Nome AlaskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Nome, Alaska.
1. Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum
DIVE INTO LOCAL HISTORY
The Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Nome's rich cultural and historical past. Visitors should give themselves a couple of hours to explore, especially if there's a special exhibit in the gallery. The museum showcases artifacts and exhibits related to Nome's gold rush era and indigenous heritage.
2. Bering Land Bridge National Preserve
ANCIENT LAND CONNECTION
The Bering Land Bridge National Preserve protects a remnant of the land bridge that once connected Asia to North America. This unique preserve offers visitors the chance to explore an area with significant geological and archaeological importance. Visitors can witness diverse ecosystems and learn about the migration routes of early humans to North America.
3. White Alice Site
COLD WAR COMMUNICATION RELIC
The White Alice Site features remnants of a Cold War-era communication system that once linked remote Alaskan outposts. These distinctive antenna structures stand as silent sentinels overlooking Nome and the surrounding landscape. History enthusiasts will appreciate this unique glimpse into Alaska's strategic military importance during the mid-20th century.
4. Katirvik Cultural Center
INDIGENOUS CULTURE SHOWCASE
The Katirvik Cultural Center celebrates and preserves the rich heritage of Alaska Native cultures in the Nome region. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring traditional arts, crafts, and cultural practices of the Iñupiat people. The center serves as an important educational resource for both tourists and locals seeking to understand indigenous perspectives.
5. Nome Convention and Visitors Bureau
GATEWAY TO LOCAL ADVENTURES
The Nome Convention and Visitors Bureau, headquartered in a cozy gazebo in downtown Nome, serves as the perfect first stop for travelers arriving in the area. Staffed by knowledgeable locals, the center provides valuable information about attractions, activities, and events happening in Nome. Visitors can pick up maps, brochures, and get personalized recommendations for making the most of their stay.
6. Last Train to Nowhere
HAUNTING GOLD RUSH RELIC
The Last Train to Nowhere features the rusting remains of steam locomotives abandoned during Nome's gold rush era. These haunting iron skeletons tell the story of ambitious transportation dreams that ultimately failed in Alaska's harsh environment. Photographers and history buffs find this site particularly compelling for its eerie atmosphere and historical significance.
7. Safety Road House
HISTORIC ROADSIDE WATERING HOLE
The Safety Road House offers visitors a chance to grab a beer and experience an authentic slice of Nome's frontier atmosphere. This rustic establishment serves as both a local gathering spot and a tourist curiosity along Nome's roads. Visitors can enjoy refreshments while soaking in the unique character of this remote Alaskan outpost.
8. Twin Dragon Restaurant
SURPRISING ASIAN CUISINE
Twin Dragon Restaurant surprises visitors with delicious Vietnamese pho in this remote Alaskan town. The restaurant serves up some of the most authentic and flavorful Asian cuisine to be found in the region. After a day of sightseeing in Nome's chilly climate, visitors can warm up with a satisfying bowl of steaming soup.
9. Polar Cub Cafe
LOCAL HUB AND EATERY
The Polar Cub Cafe serves as the social hub of Nome where visitors can eavesdrop on gold dredging conversations while enjoying hearty breakfasts. Diners can feast on giant stacks of pancakes while taking in spectacular views of the crashing waves in the Bering Sea. This authentic local establishment offers both satisfying food and a genuine glimpse into daily life in this remote Alaskan community.
10. Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Finish Line
LEGENDARY RACE CONCLUSION
The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Finish Line in Nome marks the conclusion of the world's most famous sled dog race spanning over 1,000 miles. Each March, spectators gather to witness mushers and their dog teams complete this grueling journey across Alaska's wilderness. The finish line celebrations represent an iconic cultural event that showcases Alaska's unique sporting heritage and connection to traditional transportation methods.
11. Nome's Roads to Nowhere
SCENIC WILDERNESS DRIVES
Nome's Roads to Nowhere offer adventurous travelers the chance to explore the stunning wilderness surrounding the remote town. These three roads—the Kougarok Road, the Teller Road, and the Council Road—stretch into the Alaskan wilderness, providing access to spectacular scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors with rental cars can easily access these routes for day trips that showcase the region's natural beauty.
12. Nome Gold Rush Beach
HISTORIC GOLD PANNING SITE
Nome Gold Rush Beach allows visitors to try their hand at gold panning where the great Nome gold rush began in the early 1900s. The beach still attracts modern-day prospectors hoping to find gold in the sand and gravel. Visitors can witness or participate in this ongoing pursuit that connects present-day Nome to its boom-town origins.
13. Anvil Mountain
PANORAMIC WILDERNESS VIEWS
Anvil Mountain provides hikers with panoramic views of Nome, the Bering Sea, and the surrounding tundra landscape. The mountain is accessible via a moderate hiking trail that rewards climbers with breathtaking vistas in all directions. Nature enthusiasts can observe diverse arctic flora and possibly spot wildlife including muskoxen during their ascent.
14. Norton Sound
COASTAL WILDLIFE WATCHING
Norton Sound offers prime opportunities for wildlife viewing and bird watching along Nome's coastline. The sound becomes especially vibrant during late spring when dozens of bird species migrate to the area, creating a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Visitors can also spot marine mammals and enjoy the dramatic coastal scenery where land meets the Bering Sea.
15. Pilgrim Hot Springs
REMOTE NATURAL SPA
Pilgrim Hot Springs provides a natural geothermal oasis in the wilderness near Nome. These natural hot springs offer a rejuvenating soak surrounded by the beautiful but harsh Alaskan landscape. Visitors seeking this remote experience will need to arrange transportation as the springs are located approximately 60 miles from Nome on the Kougarok Road.