Alaska has always had a personality all its own. While some of the best things to do in Alaska are exploring its abundance of gorgeous outdoors and watching wildlife, some of the most unique attractions are hidden in plain sight throughout the state. Anyone looking for weird things to do in Alaska should consider exploring the options below.
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Hammer Museum, Haines, AK
“Stop, hammer time!” Dave Pahl would make MC Hammer feel right at home when he created a museum featuring more than 1,700 distinct hammers from around the world. Now, it may seem like a weird joke that we’re recommending you visit a museum dedicated to hammers. But the museum is so fascinating! If you’re looking for things to do in Haines, nail down a time to put the Hammer Museum on your itinerary. You’ll discover hammers of every shape and size and learn about the drastically different uses hammers have.
Stuffed Togo the Wonder Dog, Wasilla, AK
You’ve surely heard of Balto, the sled dog who saved diphtheria-stricken children in Nome , Alaska by trekking 600 miles with a serum. Who you might not know about it the real super pup of the story, Togo. Togo is the unsung hero who deserves credit for pushing through the hardest part of that fabled sled run. He bravely faced -60 degree Fahrenheit temperatures and 70 MPH winds. If you’re looking for things to do in Wasilla while, give Togo a visit at the Iditarod Trail Headquarters. He’s a good dog and makes for a great selfie partner. Plus, you have to go all the way to Cleveland to see Balto.
Last Blue Whale Statue, Anchorage, AK
If you’re tracking down all the must-see things in Anchorage, you don’t want to miss “The Last Blue Whale,” a three-story tall bronze statue that depicts the dire consequences of mankind interfering with nature. “The Last Blue Whale” is sculpted by Joseph Priniciotti, and it’s widely appreciated by anti-whaling activists and people with a darker sense of humor.
Wizard of Oz Statues, Juneau, AK
Finding fun things to do in Juneau is pretty easy, but if you’re looking for an odd attraction in Alaska’s capital, we have you covered. But first, a quick question! If you made sheet metal, how would you advertise your wares to your customers and passersby? The Alaskan company Reliable Sheet Metal answered this question by building an entire Wizard of Oz menagerie on their roof. Swing by 5441 Glacier Hwy to see Dorothy, Toto, the twister and more.
Santa Claus House, North Pole, AK
Everyone knows Santa lives at the North Pole, but did you know the North Pole is in Alaska? The Santa Claus House is a year-round favorite with visitors of all ages. The house is in a quaint town and it’s decorated for Christmas year-round. If you’ve ever wanted to experience a real Christmas in July, then head over to the North Pole. Just don’t forget to practice your Ho-Ho-Ho’s!
Burial Spirit Houses, Anchorage, AK
Graveyards and cemeteries are remarkable places to see different periods in history. The headstones, burial methods, and other traditions can tell you a lot about communities that lived in the area. In Anchorage, one area you should definitely visit is Eklutna Village Historical Park. It has the most unique cemetery you will likely ever see. The cemetery, near St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, features Athabascan traditions combined with Russian influences which results in stunning, brightly-colored wooden spirit boxes.
Last Train to Nowhere, Nome, AK
The rusting steam locomotives near the ghost town of Solomon have had a long and storied life. They started out in New York City as part of the elevated train and were transported to Alaska in 1903 where they served gold miners until a 1913 storm demolished the tracks from below. These days the cars are mired in the vast tundra. The stranded locomotives set against the stunning Alaskan sunset make for an incredible photograph. This is easily among the most underrepresented spots for people’s Instagram postings, so you’ll have plenty of privacy to capture the perfect image.
Earthquake Park, Anchorage, AK
A wealthy neighborhood once stood on the bluffs over Cook Inlet. But on Good Friday of 1964, a 9.2 magnitude earthquake hit and the earth split wide open. Stately homes tumbled into the cracks. The destruction from this quake is no joke, and it is wild to see how fiercely Mother Nature can reclaim her territory.
Outhouse Races, Anchorage, AK
You know you’re an Alaskan (or at least an honorary Alaskan) when you travel to Anchorage in the winter for the annual Fur Rendezvous. The highlight of this unique festival is watching locals race outhouses—it is exactly what it sounds like—down the streets of Anchorage.
Benny Benson Memorial, Seward, AK
A memorial is not usually such a weird thing, but the strange story behind this one made us include it on the list of weird Alaska attractions. Wee Benny Benson was a mere 13 years old and living in an orphanage when his design for the Alaska state flag was chosen over 700 others. The weird bit is that the year was 1927 and Alaska didn’t become a state for 32 more years. Talk about delayed gratification!
After you find the perfect Alaska summer job and apply for it, be sure to make plans to see some of these weird attractions we mentioned. The tour job will make your summer plenty memorable, but adding some crazy sights to the mix makes for great “do you know?” when you get back home.