Alaska - Head to Nome for a Unique Experience
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Information about things to see and do in and around Nome, Alaska.
Nome is a town of about 3,500 people in far northwestern Alaska, and is one of the more remote towns of that size anywhere in the U.S. You can't get there by car (or truck!) from the rest of the U.S. or even by boat except during the summer, but Alaska Airlines has several daily flights.
My wife and I had a great visit there in a recent December - our first trip to Alaska. Unless you're interested in the finish of the famous Iditarod dog sled race in March, I'd suggest you make your visit in the summer. We found the people of Nome to be friendly and helpful, and the town provides a great base for a trip to enjoy some fascinating history and a wide variety of outdoor activities.
You'll find links to sources of information and some additional information about the Nome area on this lens.
(Photo of the Nome area in summer (c) Tom Busch)
Some basic information about Nome
Nome may be best known as the finish line for the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, which covers 1,049 miles from Anchorage to Nome. If you want to be in town for this event, book your accommodations early!In the summer this is a great area to enjoy spectacular wildflowers, bird and wildlife viewing and photography, fishing, hiking, camping and other outdoor activities. Although you can't drive to Nome from the rest of the world, three roads extend out from town for a distance of about 70 to 80 miles, and provide access the surrounding tundra and mountains. Rental vehicles are available in town, but a trip with a local guide may be a better idea for a drive.
Several local flying services can take you to outlying destinations, including the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve. More information about this park is provided below.
The town also has a fascinating history connected with a gold rush which began in 1898 and by about 1900 some 20,000 prospectors had flocked to the area. It's a much calmer place now, although there is still some gold mining activity - and you can try your hand panning for gold on the beach near town if you like.
Some links to helpful information about the Nome area
- Nome Convention and Visitors Bureau
Good local information from the Convention and Visitor's Bureau.
- Tom Busch's Nome, Alaska Page
A very comprehensive page of information about Nome and the surrounding area, with numerous links to other useful sites. It includes plenty of photos of the area and even some suggested hiking trips in the area for summer visitors. This website is maintained by a long-time Nome resident.
- Nome Chamber of Commerce
More good local information from the Nome Chamber of Commerce.
Some winter views of Nome
For a larger view of any of the following photos, just click on the image you'd like to see.
Bering Land Bridge National Preserve
- The official website for the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve
The source of official information about the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, one of the most remote and least visited units of our national park system. There are some wonderful opportunities in the summer for a visit to a truly wild part of Alaska - just be sure you get complete information and are fully prepared for a trip to a very remote area.
Some photos and short comments about Nome
The following photo is provided courtesy of Nome Resident Tom Busch.
This photo gives you just a hint of the beauty found in the Nome area during the summer and early fall. See the link below for more photos.
- Photos and comments from Jim Burnett
A website with some photos and short commentary about our trip to Nome in December, plus several summer and fall photos from a Nome resident.
Getting There
Here's the website for Alaska Airlines.
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Jim Burnett spent 30 years as a national park service ranger at 8 parks all across the U.S. before retiring and beginning a second "dream career" as a... more »
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