It is not possible to drive to Nome in Alaska as no roads connect the city to the rest of the state or the Contiguous United States. Nome is situated in the far west of Alaska on the Bering Sea coast, over 500 miles west of the city of Fairbanks. Beyond the Fairbanks area, there are no westbound roads, meaning Nome and the whole Seward Peninsula are unreachable by road. The only way to reach Nome is by flying or taking a cargo or cruise ship to the city. Nome is so remote that it isn’t even serviced by the Alaska Marine Highway System, which connects most of Alaska’s coastal communities.
Nome is located in the western part of the U.S. state of Alaska. It is situated on the southern side of the Seward Peninsula, on the coast of the Bering Sea. Nome is the largest city on the Seward Peninsula, with a population of 3,800. Nome is also the seat of the Nome Census Area, which covers a vast and sparsely populated region of western Alaska.
Nome is one of the most isolated cities in the U.S. Reaching the city is challenging and costly, so you’re well advised to book ahead. The limited travel options available are explained below.
Nome, Alaska, is not on the main Alaska road system, so driving to this remote location is impossible. The only way to access Nome and the wider area by land is during winter. At this time of year, it is possible to travel by snowmobile or dog sled, but the distances are vast. You shouldn’t undertake such travel lightly, and only experienced travelers should attempt the journey. Harsh winter conditions and the extremely remote wilderness make this a dangerous undertaking.
Currently, there are no ferry services that travel to Nome, Alaska. The city’s remote location on the Bearing Sea and extreme climate make it unfeasible and uneconomical for a commercial ferry service to sail this far north. The main Alaskan ferry service, the Alaska Marine Highway System, only services Southeast Alaska, the Gulf of Alaska, and Prince William Sound. The furthest destinations north that it services are Dutch Harbour and Akutan, which lie over 700 miles to the south of Nome.
The only ships that sail to Nome are cargo ships and cruise ships. An increasing number of people are choosing to enjoy Alaska’s amazing scenery by taking an Alaskan cruise. Other than flying, taking a cruise is the most feasible way to reach Nome.
It is possible to fly to Nome, Alaska, which is the primary means of reaching this remote destination. Nome has a small airport called the Nome Airport (OME), served by several airlines, including Alaska Airlines and Bering Air.
Alaska Airlines offers daily flights to Nome from Anchorage, while Bering Air offers scheduled flights from several other communities in Alaska, such as Kotzebue, Unalakleet, and Gambell. In addition, there are also charter flights available for those who prefer more flexibility in their travel plans.
There are several reasons why there are no roads that connect Nome with the rest of Alaska:
Remote Location: Nome is located on the Seward Peninsula, a remote and sparsely populated region of western Alaska. The harsh and unpredictable weather conditions, rugged terrain, and lack of infrastructure in this region make it both difficult and expensive to build and maintain roads.
Permafrost: Much of the ground in this region is covered in permafrost, which is frozen soil that remains frozen year-round. Building roads on permafrost can be challenging and expensive, as the ground can shift and become unstable as it thaws and refreezes.
Environmental Concerns: The Seward Peninsula is also home to various sensitive wildlife habitats and ecosystems. Building roads in this region could negatively impact the environment and the wildlife that call it home.
Limited Population: Finally, the population of Nome and the surrounding area is relatively small, with only a few thousand people living in the region. This means there is limited demand for road access, and building a road would be an expensive investment for the few residents and businesses in the area.
Nome, Alaska, is a unique destination with a rich history and plenty of outdoor activities. Here are some of the best things to do in Nome:
Explore the history and culture of Nome at the Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum. The museum features exhibits on the town’s gold rush history, local Native cultures, and more.
Go dog sledding or snowmobiling. Nome is known for its winter sports, and several tour companies offer dog sledding or snowmobiling adventures.
View the Northern Lights. Nome is one of the best places in the world to see the Aurora Borealis, especially during the winter months.
Visit the Nome City Cemetery, where many of the town’s famous gold rush pioneers are buried, including the infamous Wyatt Earp.
Go bird watching at the Nome Bird Viewing Area. Nome is a popular destination for birders, with over 200 species of birds recorded in the area.
Take a guided tour of the historic gold mining district. Nome was once a bustling gold mining town, and remnants of the gold rush era are scattered throughout the area.
Visit the Nome Nugget, a weekly newspaper that has operated since the gold rush days. The newspaper is a great resource for local news and events.
Go fishing or hunting. Wilderness areas surround Nome with ample opportunities for fishing and hunting, including salmon fishing in the Nome River.
Attend the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race ceremonial start. Nome is the finish line for the famous Iditarod race, and the town also hosts the race’s ceremonial start each year.
Enjoy the local cuisine. Nome is known for its fresh seafood, including king crab and salmon, and local favorites like reindeer sausage.
The best time to visit Nome, Alaska largely depends on your interests and priorities. Nome experiences a subarctic climate with cold winters and mild summers, so it’s important to plan accordingly for the weather.
If you’re interested in outdoor activities such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, and viewing the northern lights, then the best time to visit Nome is during the winter months between December and March. During this time, the days are shorter and colder, but you’ll have a better chance of experiencing the unique winter activities that Nome has to offer.
If you prefer milder weather and are interested in exploring the town and its surroundings, then the best time to visit is during the summer months between June and August. During this time, you’ll have more daylight hours and milder temperatures, making it easier to explore the town and nearby wilderness areas.
You can drive to Morocco from the neighboring countries of Spain and Mauritania, but not Algeria, despite a nearly 2000 km long border between the two countries. Travel between Morocco and any of its neighbors comes with its fair share of challenges. At first glance, you could be mistaken for
If you love solitude, amazing landscapes, and vast open spaces, you’re going to love Western Australia. This amazing land, and the northwest in particular, is often referred to as the ‘Last Frontier’. It’s a land of endless remote possibilities and nowhere showcases this better than the amazing array of national
The Albanian port city of Vlore is one of Albania’s spectacular coastal highlights. Situated at the northern end of the Albanian Riviera and overlooking the beautiful Bay of Vlore, the city is blessed with a wealth of attractions. The home of Albanian independence and the gateway to the Riviera, the
You can drive to remote Tuktoyaktuk on the Arctic Ocean using the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway, also known as the “Mackenzie Highway” or “Tuk Highway.” The road provides access to Tuktoyaktuk from Inuvik in the Northwest Territories. Inuvik is accessible from mainland Canada by using the Dempster Highway, which runs all the
