It is the common goal of many travel adventurers to visit all 50 states in America. To boost this objective, each week, we shall explore one state. Beginning alphabetically, the second one to visit is none other than beautiful Alaska, whose abbreviation is AK.
Visit state # 2– Alaska!
| State Motto | North to the future |
| State Flower | Wild native Alpine forget-me-not |
| State Bird | Willow Ptarmigan |
| State Gemstone | Jade |
| State Capital | Juneau |
| Famous foods | Reindeer dogs, smoked salmon, king crab, black cod, fry bread, wild berry cobbler & more. |
Alaska is the second of the U.S. States alphabetically, though it is the 49th state to be admitted to the union in 1959. It is in the Western United States on the northwest extremity of North America. The state borders the Canadian province of British Columbia and the Yukon Territory to the east and shares a maritime border with the Russian Federation’s Chukotka Autonomous Okrug to the west, across the Bering Strait. The Pacific Ocean lies to the south and southwest, while to the north are the Chukchi and Beaufort seas of the Arctic Ocean.
Aptly nicknamed The Last Frontier, Alaska is best known for its unique geographical features ranging from mighty mountains, beautiful glaciers, dramatic volcanos, vast and pristine forested land, and more. The sparsely populated wonderland features an abundance of nature and wildlife. Not only is it an important habitat for fish, but its animal population includes brown bears, moose, caribou, wolf, and more. The region is noted for its extreme weather, spectacular Northern Lights, rich indigenous history, and a multitude of national forests, parks, and wildlife refuges. The state boasts 3,197 named lakes and three million-plus unnamed. It also features 3,174 named mountains, of which Mount McKinley, whose name was changed to Denali as a nod to Alaska’s native population, stands as the main attraction. The spectacular mountain rises to an elevation of 20,310 feet and is the highest point in Alaska and all of North America.
Alaska’s park system contains over 3 million acres and is more expansive in size than any other state park system in the United States. Given the fascinating landscape of The Last Frontier, it is a great place for adventurers to seek unique experiences in nature. Those ready to explore the great outdoors are encouraged to visit Denali State Park, Chugach State Park, and Kachemak Bay State Park, three of the most popular in the state. There are endless opportunities to hike and explore in nature’s backyard. Alaska is not only great for experienced adventurers, but it is a wonderful location for family vacations. Sites like Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, Alaska Sealife Center, Museum of the North- Fairbanks, Running Reindeer Ranch, the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary, and Sitka National Historical Park are family-oriented and educational. To continue the fun, take a scenic ride aboard the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. Another unique way to visit Alaska is on a cruise ship, allowing for time at sea to witness snow-capped peaks, glaciers, humpback whales, and more. Sea travelers can participate in onboard activities and enjoy some full-day ports of call in unforgettable historic Alaskan seaside towns.
