There are a total of 27 cities in the state. But there are only four major ones (with a population of more than 10,000 people).
Juneau is the capital of Alaska, built next to a gold mine in 1881. It was named in honor of the Canadian explorer and gold prospector Joseph Juneau, who discovered the deposit. There are only two important landmarks in the town itself – the Russian Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas, built in 1894, and the Museum of Alaskan History. Around Juneau, there are several natural attractions – the largest national forest in the United States, the Admiralty Island Preserve, and the stunningly beautiful Tracy Arm Fjord.
Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city with almost 300,000 residents. It is located in the southern part of the state, so it has a moderately cold climate. In general, the city has no architectural attractions, but you can visit several interesting museums, the zoo and the Alaska Botanical Garden, go to Lake Hood Seaport and Musk Ox musk ox farm. There are interesting places in the surrounding area, too – Chugach and Kincaid State Parks, the active Augustine Volcano, and the Anchorage Wildlife Refuge.
Fairbanks is Alaska’s largest educational center, located on the right bank of the Tanana River. It is adjacent to the College. It is a statistically isolated area that is, in fact, one of the suburbs of Fairbanks. Like many other towns in the state, Fairbanks was built during the gold rush. The climate here is moderately continental, with short but hot summers. The main attraction of the region is the hot springs of Chena Hot Springs, in which you can bathe even in winter. An excursion to the Eldorado Gold Mine, located near Fairbanks, is very popular with tourists. There’s plenty to see in the town itself, too: the University of Alaska’s large Museum of the North, the Georges Botanical Gardens, Pioneer Park, and the famous Santa Claus House.
Fifth most populous in Alaska is Ketchikan. It is often referred to as the salmon capital of the world. It often rains in the region, but despite this, more than 800,000 tourists come here every year. The city will be of interest to those interested in Indian culture – a large Totem Heritage Center was opened here. It has the largest collection of original totems in the United States. You can also learn about the crafts of the Cimshian, Haida, and Tlingit cultures at the museum. Near Ketchikan, visit the Mystic Fjords Preserve, Totem Bight National Historical Park, and the Saxman Indian Village.