Given Alaska’s status as the largest state in the U.S., it’s no surprise there are so many amazing Alaska landmarks to check out. From the North Pole Christmas town to amazing national parks like Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, there is a landmark for everyone.
The following article will help you get familiar with some of the coolest famous buildings, monuments, and even mountains The Last Frontier has to offer.
Top Landmarks in Alaska
- Prudhoe Bay General Store
- Salty Dawg Saloon
- Chicken
- Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
- Denali
- White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
- Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
- Bering Land Bridge National Preserve
- North Pole
- Japanese Occupation Site National Historic Landmark
Alaska Landmarks
Prudhoe Bay General Store
Prudhoe Bay is the kind of place that not many people get to see in their lifetime. If you’re lucky enough to make the trek, a stop at the Prudhoe Bay General Store is a must.
Don’t get us wrong; you likely won’t find the more exotic items on your shopping list here, and even the common goods might be costlier than you’d like. But getting a picture of yourself standing in front of this far-north bodega? Absolutely priceless.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
To be completely honest, the thing that makes Prudhoe Bay so interesting is how far it is from civilization. As such, there’s not a whole lot to do in town. That said, if you’re this far north, you’re within a stone’s throw of serious outdoor adventure spots like Gates of the Arctic National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park.
Unfortunately, just as there are no attractions nearby this spot, there is also a distinct lack of campgrounds, so finding a place to camp will be up to you.
Salty Dawg Saloon
Located at the end of the Homer Spit in scenic Homer, Alaska, the Salty Dawg Saloon is more than your average watering hole. Yes, you’ll find something to cure what ails you behind their bar, but there’s more to it than that.
Originally a cabin constructed all the way back in 1897, this structure has seen some serious community history, serving for a while as a post office, a railroad station, a grocery store, a coal mining office, and even a private residence. Although it’s been renovated and expanded since those days, today the Salty Dawg is the kind of place where everybody really does know your name (or will ask you for it if they don’t).
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Homer is considered one of the premier outdoor playgrounds in Alaska, offering easy access to Kenai Fjords National Park. Lake Clark National Park, and the shimmering waters of the Gulf of Alaska itself.
There are a few campground options in Homer. Homer/Baycrest KOA Holiday is one of the best choices.
Chicken
Yes, this landmark is a whole town; a town with a population of 12 per the latest Census data. Chicken, Alaska is a destination in the Alaska interior as unique as its name would have you guess, and yes, it does have its very own website.
Originally a gold rush town, today Chicken is mostly a place tourists pass through to take a picture, though as mentioned, a handful of people do call it home year round. It’s also home to the yearly Chickenstock Music Festival, a weekend-long event that considerably bloats the population on a temporary basis.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located about five hours east of Fairbanks close to where the Alaskan and Canadian borders meet, we have to admit: Chicken is truly in the middle of nowhere. However, there are plentiful wildernesses around for outdoor lovers to explore, including the Tanana Valley State Forest, Chena River State Recreational Area, and the Wrangell-St Elias National Park & Preserve.
There are a handful of camping options in Chicken, including the fabulous Chicken RV Park.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
At over 13.2 million acres, Wrangell-St Elias National Park & Preserve is another wonderful Alaskan landmark. It’s the largest national park in our system, bigger than Yellowstone and Yosemite combined.
This park is the present-day home of ancient indigenous cultures as well as natural features impossible to find elsewhere, from glaciers to volcanoes and beyond. It’s important to note there are only two roads into the park, both of which are small and unpaved. On top of that, there’s a lot of undeveloped forest to contend with. Be sure to bring your map and possibly even an experienced outdoor guide!
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Because of its massive size, this national park is surrounded by a variety of thriving Alaskan communities, perhaps most notably the city of Valdez. Small but inviting, Valdez offers a variety of museums, shops, and eateries, not to mention access to nearby Chugach State Park.
One of our favorite campgrounds nearby is the Valdez KOA Journey. This is a wonderful campground with everything you need for a comfy stay.
Denali
Denali, also known as Mount McKinley, is the tallest mountain in the United States. It’s surrounded by and preserved within Denali National Park and Preserve, which is named after it. It’s also a highly sought-after mountaineering project for those brave enough to attempt its summit. Not up for climbing? Fortunately, even just standing in its shadow is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Denali National Park is chock-full of outdoor adventure opportunities, including hikes suited to every fitness and interest level. Plus, the park is only two hours’ drive from Fairbanks, one of the most populated and well-appointed cities in Alaska.
There are a few different RV campgrounds inside Denali National Park. We highly recommend staying at one of these in order to have easy access to all the park has to offer.
White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad is a unique narrow-gauge railroad that connects Skagway, Alaska, with Whitehorse. This railroad is more than just something to see — it’s something to experience.
Offering scenic railway trips to visitors, a trip to this landmark gives you the opportunity to participate in this railway’s longstanding history, which stretches all the way back to the Klondike Gold Rush in 1896.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Skagway is tucked just inland from the city of Haines, which is known as a gateway town to nearby Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. The cluster of islands in this area makes for an endless range of adventure opportunities, with stunning outdoor scenes dotted by tiny communities.
As far as camping opportunities go, we have to recommend Pullen Creek RV Park.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
As you might already know, Skagway, Alaska is a historical gold mining town. The lust for gold in the late 1800s was a huge part of what made Alaska into the place it is today, and visitors can learn all about that history, and its continued Alaskan legacy, at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center.
Can’t make it to Skagway? This park has an analogous location in Seattle, Washington, for those who can’t make it all the way up north.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Along with riding aboard the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad mentioned above, if you visit Skagway, be sure to hike along the Chilkoot Trail!
Another great RV park in this area is Salmon Run RV Campground in Haines.
Bering Land Bridge National Preserve
An otherworldly landscape that few will find themselves lucky enough to experience in person, the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve protects and exhibits the remains of the Bering Land Bridge. Alive with volcanic activity, including recent lava flows and hot springs, this is one of the most remote wilderness areas in America, but surely one of the most rewarding to visit.
No roads lead here, unfortunately, so access is limited to those who can make it by snowmobile, charter plane, boat, or even on foot.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
If you’re in the Seward Peninsula, being in the great outdoors is probably your main angle. That said, if you need some time in civilization, check out the small town of Nome, which is home to a few museums and places to eat.
There are no established campgrounds near this particular Alaska landmark, so be prepared for that.
North Pole
Yes, you can visit the North Pole in real life — North Pole, Alaska, that is! Located just southeast of the town of Fairbanks, North Pole celebrates its whimsical name with year-round Christmas decorations. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to walk by the Santa Claus House and a Christmas store that’s been papered over with children’s letters to Santa.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Close to the city of Fairbanks as well as nearby Chena Lake Recreation Area, there’s no shortage of things to do in the area. We recommend Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center and Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum.
When it comes time to park your Rv for the night, make sure to check out Fairbanks/Chena River KOA Journey.
Japanese Occupation Site National Historic Landmark
Perhaps the most remote destination on this list, the Japanese Occupation Site National Historic Landmark lies one of the Aleutian Islands strung out to the west of Alaska between the U.S. and Russia.
Although it’s not open to the public, this landmark commemorates the Japanese occupation of the islands of Attu and Kiska in World War II. This was an occupation which was, thankfully, peacefully resolved without loss of life.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Although the islands themselves are remote and largely inaccessible to the public, Katmai National Park and Preserve is a feasible, though still difficult, adventure to plan.
Planning an RV Trip to Alaska
Alaska is one of the most sought-after destinations for RVers, and for good reason. No other state can compare when it comes to outdoor adventures!
Ready to start planning your RV adventure in Alaska? We’ve documented the best campgrounds in Alaska and 10 of the very best Alaskan RV trips to take!
