9 Off-The-Grid Alaska Towns To Visit In 2025

Bordering Canadian friends British Columbia and Yukon Territory, Alaska is an arctic paradise overflowing with untouched land and outdoor thrills. From the long nights to endless summer days, Utqiaġvik's unique location is a prime locale for the Polar Night and the Midnight Sun. Go on a fly fishing trip in Nome and see who can catch the most salmon. Observe the majestic bears at the wildlife refuge in Kodiak or ride the freezing waves in Yakutat. Watch the sky come alive with the Northern Lights in Bettles or wander through the storybook town of Gustavus. Alaska is a goldmine for remote exploration.

Kodiak

Kodiak is a scenic beauty located on Kodiak Island in Alaska, the second-largest island in the United States. As the name suggests, the island is a hotspot for the Kodiak bear, a species only found in Alaska. Watch these majestic animals in their natural habitat at the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. The area is exclusivity at its finest, as it can only be reached by boat or floatplane. Get close to the rushing waters by booking a tour through Kayak Kodiak. Tours can range from one to three hours and are an ethereal way to savor Alaska's endless terrain.

Kodiak's long history begins with the first inhabitants arriving around 8,000 years ago. Watch the evolution through time at the Kodiak History Museum. From the Russian Colony in Alutiiq Land, a 1950s Rooming House, and World War II history, the collections are an entrancing chronicle. For a seamless combination of nature and heritage, walk the trails at Fort Abercrombie State Park. Traverse past former WWII bunkers and come back in the summertime for the dreamy wildflowers.

Nome

Once a lively hub during the Gold Rush, Nome has transformed into a quiet and remote escape, making it an intriguing Alaskan destination. Since Nome is not connected to any road systems, the best way to get there is by plane.

Tiny but mighty, dive into Nome's history at the Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum. From arctic culture to mining, the informative exhibits perfectly capture life in Alaska from the past to the present. Learn about the polar environment, peek inside a miner's tent, and get up close with an Inupiat skin boat. Many visitors state that the museum is one of the best and worth seeing. To truly get a feel for Alaskan culture, check out the annual Iditarod Sled Dog Race. A classic dog sled race captures the spirit of the North. Watch competitors go head to head for the title each March in Nome.

The entire state of Alaska is naturally an outdoor lover's haven. Bask in the expansive and undisturbed landscape at Bering Land Bridge National Preserve. Go bird watching, catch some fish, and pitch a tent to sleep under the stars. Wander and discover the preserve's hot springs and the largest maar lakes in the world. Visitors extending their stay will love booking a fly fishing helicopter trip with Twin Peaks Adventure. The week-long tours include accommodations, meals, and a wood-fired hot tub at the cabin. Try to catch salmon, northern pike, or arctic grayling.

Skagway

Rich in history, Skagway was founded in the 1890s and served as a doorway to the Klondike goldfields. Despite Skagway being an off-the-beaten-path Alaska town, it is easily accessible by plane, boat, or car. There is no better way to immerse oneself in the Alaskan heritage than by taking a journey to Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Listen to one of the ranger chats, see the restored Mascot Saloon, or hike the Chilkoot Trail. Pay your respects at one of the oldest cemeteries in Skagway, the Gold Rush Cemetery. Gravestones feature those who have perished during the Gold Rush era.

Skagway is a treasure trove of captivating attractions. The reportedly haunted Red Onion Saloon was a popular gathering spot during the Klondike Gold Rush. Today, the Red Onion is a place to eat, drink, and be merry, and it has a museum showcasing the olden days when it was a brothel. Relish in an evening of music and dancing by catching The Days of ’98 Show. This enchanting performance ventures down the memory lane of Skagway's past. Enjoy musicals featuring tales of the famous Alaskan fugitive Soapy Smith. Finish off the Skagway escapades with a memorable train ride through the Alaskan countryside. Choose from a variety of excursions through the White Pass & Yukon Route. Hit the rails and see non-stop panoramic views of mountainscapes and sparkling waters.

Utqiaġvik

For an otherworldly experience, head to the northernmost town in the country. Only accessible by plane, get ready for a true off-the-grid expedition. Formerly known as Barrow, Utqiaġvik is a winter wonderland along the banks of the Arctic Ocean. Due to its geographical location, Utqiaġvik experiences Polar Night during the winter, meaning there is no sunlight for around 64 days. Tourists who can bear the chilling temperatures can experience this one-of-a-kind phenomenon. Stay awhile and book a few nights at the Top of the World Hotel. Guestrooms offer incredible ocean views, and the hotel sells tours of an Iñupiat village.

Though temperatures are cooler in the summer, Utqiaġvik is still a remarkable place to comb the beach. Walk along the coast to see the Whale Bone Arch, a notable landmark and iconic photo opportunity. Quite the opposite of Polar Night, stick around until the summertime to witness the Midnight Sun. Catch some rays all summer long from morning until night as the sun never sets during this time. Typically, around the summer solstice in June, join the locals at the Utqiaġvik Whaling Festival. The celebration, paired with singing, dancing, and a blanket toss, commemorates a successful hunting season.

Yakutat

Thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies flock to Yakutat to ride the waves. Surfing the freezing waters of Yakutat Bay with polar ice caps in the background is truly an experience to brag about. Support the community while gearing up by purchasing surf merchandise from Icy Waves. The family-run surf shop opened its doors in 1999 and provides everything from rentals to clothing.

Yakutat is a utopia for filling up the photography collection. Book a boat ride through Yakutat Bay Adventures for the Hubbard Glacier Tour. Coast by the largest tidewater glacier in North America and be in awe at this staggering landmark. Trek through Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the country. The lush region is home to an astonishing collection of flora and fauna. Many bears, wolves, bald eagles, salmon, and deer flourish in the vast wilderness. Rent one of the cabins and sleep under the stars. It will be a memory to be treasured for a lifetime.

Bettles

Along the banks of the Koyukuk River lies the small village of Bettles, a masterpiece for getting close to Alaska's raw beauty. Many visitors flock to Bettles to see the legendary Northern Lights. Due to the frequent clear skies at night, Bettles is one of the best spots to watch the lights dance through the darkness. Discover the striking ecosystem at Gates of the Arctic National Park. With no roads or trails, it feels like stepping into a realm of prehistoric times. Most tourists visit the park by air taxi or a flight from Fairbanks.

Cozy up at the rustic Bettles Lodge, just north of the Arctic Circle. The accommodation was built in 1950 and is a local treasure. From summertime to winter, Bettles is thriving with outdoor escapes, and the lodge offers an incredible selection of activities. Book a village tour, fishing trip, backcountry excursion, or go dog sledding in the winter for an authentic Alaskan experience. Bundle up for the Arctic Circle tour as it nicely encapsulates life in remote Alaska way up North. After a thrilling day, dig into carefully curated Alaskan brews and cuisine. Cap off the evening by rejuvenating in a wood-fired sauna.

Whittier

Life in Whittier is a unique and truly unparalleled encounter. Only accessible by a single road, Whittier embraces seclusion. Shared by cars and trains, drive through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel to reach this welcoming town. Most residents live in the same apartment complex, a textbook definition of close-knit.

Despite its size, Whittier boasts a rich array of attractions. The Whittier Historic Walking Tour is one of the best ways to get an overview of Whittier's roots. Stroll past plaques, an old Army headquarters building, and the Buckner Building. Afterward, check out the Prince William Sound Museum at the Anchor Inn Hotel. View bewitching exhibits from Cold War History to The Burning of Atka Village. The small museum receives endless praise, and visitors say it is an outstanding hidden gem.

Visit Whittier during the summer and explore the majestic Prince William Sound. Glide through the flowing waters on a jet ski or kayak while passing by larger-than-life glaciers. For a more relaxing way to roam on the waters, take a day cruise. Some are lucky enough to spot sea otters, harbor seals, and whales.

Valdez

Valdez is a quintessential small town in Alaska with a seamless blend of rugged landscape and outdoor recreation. Gather the family for a road trip. Travel from Fairbanks to Valdez on the Richardson Highway, a magazine-worthy scenic byway with many alluring stops. Make a pit stop at Valdez Glacier Lake and catch a glimpse of the icebergs. The backdrop makes for an incredible photo opportunity. Just outside Valdez, see the original Valdez townsite conveniently off the Richardson Highway. The town relocated after an earthquake, and the original site is now a memorial.

Cold weather and adrenaline-pumping go hand in hand in Alaska's backcountry. Grab a pair of skis or a snowboard and shred down the Chugach Mountains at top speed. Since Valdez gets dumped with snow, it is an essential gathering spot for winter enthusiasts. Spend the entire winter exploring all kinds of outdoor escapades. From snowshoeing to ice climbing and gliding on a snow kite, Valdez is pure bliss.

Gustavus

Gustavus looks straight out of a storybook, surrounded by lush forests, sky-high mountains, and icy blue glaciers. The fairytale city is a gateway to the legendary Glacier Bay National Park. Reconnect with nature in this pristine sanctuary with endless vistas. Whether by cruise ship or charter boat, venture to the icy structures and catch a glimpse of roaming animals. Either before or after a magical voyage, check out the Glacier Bay Visitor's Center. Uncover fascinating facts about the park's history and partake in special seasonal events such as film showings and evening tribal programs.

Support local creatives at the Gateway Gallery inside the Gustavus Community Center. To keep things enticing, the show's theme changes each month. Previous showcases include A Celebration of Trees, The Art and Craft of Weaving, and a January Flower Show. Afterward, head to the Alaskan Native Eagle Gift Shop to take home a piece of Alaskan art. It is the perfect way to have a souvenir of the many memories of this incredible state.

Relish in Alaska's Remote Wilderness

Pack some warm clothes and head up north to Alaska. Nothing beats a quiet retreat in the middle of nowhere to relax and recharge. Drift by the icy blue giants at Glacier Bay National Park or Prince William Sound. Get your heart pumping and do every winter sport imaginable in Valdez's frosty dreamscape. Snuggle and warm up at Bettles Lodge after a night of seeing the Northern Lights, or replenish your spirit with a stroll through Tongass National Forest. Walk past former war bunkers in Kodiak or get spooked at the allegedly haunted Red Onion Saloon in Skagway. The state is flourishing with natural wonder and off-the-beaten-path adventures.