Cape Krusenstern National Monument is a coastal plain bordering the Chukchi Sea in Northwestern Alaska, 10 miles northwest of Kotzebue. The monument is dotted with sizable lagoons and backed by gently rolling limestone hills. In summer, wildflowers color the beach ridges and nearby hills. Large numbers of migratory birds come from all over the world to Cape Krusenstern to nest. Along the outer beaches, the Inupiat people still hunt marine mammals.
Activities and Attractions
Cape Krusenstern contains some of the most important prehistoric sites in the Arctic. The 114 beach ridges in the Monument and nearby bluffs contain a chronological record of some 4,000 years of prehistoric and historic use, primarily by Native groups. Shifting sea ice, ocean currents and waves formed the ridges, each new one being used in succession by Eskimos for their hunting camps. Eskimos still hunt seals along the cape's outmost beach and at shoreline campsites, the women trim and render the catch for the hides and the meat and seal oil that are still vital to their diet. Activities in the area include hiking, kayaking, fishing, flightseeing and wildlife viewing.
Accessibility
Commercial jet service is provided from Anchorage to the gateway community of Kotzebue. Chartered flights bring visitors to the park. Summer access may include motorized/non-motorized watercraft, aircraft or by foot. Winter access may include snowmobiles, aircraft, dog sled or by foot.
Fees and Visitor Count
There are no entrance fees in Cape Krusenstern National Monument. Visitor count is not available.
Weather and Climate
Weather is a central concern to those planning to visit the park at any time of year. Summer temperatures on the coast are usually in the low 50s, with mid 60°F to 70°F range, with an occasional period of 80's or 90's, in the interior. Average January lows are -15°F on the coast and -50°F in the interior. Winds average 8 to 12 mph, but 50 to 70 mph winds commonly accompany storms and produce extremely low and dangerous wind chill factors. Annual averages are not always good guidelines; in summer, visitors can see snow, near freezing temperatures, and long periods of clouds, wind, and rain. Summer days are long, almost without darkness; winter days are short, with only a few hours of sunlight. Any time of year, exposure and hypothermia are real threats to visitors and park personnel. Be prepared.
Facilities
Kotzebue Headquarters and Information Center - 907-442-3890 - Located on Front Street in Kotzebue (Open year-round)
Innaigvik Education & Information Center - 907-442-3760 - Located on 2nd Avenue in Kotzebue (Open in summer)
History
Cape Krusenstern was designated a National Monument in 1978.
http://www.nps.gov/cakr/index.htm