Interesting Facts About Alaska

When most people think of vacation, very few think of Alaska. However, the northern most American state has many things to offer tourists. The most surprising fact about Alaska is its size. Alaska consists of 586,400 square miles of diverse and incredible landscape. This makes Alaska the largest state in America. When it comes to tourism, some interesting facts about Alaska that keep people visiting is the chance to see the aurora borealis and an unforgettable ride on the historic White Pass & Yukon Route railroad.

One of the most interesting facts about Alaska is that you can see the aurora borealis between the months of August and early April. This natural light show is also referred to as the polar lights. The closer you get to the North Pole, the better your chances for viewing. Because of this, northern locations in Alaska such as Fairbanks and Yukon are great places to be. Many places in the region cater to this experience, so do a little internet research to find lodging and travel times that suit your personal needs.

During the mining boom that hit Alaska in the late 19th century, transportation was necessary; alas, a railroad was built in 1898. The White Pass & Yukon Route, or WP & YR, railroad is still in effect today. Visitors have the choice of three tours. The Fraser Meadows Steam Excursion allows travelers to experience a bit of yesteryear as their steam locomotive climbs almost 3,000 feet in 26 miles of rugged terrain. The Yukon Adventure has been known to put passengers under a spell as the train chugs along between Skagway and Yukon. WP & YR's Summer Excursion is also quite popular. Passengers view majestic landscapes while learning many interesting facts about Alaska on this 20 mile journey.

These are just a few of the options available to tourists in Alaska. If you can, plan to stay as long as possible to get more of a taste of the culture and diversity that this state has to offer. Another good tip is to participate in the DestinationAndTravel community's forum. You never know, you may meet someone who has some tips to make that Alaskan vacation absolutely perfect.