This abandoned homestead near Nome is a true ghost town in northwestern Alaska. Pilgrim Hot Springs lies on the Seward Peninsula. The hot springs have attracted several different eras of inhabitants over the years but currently, the handful of remaining structures are sinking into the swampy ground. This dilapidated homestead is falling apart and surrounded by steam from the hot springs water. The echoes of the past are alive and well at Pilgrim Hot Springs, a creepy spot to visit.
In the early 20th century, Nome, the largest town in the region, became a Gold Rush era boom town. The thermal hot springs at Pilgrim made homesteading possible and provided a great escape for the gold miners of Nome.
Pilgrim Hot Springs, also known as Kruzgamepa, is located on the southeast bank of the Kruzgamepa River, about 8 miles (13 km) south of milepost 65 of the Kougarok Road.
Father Bellarmine Lafortune, a Catholic priest in Nome took the area over as a mission and they constructed this large church in 1918 along with an orphanage, dormitories for students, greenhouses, and staff housing.
The site was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 1977. The buildings then were in deteriorated condition. Visitors are requested to obtain a no-fee recreational use permit in Nome before visiting.
Every winter, the Last Frontier comes to life with Christmas lights, holiday cheer, and breathtaking blankets of snow covering every corner of our magnificent state. There's no shortage of magical things to see and do in Alaska at Christmas! But if you're ready to fully dive into the holiday spirit, there’s a Christmas town in Alaska that’s filled with absolute magic. This charming Christmas village embraces its name, North Pole, Alaska, and the entire town reflects cheerfulness all year long. When the holidays roll around, there’s nowhere else in Alaska we’d rather be!
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If you've ever wondered, "Can you visit the North Pole?," well, I'm here to tell you that you can! And North Pole, Alaska, is everything you could hope for, and more. So, where is the North Pole? It's located north of Fairbanks close to the Arctic Circle.
Homemade wooden sign with the words Welcome to North Pole Alaska with a candy cane frame surrounding the sign, hanging from wooden posts
The town embraced its name early on, and the theme of Santa’s town has stuck! Even the town’s official seal features a candy cane and Santa Claus.
Photograph taken in North Pole, Alaska
All around town, you’ll find a festive atmosphere, complete with miles and miles of cheery Christmas lights. And this isn’t just during the holiday season; streets are named St. Nicholas Drive, and Snowman Lane. This is a charming small town that absolutely lives up to its name!
And talk about picture-perfect! The light poles around the North Pole are striped like candy canes, and charming sights are around every corner. Even the city’s landmarks are decked out in the Christmas spirit, too.
The sled is ready for Santa Clause
Town parks, the library, street names, and more all reflect a holiday theme. Even the McDonald’s sign has candy cane poles! You’ll find the holiday theme just about everywhere you go. There’s even a man named Santa Claus who was elected to the North Pole City Council. There’s no end to the fun in this town!
You'll also find plenty of things to do that are not only family-friendly but delightfully festive. Like feeding the local reindeer.
Antler Academy is where Santa's reindeer get training before taking to the skies on Christmas Eve. While it's temporarily closed while they build a new and improved pen for the reindeer, it'll be back up and ready for visits soon!
If you have some time, the Santa Claus House is a must-visit. Established over seventy years ago, this business made its name distributing Santa Letters to children. Now the store is filled with Christmas goodies all year long, and you can still order a personalized Santa letter for your child every year!
In fact, the world-famous 42-foot-tall Santa resides right outside the Santa Claus House.
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North Pole, small Christmas themed town near Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
The statue weighs over 900 pounds, was shipped to Alaska in 1978, and purchased for just $4,500.00! He was brushed up and made like new and has now been greeting visitors at his permanent home since 1983.
If you’re someone who adores seeing themed streets, bright lights, and ornaments gracing the trees around town, and a good dose of holiday cheer, you need to visit the North Pole, Alaska at Christmas this year.
And this isn’t just during the holiday season; streets are named St. Nicholas Drive and Snowman Lane. This is a charming small town that absolutely lives up to its name.
Even the Grinch couldn’t hold back from adoring this great town!
From the festive, Santa-themed buildings to the winter wonderland-inspired scenery, North Pole, Alaska, might just be one of the most jolly communities in the state! Have you been to this Christmas town in Alaska? What did you think? Did you attend a fun holiday event?
Located right along the scenic Glenn Highway, about halfway between Anchorage and Glennallen, lies the small but captivating town of Sutton, Alaska. With a population of just over 1,000, it’s easy to breeze by this small town in Alaska without a second thought. But those who take the time to stop and explore Sutton are rewarded with history, natural beauty, and a unique charm that makes this tiny town well worth the visit!
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Sutton’s story begins in the early 1900s when it was a bustling coal mining town.
The remote Glenn Highway in Alaska east of the town of Sutton. The Glenn Highway extends 179 miles from Anchorage near Merrill Field to Glennallen on the Richardson Highway.
The historic remains of the Jonesville Mine point to the town’s industrious past. A short drive up the dusty gravel road will bring you to the abandoned mine, where you can explore the remnants of buildings and mining equipment. It’s an eerie yet fascinating experience that offers a glimpse into Alaska’s early days of coal mining and the hardworking people who called Sutton home.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to love about Sutton.
The town is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, with the towering Talkeetna Mountains to the north and the expansive Matanuska River winding its way through the valley. Hiking opportunities abound, with trails like the popular Lion’s Head that offer stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. In the winter, the area transforms into a snowy wonderland, perfect for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and even snowmachining.
One of Sutton’s hidden gems is the nearby Matanuska Glacier, one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers.
Just a short drive from town, this massive river of ice is an adventurer’s paradise. You can take a guided tour of the glacier, where you’ll trek across its icy surface, peer into deep crevasses, and even drink fresh, cold glacier water. The experience is truly unforgettable and a must-do for anyone visiting the area!
Fishing enthusiasts will find Sutton to be a prime destination.
Along the Glenn Highway, this is a prominent mountain in the Matanuska Susitna Valley
The Matanuska River, which runs through the town, is a popular spot for fishing, especially for those seeking to catch salmon and trout. Silver salmon are abundant during its season, and the river’s cool, clear waters are ideal for fly fishing. For a quieter experience, nearby Eska Creek offers a peaceful setting where you can cast your line and enjoy the tranquility of the Alaskan wilderness.
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For those interested in learning more about Sutton’s history, the Alpine Historical Park is a must-visit.
This small but informative museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the area, with exhibits on local mining, homesteading, and the construction of the Glenn Highway. The park also features several historic buildings, including a one-room schoolhouse and a miner’s cabin, giving visitors a glimpse into what life was like in Sutton during the early 20th century.
No visit to Sutton would be complete without a stop at one of its great dining spots.
The Long Rifle Lodge, with its rustic charm and spectacular views of the Matanuska Glacier, is a local favorite. Here, you can enjoy hearty Alaskan fare, like reindeer sausage or a classic burger, while taking in the stunning scenery. It’s the perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring.
The next time you’re cruising along the Glenn Highway, take a moment to slow down and discover the hidden gem of Sutton, Alaska.
Sunrise along Glenn Highway near Matanuska Glacier, Alaska, USA.
This blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town may be small, but it’s packed with history, adventure, and the kind of Alaskan spirit that makes it a destination worth exploring. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, Sutton has something special to offer everyone!
Have you visited this small town in Alaska? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget the road trip snacks on your way there.
