Come to the town of Nome to experience the great expanses of Alaska’s stirring landscapes and the country’s rich cultural history. Immerse yourself in the excitement of a dog sled race, learn about local Inuit culture and sample local seafood while exploring the remote town and its surrounds.
Rent a vehicle and take a self-guided tour of the historic buildings and see the gold dredges that line the river outside town. Spot gold prospectors walking the beaches with metal detectors and sieves as they continue the search today. Learn about the history of the gold rush as well as local Inupiaq culture at the Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum.
Tour the tundra and beaches of the nearby Bering Land Bridge National Preserve. Wonder at the colors that cover the tundra during the summer months of June and July as over 2,000 species of flower blossom. Behold the deep reds and yellows of fall as the plants on the rolling plains begin to change color in September and October.
Visit in winter to cross-country ski through the treeless wilderness and discover herds of reindeer, caribou and ox. Participate in the festivities of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race in March when you can enjoy arts shows and crafts fairs. Book a helicopter ride over the frozen Bering Sea to observe herds of wild musk ox galloping across the open plains and spot fisherman dropping their lines through holes in the ice over the frozen bay.
Fly from Nome airport to stay in the villages of Savoonga or Gambell, which have a largely indigenous demographic. Visit during traditional cultural events to experience amazing celebrations, such as the whaling or walrus festivals. Consult the website for the Nome Convention and Visitor Bureau, or stop by the bureau located on historic Front street, for information on festival dates and village locations. Also research the best time to visit Nome for tasting the Norton Sound king crab or fresh salmon that the region is famous for.
Nome is located 539 miles (867 kilometers) northwest of Alaska’s capital of Anchorage and can only be reached by flight, boat or dog sled. Visit during the summer months if you wish to tour the tundra as roads around Nome are closed from the end of October to May.
