6 Towns in Alaska that Transport You to the Past

Of all the places you could visit, why would Alaska be at the top of that list? To answer that, you need to begin with the "where." This northernmost state is the largest U.S. state, known for its vast untouched landscapes, and was also home to numerous Indigenous peoples long before European colonization. There is much history to uncover over this once-disputed land, and it is not uncommon to feel transported to the past with a visit there. A trip to Alaska can mean anything from dog sledding to glacier tours and finally seeing the stunning Northern Lights people keep talking about! Summers usually create the perfect time to go, and with coastal areas enjoying a more temperate climate, there is rarely a bad time to visit, especially if you enjoy frosty pastimes. Dress warmly, and be ready to experience a journey like never before.

Skagway

Known as the starting point for the Klondike Gold Rush in 1898, this small town still has buildings from that era lining its streets. You will quickly feel transported back to the past when you see the false-fronted buildings they used to build in order to give off an imposing presence. The aptly named Inspiration Point is an excellent scenic spot you can visit to take in the beautiful, unblemished landscape. If you are a fan of hiking and still looking for adventure, the Skagway HP is a mountain peak from which you can see the Skagway Overlook or the Golden Stairs. A lighter activity would probably include a visit to the Skagway Museum before heading down to the famous Port of Skagway.

Sitka

Sitka used to be the capital of Russian America, and it still holds significant Russian Orthodox landmarks, such as St. Michael’s Cathedral. This town is chockfull of historical landmarks like the Baranof Castle State Historic Site, and even walking through a place like Totem Park can take you back with its Tlingit carvings from centuries past! Just a few minutes from there is the Russian Bishop's House, which is well-preserved and, by all accounts, feels like traveling back in time. There is a lot to uncover here, so a trip to the museum can be quite beneficial; try the Sheldon Jackson Museum for more information on this incredible place that lives and breathes history.

Wrangell

One of the oldest towns in Alaska, Wrangell was first established as a Tlingit village, then a Russian fort in 1834. Older still, there are ancient carvings estimated to be at least 8,000 years old at Petroglyph Beach State Historic Park! Three gold rushes took place here: Stikine, Cassiar, and Klondike. The Wrangell Museum would be your best bet for learning more about the layers behind the Alexander Archipelago, which this town is a part of. Walking around the town should feel like a treat, especially when you run into places like the Chief Shakes Longhouse.

Haines

Haines was a crucial stop during the Klondike Gold Rush; even today, you can still see the trails used by prospectors. There are many interesting spots here that can take you back to an age gone by, like the Hammer Museum, which is exactly what it sounds like—a small museum with exhibits tracing the global history of the hammer. The town has its own history, of course, and a visit to Fort William H. Seward will quickly vindicate that. There are, of course, excellent natural attractions all around The Last Frontier—Alaska’s nickname. A trip to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve would offer more than a great experience; it is also historically important to the Tlingit people who hunted and fished in the region.

Nome

Another hotspot for gold mining, Nome, became famous during the 1899 gold rush, with thousands flocking to its beaches in search of gold. Anvil City Square should be the first stop to see a restored train from the early 1900s that was used to haul gold miners! Speaking of Nome’s history, the Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum can tell you stories of both native communities and gold prospectors if you are curious to know how locals lived back in the day. Aside from that, the town is located on the coast of the Bering Sea, which is perfect for maritime recreation near Nome Boat Harbor or enjoying one’s time at Snake River Park if you are not too keen on boating.

Talkeetna

Suspended in time, Talkeetna used to be a trading post in 1916, and Talkeetna's old general store and roadhouse still operate to this day! Talkeetna Historical Society should be your second stop if you are looking for something more informative in a restored and well-maintained house. The main tourist attraction here, though, is the Mahay's Dock. Much of the town is accustomed to living near bodies of water, so Talkeetna Riverfront Park is a common go-to and a great choice to enjoy Talkeetna’s best. “Where rivers meet” (what the town’s name actually means) attracts many visitors, many of whom like to marvel at the Talkeetna Train Station, a functioning railroad station over 100 years old.

Peering through time is always such a treat for those looking to learn more about their past and how people used to live. Much of Alaska remains untouched by the marks of time that people leave behind, which is perhaps part of its charm: seeing the world as it once was before we came in, built malls and parking lots, and tore down what existed millennia ago. If you can make the trip, The Last Frontier has ways of transporting you to the past that will leave you in awe.