Three gravel highways, each around 75 miles long, wind through a wilderness of tundra, mountains, coastline, rivers, and valleys littered with abandoned gold dredges (44 in all) and railroads. Choose the Nome-Taylor, Nome-Teller, or Nome-Council and start your journey.
The Nome Visitor's Center should be your first stop. Pick up some brochures and meet Oscar, the stuffed musk ox. Then explore Nome's rich history through interactive exhibits at the Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum, and be sure to snag a photo next to the Iditarod Burled Arch.
While the most famous event is the end of the world famous Iditarod Sled Dog Race, the residents of Nome have fun year-round. Other notable events include the Salmonberry Jam Folk Fest and the Fireman’s Carnival.
Getting out on the tundra, along the creeks, the beach, or up on mountain ridges around Nome is a satisfying way to experience the beauty of the dramatic landscape. Popular Trails include Anvil Mountain and Newton Peak.
Gaze up at the “Three Lucky Swedes” and think about the Gold Rush, or view the deteriorating remnants of the Council City & Solomon Railroad, locally known as the Last Train to Nowhere. Downtown you can visit Old St. Joe’s Hall, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Nome is full of wildlife viewing opportunities. Birders will delight in nesting habitat of Golden Eagles and Peregrine Falcons along the Nome-Taylor Highway as well as waterfowl in Safety Sound off of the Nome-Council Highway. Ever seen a musk-ox in the wild? In Nome it’s possible.
