Have you ever wanted to learn more about Alaska? I know that I post my thoughts and experiences about Alaska all the time (and plan to continue to do so), but how about all of the little trivia things about Alaska that are just fun to learn about? Some of these Alaska facts were new to me and others I was nodding my head. I’m also listing out all of the Alaska state symbols and facts you need to know. I have a coloring book coming out with these in them. I need a name for it. Can you help me? Let me know in the comments your suggestion and if I pick you, I will send you a coloring book and sticker set for free.
Disclosure: This post not only shares all things about Alaska,, but also has Affiliate Links that I earn commissions from. This is how I make a living and keep this little blog running. Thank you for supporting me! I appreciate it. Much love, Kristi.
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All Things Alaska
Let’s start with the state’s name. Alaska comes from Aleut word Alyeska, which means Great Land.
Alaska was first purchased by the United States in 1867 for $7.2 million (2.5 cents per acre!) from Russia. What a steal!!! This purchase came with great criticism and was often referred to as Seward’s Folly as the area was originally thought to be a wasteland. It wasn’t until 20 years later that Alaska’s amazing natural resources (gold and oil) were discovered. Then another 70 years passed before Alaska became the 49th state in 1959.
Fun Alaska Trivia
- Think it’s always cold in Alaska? Not so. The highest recorded temperature in Alaska was 100 degrees Fahrenheit at Fort Yukon in 1915. Fairbanks sees 90-100 degree weather most summers.
- Alaska produces 25% of the oil produced in the United States.
- Rhode Island could fit into Alaska 425 times!
- Alaska’s largest private industry is the fishing and seafood industry. The majority of the crab, herring, salmon, and halibut in the United States comes from Alaska’s waters.
- The Alaska state flag was designed by a 13-year-old Bennie Benson in 1926.
- Almost a third of Alaska is located in the Arctic Circle.
- Alaska is massive in size. A superimposed scale map of Alaska on a map of the 48 lower states extends from coast to coast and the coastline of Alaska extends over 6,600 miles. Alaska has more coastline than all of the other states combined!
- Alaska is the 3rd least populated state in the United States.
- People often ask how many glaciers are in Alaska. There isn’t an official number, but the Alaska Almanac estimates that Alaska has 100,000 glaciers. There are 616 officially named glaciers in Alaska and 1,000 glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park alone.
- Alaska is home to 17 of the 20 highest mountain peaks in the United States. Denali Mountain is the largest mountain in North America, and people come from all over the world to see it in Denali National Park.
Denali National Park – the view when flying on over this magnificent national park.
Alaska State Symbols
Alaska State Flower
Alaska State Flower – Forget-Me-Not
Alaska Forget Me Not Seeds
Alaska State Tree
Alaska State Tree – Sitka Spruce
Alaska State Bird
Alaska State Bird – Willow Ptarmigan in Summer
The Alaska State Bird is the Willow Ptarmigan, it is brown in the summer and changes to a brilliant white in the winter. What a beautiful arctic bird!
Alaska State Bird – Willow Ptarmigan in Winter
Alaska State Dog
Alaska State Dog – Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute was bred for their strength and endurance to haul heavy freight, and later as a sled dog. Malamutes were bred by the Malemiut Inupiaq people of Alaska’s Norton Sound region, who were a Thule people.
Alaska State Fish
Alaska State Fish – King Salmon
There are five types of Pacific Salmon. The Alaskan King Salmon is the largest salmon. King or Chinook Salmon is the highest in fat, and by far the most expensive to buy.
True Story 😉
The first fish I ever caught in Alaska was a King Salmon in the heart of Anchorage at Ship Creek.
The Salmon sticker I made to show my love of Alaska salmon. Order yours here.
Alaska State Insect
Alaska State Insect – Four Spot Skimmer Dragonfly
My parent company for all of my businesses is Orange Dragonfly Media. When I first heard the state insect in Alaska was not the mosquito, but the orange dragonfly, I knew I was in the right place. Orange dragonflies have always been a symbol of hope and home to me.
My love of the orange dragonfly came out in this sticker. I just love it! Order yours here.
Alaska Land Mammal
Alaska Land Mammal – Moose
One of my absolute favorite animals is the moose! I stop every time I see one and just love seeing them living in the wild and even in downtown Anchorage!
Alaska State Marine Mammal
Alaska State Marine Mammal – Bowhead Whale
Alaska State Fossil – Wooly Mammoth
Alaska State Fossil – Wooly Mammoth
Alaska State Gem
Alaska State Gem – Jade
You can buy this cute Jade Bear on Amazon. I want one!
Alaska State Mineral
Alaska State Mineral – Gold
Alaska State Sport
Alaska State Sport – Dog Mushing
The Iditarod is the Last Great Race and I love being at the Ceremonial Start in Anchorage every year.
Alaska State Nicknames
Alaska State Nickname: The Last Frontier
Alaska State Nickname – Alaska, The Land of the Midnight Sun
It is even the name of a TV Show!
Alaska State Motto
The Alaska State Motto is North to the Future.
This state motto was chosen in 1967, by Juneau newsman Richard Peter, during the Alaska Purchase Centennial.
Alaska State Flag
Alaska State Flag – Big Dipper
In Alaska, you see the Big Dipper on everything from hoodies, to pins, to postcards. It signifies Alaska like nothing else could.
Alaska State Capital
Alaska State Capital – Juneau, Alaska
Juneau is the state capital of Alaska, it’s location being in the Southeast region of Alaska with a population of 33,277. Juneau is second in size after Anchorage, which has a population of 300,000. Juneau is just an hour plane ride from Seattle and is closest to the rest of the Lower 48, making it an easy place to get to for legislative issues.
Am I missing any other state symbols or fun Alaska trivia that I should add?
Pin it for Later
Or this one:
Hi Kristi,
You pick this name for your book.
“Color of Alaska” !