. In the fall and winter, when the evenings are longer and darker, Alaska is one of the best spots in the world to see the Northern Lights.

Fairbanks, Denali National Park, and Alaska’s isolated Arctic regions are some of the best spots to see the Northern Lights in the state. Numerous tour companies in Alaska provide Northern Lights viewing excursions, some of which may include transportation to the best viewing areas, knowledgeable guides, and extras like hot beverages and food.

9.Alaska has numerous wildlife species

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Despite its harsh environment and remote location, Alaska is home to a wide variety of animals, many of which are unique to the area. Otters, beavers, foxes, wolverines, as well as several species of birds and fish, are just a few of the many wildlife species that call Alaska home.

Alaska’s wilderness areas are home to the enormous predator known as the Grizzly Bear, which may weigh up to 1,500 pounds. In Alaska, it’s usual to see animals like the Moose, who are distinguished by their prominent antlers. Large, magnificent caribou are famed for their remarkable migrations and are well suited to live in the harsh Arctic climate.

10.Alaska has a rich history of indigenous people

There are various indigenous groups living in Alaska, and each has its own distinct cultures, traditions, and languages. These native peoples have made significant contributions to Alaska’s history and culture, and today we still honour and value their accomplishments.

The Iupiaq people have thousands of years of history in northern Alaska and are well-known for their subsistence hunting and fishing methods. The Tlingit people are indigenous to Alaska’s southeast coast and are well-known for their intricate weaving, carving, and other traditional artistic mediums.

11. The Alaska Railroad is one of the major tourist attraction

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The Alaska Railroad is a distinctive and recognizable train service that has contributed significantly to Alaska’s history and culture. With amazing views of Alaska’s breathtaking scenery and access to some of the states most isolated and unexplored wilderness areas, this train service gives tourists a really unique experience.

It was initially constructed in the early 1900s to move commodities, including gold, from Alaska’s interior to the coast. As a means of moving people and goods throughout the state, the railroad has contributed significantly to Alaska’s growth over the years. The Alaska Railroad today largely serves as a tourism destination, giving guests the opportunity to see Alaska’s remote areas.

12.Alaska has a rich aviation history

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Involved in aviation since the early 1900s, Alaska has a long and fascinating history. Transportation in Alaska was difficult due to the state’s wide and unforgiving landscape, and flying was considered a solution. Early on, mail, supplies, and people were mostly transported by aircraft to Alaska’s remote regions.

Ben Eielson was one of the first people to pioneer aviation in Alaska. In 1928, he made the first trip across the Arctic Ocean, from Point Barrow, Alaska, to Spitsbergen, Norway, and went on to build a prosperous air service that carried mail, passengers, and supplies across the state.

13. Alaska is filled with many outdoor activities

Alaska is very beautiful with amazing scenery, untamed nature, and a lot of open space. Alaska offers a variety of outdoor exploration and adventure options, including hiking, camping, fishing, and animal viewing.

Hiking is one of the most well-liked outdoor pursuits. With its extensive network of routes and wilderness regions, Alaska provides hikers of all experience levels with the chance to discover its untamed landscapes and spectacular views.

Another well-liked pastime in Alaska is camping, which is made possible by the abundance of wilderness and campsite locations. In Alaska, fishing is a popular past time since there are many opportunities to capture a variety of fish species in the state’s many rivers, lakes, and streams.

14. Hosts the most iconic Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race

One of the most famous sled dog races in the world, the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, is held in Alaska. Starting in Anchorage and ending in Nome, the race spans more than a thousand miles of the untamed Alaskan tundra.

The yearly event, which takes place in March, draws mushers and their canine teams from all over the world to compete in this demanding test of strength and dexterity. The Iditarod is a cherished occasion in Alaska that is honoured as a monument to the history of the state and the part that sled dogs played in its growth. It has grown to be a significant component of Alaska’s cultural legacy and serves as a representation of the state’s untamed spirit of exploration.

15.The capital of Alaska is Juneau

Alaska’s capital city is Juneau. It is situated near the Gastineau Channel in the southeast corner of the state, encircled by the Tongass National Forest. Since there are no highways linking Juneau to the rest of Alaska or Canada, the only ways to get there are by boat or airplane.

With a strong arts and cultural scene, access to a range of outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing, Juneau, although being a relatively small city, is a centre for government, business, and tourism in Alaska.

16. The state is filled with protected areas, including the Tongass National Forest

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Many protected areas can be found in Alaska, including the biggest national forest in the country, the Tongass National Forest. Several more protected places, including Denali National Park, Glacier Bay National Park, and Kenai Fjords National Park, as well as Tongass National Forest, may be found in Alaska.

These locations are well-known for their natural beauty and provide tourists chances for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. They are crucial for maintaining Alaska’s distinctive and diverse habitats and wildlife.

17.The Alaska Highway is one of the most scenic roads in the world

One of the world’s most beautiful routes is the Alaska Highway, commonly known as the Alcan Highway. The route connects Delta Junction, Alaska in the United States with Dawson Creek, British Columbia, spanning a distance of more than 1,390 miles.

It travels through some of North America’s most untamed and breath-taking landscapes, such as the Canadian Rockies, the interior of Northern British Columbia, and the untamed wilderness of Alaska. The route allows access to a range of outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, and offers breath-taking views of mountains, woods, rivers, and lakes.

18.Alaska has a significant fishing industry

Some of the most productive fishing areas in the world are found in Alaska, which also has a sizable fishing sector. A variety of fish species, including salmon, halibut, cod, and crab, among others, can be found in the state due to its location on the North Pacific Ocean.

With thousands of people employed and billions of dollars in annual earnings, the fishing sector is a significant contributor to Alaska’s economy. The state of Alaska has rigorous rules in place to protect its fisheries and make sure that they are healthy and productive for future generations.

19.The state’s has an official flower named the forget-me-not

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The official state flower of Alaska is the forget-me-not. It was chosen as the state flower in 1949 and is a representation of the state’s untamed wilderness and natural beauty.

A little, delicate flower with blue or purple petals and a golden centre, the forget-me-not is the forget-me-not. It is indigenous to Alaska and can be found all across the state growing in wetlands, meadows, and along streams and rivers.

There is a unique place for the forget-me-not in Alaskan history and culture. It was a favourite of civil rights crusader and Tlingit Native American Elizabeth Peratrovich, who was instrumental in the passing of the Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act in 1945.

20. Alaska is home to numerous small towns and communities

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Talkeetna is among the most well-known little towns in Alaska. This hamlet, which is close to Anchorage, is renowned for its breathtaking views of Denali, North America’s highest peak.

Skagway is another well-liked tiny town in Alaska. This town, which lies in the state’s southeast, was once a hive of activity during the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 1800s. Today, people who want to learn more about this intriguing time in history frequently travel to Skagway.

On the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is a little town that attracts many of tourists. Seward, which has a population of just over 2,700, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and an abundance of wildlife.

21. Alaska is known for having extreme weather conditions

Alaska has lengthy, frigid winters and brief, cool summers because to its location in the north of the continent. A wide range of extreme weather occurrences, such as intense winds, heavy snowfall, and even volcanic eruptions, can occur in the state.

The intense cold in Alaska is among the worst weather problems. In some regions, the average wintertime temperature is -30 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Throughout the winter, temperatures can fall considerably below freezing.

22.The state has a unique legal system

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The legal system in Alaska is renowned for being distinct from those in other parts of the United States in some fundamental ways. This state’s distinctive history, culture, and geographic isolation are all reflected in its legal system.

Traditional practices and customs have a considerable impact on preserving social order and resolving conflicts in many rural areas of the state. The concepts of restorative justice, which prioritize healing and rapprochement between the people involved over punishment and retaliation, are frequently the foundation of these activities.

Tribes of Alaska Natives have a considerable impact on the administration of justice in many locations. Tribal tribes frequently have their own court systems and laws that reflect their distinct cultural traditions.

23.Most of the states are accessible via plane or boat

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The majority of Alaska’s villages are inaccessible by road because of the state’s enormous size and rocky terrain.  Instead, planes and boats are used to transport people and goods most frequently in these towns, acting as a crucial lifeline for locals and companies.  In Alaska, where many settlements are spread off from large towns or population centres, air travel is very crucial.

In Alaska, boat transport is significant, especially along the state’s lengthy coastline. To move people and commodities, as well as to connect with neighbouring coastal towns and cities, many villages rely on boats and ferries.  

24.The state has a strong tradition of Native Alaskan art

Native Alaskan art has a long history in Alaska and has been passed down through the generations of Indigenous people who have lived there. This artwork honors the diverse Indigenous populations of Alaska, including the Inupiaq, Yup’ik, Tlingit, Haida, and Aleut peoples. Carving, especially of wood and ivory, is one of the most well-known types of Native Alaskan art.

Together with people and mythical beings, carvings frequently show animals like bears, walruses, and birds. These carvings frequently display the artistry and skill of the carver through their meticulous detail. Another significant kind of Native Alaskan art is weaving, especially in the southwest region of the state’s Indigenous communities.

25. Alaska Natives were provided with a land settlement and financial compensation for their land rights

In order to settle Alaska Natives’ land claims, the U.S. Congress established the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) in 1971. Alaska Natives received a land settlement and monetary compensation under ANCSA in exchange for their land rights.

The land settlement involved the transfer of over 44 million acres of land from the federal government to over 200 village companies and a group of 12 regional corporations that were created in accordance with ANCSA.  

26.It has a significant military presence

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The military presence in Alaska has a considerable impact on the state’s economy and communities, and the state’s strategic location close to Russia and the Arctic makes it a crucial location for military operations.  Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), in Anchorage, is one of the main military locations in Alaska.

Eielson Air Force Base, a significant military facility in Alaska, is close to Fairbanks.  The 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, is based at Fort Wainwright, an army base in Fairbanks. The largest Coast Guard base in the nation, Coast Guard Base Kodiak is situated on Kodiak Island and is in charge of search and rescue operations in the Bering Sea and the Gulf of Alaska.

27.The state hosts the Alaska State Fair annually in Palmer

In Palmer, Alaska, there is a yearly event known as the Alaska State Fair. The fair, which offers a wide range of events and activities, honors Alaska’s distinctive agricultural tradition.

The fair has developed through time into a significant occasion that draws guests from throughout the state and beyond. The fair now offers a variety of events, such as concerts, carnival rides, food stands, and exhibits that highlight Alaska’s arts, agriculture, and culture.

The agricultural displays of the Alaska State Fair, which showcase a wide range of Alaska-grown and -raised plants and animals, are one of its main attractions. From enormous pumpkins and cabbage to prize-winning cattle, lambs, and pigs, visitors can see it all.

28.Anchorageis the largest city in Alaska

Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska.  With nearly 291,000 residents, Anchorage, which is situated in south-central Alaska, is the most populous city in the state.  Between the ocean to the west and the Chugach Mountains to the east, Anchorage is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty.

With a robust tourism economy, a diversified population, and the state’s economic and cultural core.  The Tony Knowles Coastal Path, the Alaska Native History Center, and the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center are just a few of the attractions in Anchorage.

29.Alaska is home to numerous glaciers

The huge, breathtaking terrain of Alaska, which is largely covered in glaciers, is well known.  Alaska is home to thousands of glaciers, which are enormous volumes of ice that develop over time from the accumulation and compacting of snow.

Not only are these glaciers a breathtaking sight to behold, but they also significantly influence Alaska’s environment and support its ecosystem.  The environment of Alaska is significantly shaped by its glaciers, which also support its ecosystem.

By regulating the local temperature, glaciers assist to create a microclimate that is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species.  The state’s water supply, which is crucial for many settlements throughout Alaska, is also influenced by glacier melting.

30.The state has a diverse industrial economy

The economy of Alaska is renowned for its diversity, with a number of important industries boosting the state’s growth and progress. The economy of the state has traditionally been focused on natural resources like oil, gas, lumber, and fishing, but in recent years, new businesses including tourism, healthcare, and technology have grown.

The fishing industry, which generates billions of dollars in annual revenue from commercial fishing, is another important sector of Alaska’s economy. Millions of tourists visit Alaska each year to take advantage of the state’s abundant outdoor recreation possibilities, which is another important source of revenue for the state’s economy.

31.Alaska was admitted as the 49^th state

On January 3, 1959, Alaska became the 49th state to join the union. Alaska’s leaders, who wanted more authority over their state’s affairs and a stronger voice in national politics, and the federal government engaged in decades of discussion and negotiation before Alaska was admitted as a state.

Alaskans approved statehood in a plebiscite in 1946, but it would take more than ten years of lobbying and political wrangling for President Dwight D. Eisenhower to sign the required legislation into law after it was approved by Congress. An important turning point in the history of Alaska was its admittance as a state, ushering in a period of expansion and prosperity as a component of the US.

32.The state has more coastline than other states in the United States

Alaska has the most coastline of any state in the union. The coastline of Alaska is approximately 6,640 miles long, more than twice as long as Florida’s, the second-largest state. Alaska’s unique physical position as a state with a large maritime border is the cause of its enormous coastline.

The Pacific Ocean, the Arctic Ocean, the Bering Sea, and the Gulf of Alaska all encircle Alaska’s western and southern borders, respectively. The coastline of Alaska contributes significantly to the state’s geography and serves as a major economic engine for the fishing, tourist, and shipping sectors.

33.It has over 130 volcanoes and volcanic fields

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Alaska is the only state in the United States with more than 130 volcanoes and volcanic fields. Alaska is home to some of the world’s most well-known volcanoes, including Mount Redoubt, which is situated on the Kenai Peninsula and has recently erupted numerous times, seriously harming adjacent settlements each time.

The Mount Spurr, Augustine volcanoes are a few other well-known volcanoes in Alaska. Scientists and government organizations actively watch the volcanic activity in Alaska because it has a huge impact on the topography and ecosystem of the state and because it is important for everyone’s safety.

34.Alaska has several monuments

Alaska is home to various historical sites and national monuments.  Examples include the Oscar Anderson Mansion, the Misty Fjords National Monument, and the Anchorage Woman’s Clubhouse. Aniakchak National Monument & Preserve and Cape Krusenstern National Monument are both national monuments in Alaska.

35.It has more active glaciers than any other state

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Some of the world’s most dynamic glaciers are found in Alaska. The majority of Alaska’s approximately 100,000 glaciers are found along the state’s coastal areas, according to the National Park Service.

In the southeast of the state, in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, are found Alaska’s most well-known and active glaciers. The Margerie Glacier, Grand Pacific Glacier, and Johns Hopkins Glacier are just a few of the glaciers that can be found in the park. These glaciers are continually moving and calving, which is the process of icebergs breaking off and falling into the water.

36.It has large ice fields

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Large ice fields, or massive expanses covered in ice and snow that feed several glaciers, are common in Alaska. The Juneau Icefield and the Harding Icefield are Alaska’s two biggest ice fields. The Juneau Icefield, which spans over 1,500 square miles, is situated in the Tongass National Forest in southeast Alaska.

It is the fifth largest ice field in North America and feeds 38 glaciers, including the Taku Glacier and the Mendenhall Glacier. The Harding Icefield spans over 700 square miles and is situated in the Kenai Fjords National Park in southcentral Alaska.

37.Alaska is home to over 12,000 rivers

With more than 12,000 rivers and many smaller streams and creeks winding throughout the state, Alaska is renowned for having a large network of rivers. The state’s glaciers, snowfall, and rainfall feed these rivers, which provide as vital habitat for a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial animals.

The state’s economy, recreation, and transportation all rely on Alaska’s rivers. In Alaska, many isolated settlements depend on rivers for transportation and access to valuable resources like fish and wildlife.

Also, rivers offer chances for leisure pursuits like boating, rafting, and fishing that draw travelers from all over the world. The rivers in Alaska are also a significant source of hydropower, a renewable energy source that powers settlements all around the state.

38.It is home to the largest glacier in the United States

The Bering Glacier, situated in southeast Alaska close to the Gulf of Alaska, is the biggest glacier in the United States. The glacier has a surface area of 2,250 square miles, which is more than Rhode Island’s whole state.

The Bering Glacier is a particular kind of glacier known as a piedmont glacier, which develops when a valley glacier flows out onto level ground and spreads out like a fan. The Bagley Icefield and the Chugach Mountains are just two of the minor glaciers and ice fields that feed the larger glacier.

39.Its constitution was adopted in 1956

The Alaskan Constitution serves as the state of Alaska’s supreme law. It was ratified by Alaskan citizens on April 24, 1956, following its adoption by a constitutional convention that met in Fairbanks, Alaska, between November 8, 1955, and February 5, 1956.

When Alaska joined the union as the 49th state on January 3, 1959, the constitution went into effect. In addition to establishing the rights and obligations of Alaskan people, the Alaska Constitution also describes the concepts that underpin the state’s laws and policies.

40.Alaska is home to more than 3 million lakes

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There are thousands of lakes in Alaska, ranging in size from little ponds to enormous bodies of water that occupy hundreds of square miles. The scenery, ecology, and culture of the state are significantly influenced by these lakes.

The largest lake in Alaska and the second-largest freshwater lake in the country, Lake Iliamna, is one of the state’s most famous lakes. It is situated in the Bristol Bay region of southwest Alaska and spans an area of more than 1,000 square miles. A variety of aquatic animals, including many species of salmon, trout, and char, depend on Lake Iliamna as a vital habitat.

41.The Church of St.Herman is a huge tourist attraction in Alaska

In the Alaskan town of Kodiak, the Church of St. Herman is a significant historical site and a well-liked tourist destination. The cathedral bears the name of St. Herman of Alaska, a prominent figure in the early history of the Russian Orthodox monastery who founded the state.

The church is renowned for its distinctive architecture, which fuses Native Alaskan and Russian design features. The structure has typical onion-shaped domes, a recognizable Alutiiq-style entryway, and internal embellishments. The Church of St. Herman is still in use today as a place of prayer for the neighborhood’s Orthodox people, but it also attracts a lot of tourists every year who come to appreciate its historical and architectural value.

42.Alaska has 129 million forested acres

Despite the fact that Alaska is most known for its vast wilderness areas and frigid vistas, the state also contains sizable forested areas that are crucial to the ecology and economy of the state. Nearly 40% of the state’s total land area, are covered by forests in Alaska.

Spruce, hemlock, cedar, and birch trees make up the majority of the trees in Alaska’s forested areas, with minor proportions of other species like aspen and cottonwood. Many species of birds, fish, and bears, as well as moose, bears, and wolves, all depend on these woodlands as crucial habitat. The harvesting of trees for lumber and pulp as well as the manufacturing of other wood-based goods like plywood and paper are all included in Alaska’s forest products sector.

43.There are amazing hiking trails in Alaska

The flattop mountain trail is one of he most visited trail in Alaska. Other popular hiking routes in Alaska include the Harding Icefield Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, Horseshoe Lake Trail, Diamond Creek Trail, Reed Lakes Trail, Indian River Trail, West Glacier Trail, Mount Ripinski and Haines Cliffs Overlook Skyline Trailhead, Lost Lake Trail, and Homer Spit Trails.

44.Alaska has the best Whale watching tours

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There are many possibilities for people looking to take whale watching trips in Alaska.A few of Alaska’s best whale-watching excursions: National Park at Kenai Fjords which is situated in Seward, Alaska. It provides guests with a number of whale watching excursions that take them across the clear waters of Resurrection Bay and the Gulf of Alaska. Tourists also enjoy whale watching at Juneau Whale Watching Tours.

45.It is home to Jueau’s St. Nicholas  Church

In Juneau, Alaska, there is a historic church called St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church. It is one of Alaska’s oldest Orthodox churches and dates back to 1894. Given that Juneau was a significant port for the fishing sector in the early 20th century, the church was dedicated after St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors and fishermen.

With onion-shaped domes and a striking blue and white color scheme, the St. Nicholas Church is constructed in the traditional Russian Orthodox manner. It was built by a group of Tlingit Native People who were adept at woodworking and carving, following the design of a Russian architect.

46. The Alaska Legislature is made up of 16 Senators and 40 representatives

The Legislature of Alaska is in charge of passing laws and regulating how the state government is run. It is the legislative branch of the Alaskan government. It is a bicameral body, which means that the Senate and the House of Representatives are its two chambers.

20 people that are elected to four-year terms make up the Senate. Senators are chosen from single-member districts with a population that is fairly equal. The Alaska Lieutenant Governor acts as the Senate’s president but only votes in ties, making him the chamber’s presiding officer.

47.When Alaska became a state Alaska Women won universal suffrage

After Wyoming, which granted women the right to vote in 1869, Alaska was the second state in the union to do so. Alaska, on the other hand, was already a state when it allowed women the right to vote in all elections, unlike Wyoming, which was still a territory at the time.

This accomplishment was the result of the dedication and effort of numerous Alaskan women who battled for the right to vote for many years. Elizabeth Peratrovich, who ran for the territory Senate in 1940, was the first female candidate in Alaska for elective office.

Despite the fact that she was unsuccessful, her support for Native Alaskans and her testimony over civil rights contributed to the passing of Alaska’s Anti-Discrimination Act in 1945, which outlawed discrimination based on race.

48. Alaska natives can acquire citizenship in Alaska

When it comes to citizenship and indigenous peoples, Alaska has a distinctive history. Several indigenous peoples, including the Tlingit, Haida, and Aleut, were already residing in Alaska when the United States bought it from Russia in 1867. These indigenous groups were denied voting privileges and other civil rights for a long time because they were not regarded as US citizens.

49. It was a centre of trade after the Russians settled in 1784

Originally, Alaska was not a center of trade when the Russians arrived but it developed and grew.The indigenous inhabitants of Alaska had been trading with one other and with other tribes for thousands of years, but much of their trade was for items needed for basic survival, such as food, clothes, and tools.

Russian settlers founded towns and trading posts along the coast and in the Aleutian Islands. They came to Alaska primarily for the fur trade. They bartered with the locals for sea otter fur, which was highly sought-after in China and Europe due to its superb quality and scarcity.

50.The residents of Alaska became citizens of the United States when it was purchased from Russia

The roughly 7,000 residents of Alaska did not instantly become US citizens when the country bought it from Russia in 1867. At that time, only those who were born in or naturalized in the United States or any of its territories were eligible for citizenship.

It wasn’t until the Organic Act of 1884 that the residents of Alaska were granted U.S. citizenship. The act also established a territorial government for Alaska and provided for the appointment of a governor, a legislative assembly, and a judicial system.

Alaska is truly a fascinating state with a long history and a variety of distinctive qualities, to sum up. Alaska has a variety of fascinating facts and trivia, making it an alluring location for tourists and explorers alike, from its enormous glaciers and towering mountains to its wide wilderness and diverse animals..