Huslia AlaskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Huslia, Alaska.
1. Huslia Dog Mushing Heritage Center
MUSHING CAPITAL OF ALASKA
The Huslia Dog Mushing Heritage Center celebrates the village's status as the dog-mushing capital of Alaska. Visitors can learn about famous local mushers like Bobby Vent and Jimmy Huntington who have contributed to this important cultural tradition. The center offers insights into the history and techniques of dog mushing that has shaped life in this remote Alaskan community.
2. Nogahabara Sand Dunes
UNIQUE DESERT LANDSCAPE
The Nogahabara Sand Dunes form a remarkable 5-mile oval of desert terrain about 35 miles west of Huslia. These wind-blown sand formations, created from granules ground up by glaciers thousands of years ago, migrate a few feet southward each year. The dunes feature surprising oases with lichen, moss, tiny ponds with dragonflies and wood frogs, and various bird species including white-crowned sparrows and lesser yellowlegs.
3. Koyukuk River
LIFELINE OF THE REGION
The Koyukuk River serves as the primary waterway near Huslia, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The river has historically been crucial for transportation and subsistence activities for local communities throughout the seasons. Visitors can experience the natural beauty of Interior Alaska while observing the traditional relationship between the river and local cultures.
4. Huslia Cultural Center
ATHABASCAN HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Huslia Cultural Center provides visitors with insights into the rich Athabascan heritage of the region. The center displays traditional crafts, tools, and artifacts that demonstrate the ingenuity and resilience of Alaska Native peoples who have thrived in this challenging environment for generations. Cultural demonstrations and storytelling sessions offer an immersive experience into local traditions and knowledge.
5. Jimmy Huntington School Museum
LOCAL EDUCATION HERITAGE
The Jimmy Huntington School Museum preserves the educational history of Huslia and honors its namesake, a renowned local musher. Exhibits chronicle the development of formal education in this remote village and its importance to community life. Photographs and memorabilia showcase the evolution of rural Alaskan education systems over the decades.
6. Huslia General Store
REMOTE VILLAGE PROVISIONS
Huslia General Store serves as the primary shopping venue for this remote Alaskan village, offering essential supplies and local goods. Visitors can find unique Alaska Native crafts alongside everyday necessities in this important community hub. The store provides a glimpse into the logistics of maintaining commerce in one of Alaska's most isolated regions.
7. Huslia Wilderness Lodge
GATEWAY TO ADVENTURE
Huslia Wilderness Lodge offers accommodations for visitors seeking to experience the untamed beauty of Interior Alaska. The lodge serves as a base for activities like dog sledding, snowmobiling, fishing, and wildlife viewing depending on the season. Guests can enjoy authentic Alaskan hospitality while immersing themselves in the stunning natural surroundings of the Koyukuk River region.
8. Huslia Traditional Foods Restaurant
AUTHENTIC ALASKA NATIVE CUISINE
Huslia Traditional Foods Restaurant offers visitors a chance to taste authentic Alaska Native cuisine prepared using time-honored methods. The menu features locally-sourced ingredients including wild game, fish, and seasonal berries that form the foundation of traditional subsistence diets. Diners can learn about the cultural significance of various dishes while enjoying flavors unique to Interior Alaska.
9. Gates of the Arctic National Park
PRISTINE WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Gates of the Arctic National Park encompasses vast wilderness areas accessible from Huslia by air taxi or extended trek. This remote park features untouched landscapes including rugged mountains, pristine rivers, and diverse ecosystems that support wildlife like caribou, wolves, and bears. Visitors seeking a true wilderness experience can explore this park that remains one of America's least visited due to its remoteness.
10. Huslia Winter Carnival
COMMUNITY CULTURAL CELEBRATION
The Huslia Winter Carnival showcases the village's dog mushing heritage with races and demonstrations that attract participants from across Alaska. The event features traditional games, crafts, foods, and performances that celebrate local Athabascan culture. Visitors can experience the strong community spirit and hospitality that defines this remote village during this special annual gathering.
11. Huslia Artisan Cooperative
NATIVE CRAFTS MARKETPLACE
The Huslia Artisan Cooperative displays and sells authentic handcrafted items created by local Alaska Native artists. Visitors can find unique beadwork, birch bark baskets, fur garments, and carvings that reflect traditional skills passed down through generations. Each piece tells a story of cultural heritage and demonstrates the artistic traditions that continue to thrive in this remote community.
12. Huslia Fishing Charters
KOYUKUK RIVER ADVENTURES
Huslia Fishing Charters offers guided fishing expeditions on the Koyukuk River and surrounding waterways. Anglers can target species like Arctic grayling, northern pike, and various salmon depending on the season. Local guides share their extensive knowledge of traditional fishing spots and techniques developed over generations of subsistence living in this region.
13. Galena Aviation Center
BUSH PILOT HERITAGE
The Galena Aviation Center, located in a nearby hub community, showcases the crucial role of bush pilots in connecting remote villages like Huslia to the outside world. Visitors can learn about the challenges and innovations in Arctic aviation that have made life possible in isolated Alaskan communities. The center features historic aircraft, stories of legendary pilots, and information about current air transportation systems serving the region.
14. Yukon River Camp
RIVERSIDE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Yukon River Camp provides visitors with an immersive experience in traditional river-based subsistence living near the Huslia region. Guests can participate in activities like fish wheel operation, smoking salmon, and gathering wild edibles under the guidance of local knowledge bearers. The camp offers a unique opportunity to connect with the rhythms of life that have sustained Alaska Native communities for thousands of years.
15. Interior Alaska Cultural Festival
REGIONAL HERITAGE GATHERING
The Interior Alaska Cultural Festival in Fairbanks showcases traditions from remote villages like Huslia alongside other interior communities. Performances include traditional dancing, singing, and storytelling that highlight the distinctive cultural practices of Athabascan peoples from the Koyukuk River region. Visitors can purchase authentic Native crafts, sample traditional foods, and learn about subsistence lifestyles still practiced in remote Interior Alaska villages.