Nome

How to Get There

From Anchorage, AK (~540 mi by air): No road connection to Nome exists; fly Alaska Airlines from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport directly to Nome Airport (OME) in approximately 2 hours.

Overview

Nome, on Norton Sound on the Seward Peninsula, was incorporated in 1901 after the 1898 gold discovery by the "Three Lucky Swedes," and at its peak of around 20,000 people (1900-09) was the largest city in the Alaska Territory. Gold mining continues, and the beaches can still be panned. It is the finish line of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race each March. Nome has three roads that go out of town for 300 miles (Council, Kougarok, and Teller), and it is a good place for birding, musk oxen, and reindeer, but you reach it by air.

Things to Do

Explore Alaska's Famous Gold Rush City

Nome sits on the coast of the Bering Sea on Alaska's Seward Peninsula and is one of the state's most historic and remote communities. Best known for its Gold Rush heritage, Iditarod finish line, Arctic landscapes, and access to vast wilderness areas, Nome offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, wildlife, and outdoor adventure.

Visit the Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum

One of Nome's premier attractions, the Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum preserves the history of the Seward Peninsula and Nome's Gold Rush era. Exhibits highlight Alaska Native culture, mining history, the 1925 Serum Run, local wildlife, and the development of the region.

Learn About Alaska Native Culture

Nome serves as a regional hub for communities across the Bering Strait region. Visitors can learn about Iñupiaq, Yup'ik, and St. Lawrence Island Yupik cultures through museums, local art galleries, cultural centers, and handcrafted artwork available throughout town.

Visit the Nome Visitor Center

The Nome Visitor Center provides exhibits on local history, wildlife, mining, transportation, and Arctic life. It is an excellent first stop for trip planning, obtaining maps, and learning about attractions located along the region's road system.

Explore Gold Rush History

Gold discoveries in 1898 transformed Nome into one of the world's great mining boomtowns. Visitors can still see historic dredges, mining equipment, old claims, and remnants of the Gold Rush era throughout the surrounding countryside.

Drive the Nome-Teller Highway

This scenic route travels northwest across the treeless tundra of the Seward Peninsula and provides expansive views of mountains, rivers, wetlands, and wildlife habitat. The drive also brings visitors closer to the Bering Strait than any other road-accessible location in North America.

Drive the Nome-Council Road

Following portions of historic transportation routes, the Nome-Council Road passes through scenic tundra, river valleys, and historic mining districts. Along the way, visitors can explore abandoned settlements, wildlife habitat, and some of the most beautiful landscapes on the Seward Peninsula.

Visit Bering Land Bridge National Preserve

Accessible by charter flight or guided excursion, Bering Land Bridge National Preserve protects landscapes connected to the ancient land bridge that once linked Asia and North America. Visitors can explore tundra, wetlands, hot springs, archaeological sites, and unique Arctic ecosystems.

See the White Alice Site

Located atop Anvil Mountain, this former Cold War communications station offers sweeping views of Nome, the Bering Sea, and the surrounding tundra. The site provides insight into Alaska's strategic role during the Cold War era.

Watch the Iditarod Finish

Each March, Nome becomes the finish line for the world-famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Visitors can watch mushers arrive after completing the challenging wilderness route across Alaska and experience one of the state's most iconic traditions.

View the Northern Lights

From late fall through spring, Nome offers excellent aurora viewing opportunities thanks to its northern latitude and limited light pollution. Clear nights often provide spectacular displays of the aurora borealis above the Bering Sea.

Top Trails

Anvil Mountain Trail

Length: Approximately 2 to 4 miles round trip depending on route
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Easy

Anvil Mountain is Nome's most popular hiking destination. The summit offers panoramic views of the city, Bering Sea, tundra landscapes, and surrounding mountains. During summer, hikers often encounter wildflowers and migratory birds.

Newton Peak Trail

Length: Approximately 2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,100 feet
Difficulty: Moderate

This steep tundra hike climbs to a scenic overlook above Nome. The route provides expansive views of the Seward Peninsula and is a favorite among hikers seeking a relatively short but rewarding adventure.

Dorothy Falls Trail

Length: Approximately 4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Approximately 700 feet
Difficulty: Moderate

One of the region's most popular hikes, the trail features river crossings, tundra ridges, and a scenic waterfall tucked within the hills east of Nome. The route offers a classic Seward Peninsula hiking experience.

Cape Nome Coastal Route

Length: Varies by destination
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy

This shoreline route follows portions of the coast east of Nome and provides opportunities for beachcombing, birdwatching, photography, and viewing historic mining remnants along the Bering Sea.

Seward Peninsula Backcountry Routes

Length: Varies greatly
Elevation Gain: Varies
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

Beyond the maintained hiking routes, the Seward Peninsula offers extensive opportunities for backcountry exploration across tundra, mountains, rivers, and wetlands. Experienced adventurers can explore vast landscapes that remain largely unchanged from the days of the Gold Rush.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article and official pages for visitnomealaska.com, travelalaska.com, alaska.org, Nome, Alaska, released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.