Alaska’s Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Track Communities

Alaska is known for its incredible landscapes, majestic glaciers, and diverse wildlife, but to truly soak in the Great Land’s magic, spend time in one of its small towns in addition to its national parks and wilderness areas. 

Alaska’s smaller communities are the perfect places to meet locals and connect with the region’s cultures and traditions. To experience the Alaska way of life, you may want to stroll around town, visit a community museum or art gallery, or ask a local for their favorite hiking trail. 

While each town offers something special, here are a few off-the-beaten-track communities to explore around the state:

Southcentral: Whittier

Located on the shores of Prince William Sound, Whittier is a small town accessible via the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel — the longest highway tunnel in North America. This town is perfect for history buffs and visitors looking to experience a peaceful getaway surrounded by outdoor adventures.

As a gateway to stunning marine landscapes, Whittier provides access to some of the best day cruises in the state, with multiple options to view glaciers like Blackstone and Surprise Glaciers. From activities like kayaking to jet skiing, Whittier's location on the serene waters of Prince William Sound allows for up-close views of fjords, waterfalls, and marine wildlife, including seals, sea otters, and whales. 

ACTIVITIES:

• Glacier tours: Explore the breathtaking Blackstone and Beloit Glaciers, among many others, from a day cruise.
• Hiking: Picturesque trails like the Horsetail Falls Trail and the Portage Pass Trail provide an unforgettable outdoor experience.
• Fishing: With species including halibut, salmon, lingcod, and rockfish, guests can enjoy a guided fishing charter that takes them to prime fishing spots.

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Interior: Nenana

Famous for the Nenana Ice Classic, the small town of Nenana is located 55 miles south of Fairbanks on the George Parks Highway. Created in 1917, the Nenana Ice Classic allows locals and visitors to guess when the ice on the river will break up each spring. The event has become a fun tradition for residents, adding a touch of excitement to the quiet town each year.

Beyond this annual event, Nenana offers travelers a glimpse into Alaska’s rich railroad history and Alaska Native culture. The town was once an important railroad hub, and its depot, built in 1923 and restored in 1988, is on the National Register of Historical Sites. Visitors can also explore the area’s Den’a roots through the local cultural center, providing a deeper understanding of the region’s Indigenous people.

ACTIVITIES:

• The Alfred Starr Cultural Center: Learn about the town’s Athabascan roots with exhibits covering Alaska Native beadwork, Yukon 800 riverboat racing, dog mushing, and more. 
• Historic Sites: Visit the Alaska Railroad Museum and Nenana Depot, dedicated to showcasing the history of the Alaska Railroad and how it supported the growing state of Alaska.

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Inside Passage: Haines

Considered one of the region's most scenic communities, Haines is located north of Juneau and just south of Skagway. A port of call for the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry System, Haines was established during the Klondike Gold Rush and is an ideal destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences.

Surrounded by stunning mountain and ocean landscapes, Haines is perfect for outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, fishing, and whale watching. With four main hiking trails nearby, visitors can easily explore the beauty of the area on their own or with one of the local tour operators that offer guided excursions in photography, fishing, rafting, and more. Known as the "Valley of the Eagles," Haines is also home to the annual Alaska Bald Eagle Festival each fall, attracting visitors for birdwatching, photography workshops, and lectures at the Chilkat Bald Eagle Reserve.

ACTIVITIES:

• Southeast Alaska State Fair: Held in late July, this event features live music, parades, logging competitions, sports tournaments, livestock shows, and more.
• Unique Museums: Visit the Sheldon Museum, which showcases Indigenous artifacts, including Chilkat blankets, as well as exhibits on Haines' pioneer and gold rush history. Or check out the Hammer Museum, a one-of-a-kind location displaying over 2,000 hammers, including a 20-foot-tall hammer outside.

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Southwest: Kodiak

Spanning over 100 miles, Kodiak Island is Alaska's largest island and the second-largest island in the United States. Often referred to as the Emerald Isle, Kodiak’s combination of rich history, breathtaking scenery, and abundant wildlife makes it a unique destination. The island is home to the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, where you can encounter the famous Kodiak brown bear. Base yourself in the town of Kodiak to explore the island. 

ACTIVITIES:

• Hiking: Explore trails like Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park for stunning coastal views and World War II history.
• Fishing: Kodiak is a world-class destination for salmon and halibut fishing.
• Cultural sites: Visit the Baranov Museum to learn about the island’s Russian history and the Alutiiq Museum, where you can learn about the region’s Alaska Native peoples.

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Arctic: Utqiaġvik (Barrow)

As the northernmost community in the United States, Utqiaġvik is situated on Alaska’s northern coast on the Arctic Ocean. Only accessible by plane, Utqiaġvik offers travelers a once-in-a-lifetime Arctic experience with tour operators offering opportunities that include photographing wildlife and learning about the area's rich Iñupiat culture. 

ACTIVITIES:

• Wildlife viewing: View Arctic wildlife including snowy owls, foxes, caribou, migratory birds, and possibly polar bears.
• Cultural immersion: Visit the Iñupiat Heritage Center to gain insights into the life of Alaska’s northernmost people.

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While Alaska’s famous landmarks are rightfully celebrated, these off-the-beaten-track communities reveal a quieter, more intimate side of the state. Whether you’re kayaking in Whittier, exploring Nenana’s rich history, or soaking in the Arctic wonders of Utqiaġvik, each of these destinations offer numerous opportunities to experience Alaska’s diverse culture, history, and natural beauty.