Who has wanted to travel to Alaska and travel deep into the heart of the Arctic? The northernmost part of the United States is Point Barrow (also called Nuvuk). It is a headland on the Arctic coast around 9 miles from Utqiaġvik (which is also the northernmost settlement in the United States).
This is another world and an experience that will not be forgotten, it will surprise many in just how varied the United States truly is. See the part of the nation that few people ever venture to explore and is the definition of remote. To explore another Arctic wonderland see here for how to explore Greenland.
About Point Barrow and Utqiaġvik
Point Barrow is only 40 miles further south than the northernmost point in the North American mainland (Murchison Promontory in Canada is further north).
- Distance: 1,291 Miles South Of The North Pole
- Closest Settlement: Utqiaġvik (Formerly Called Barrow)
- Location: 320 Miles North Of The Arctic Circle
- Population: 4,429 Residents of Which 61% Are Iñupiat Eskimo
The gateway to the northernmost point of Point Barrow is Utqiaġvik. It is a small town of over 4,000 residents and is one of the northernmost towns in the world. The climate here is cold and dry being classified as a polar climate. In the winter the weather can be extremely dangerous as the intense cold can be combined with wind.
In the summer, the temperature is also cool - although the record highs have reached a respectable 79°F (26°C). The temperatures are moderated by the Arctic Ocean and the flat tundra stretches to the south. This means dense cold air can't become trapped in a temperature inversion - like in some other parts of Alaska with valleys.
The roads in the town are unpaved - they don't need to be paved because of the permafrost. There are also no roads connecting the town with the rest of Alaska. To reach the town one must fly to the Wiley Post - Will Rogers Memorial Airport (there are flights from Anchorage and Fairbanks).
Things To Do
What is there to do at this extreme northern location apart from freeze? Freezing is likely to be a part of any expedition here, but there are also a number of other things to see and do here.
While exploring the frozen north, explore the Iñupiat village and learn about their unique way of life. Immerse oneself in their traditional events and customs. Join a guided tour and walk through the tundra and see the ancient remains of sod huts, gaze at the iconic whalebone arches, and visit the historic whaling post here.
Don't forget to visit the Iñupiat Heritage Center and gain insights on the migration patterns, about subsistence living (that still persists), festivals, celebrations, and about the neighboring villages.
- Note: The Cost Of Transportation Is Very High Here, So Expect Necessities And Food To Be Very Expensive
Come in the winter and gaze in wonder at the Northern Lights and the long cold dark nights of this northern latitude.
Keep an eye out for the northern wildlife like whales or polar bears (remember polar bears are extremely dangerous). Visit the Whale Bone Arch. This is one of the top attractions and ideal for amazing pictures. The bones are the remains of a Bowhead whale and one can appreciate the sheer size of these majestic marine animals. While exploring Alaska, check out Juneau, there are a number of eye-watering attractions one will not want to miss out on.
Tours Of Utqiagvik and Point Barrow
There are a number of tours on offer for the intrepid traveler. One of the tour companies is the Northern Alaska Tour Company. They offer one day or overnight Utqiagvik Adventures with the jumping-off point being from Fairbanks or Anchorage
One Day Guided Journey By Air To The Farthest North Inupiat Village
- Discover: The Lifestyles Of Alaska's Arctic Coastal Peoples At The Ancient Inupiat Eskimo Town With A Local Host
- Walk: The Northernmost Point Of The Continental United States
- Tour Schedule: July 1 - September 15, 2021
- Days Available: Monday, Thursday, Saturday
- 2021 Rates: $989.00 / person (From Fairbanks)
Overnight Tour Guided Journey By Air To The Farthest North Inupiat Village
Do all the activities above, but stay the night at Top of the World Hotel.
- Tour Schedule: July 1 - September 15, 2021
- 2021 Rates: Starting at $859 per person based on double occupancy. Single Supplement $130.
Alternatively, one can book a tour directly with the Top Of The World Hotel. For those interested, inquire here on their website. Also, check with the tour providers about the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak on tourism in the high Arctic (tours were canceled for the 2021 summer season).
- Room Cost: From around $260.00 Per Night For A Standard Room