Looking for some Alaska fun facts for kids?
Check out these!
Alaska is one of the most beautiful states of America!
The name Alaska comes from the Aleut word Alyeska, which means “The Great Land.” And Great Land it sure is!
Alaska is known for its abundant wildlife, picturesque scenery, and flowing waterways!
Take a look at some other remarkable fun facts about Alaska!
This article contains affiliate links to things that you might like.
Alaska Facts for Kids
Alaska, The Last Frontier, is the 49th State
Alaska became the 49th state in 1959 and is actually the biggest state of the United States!
The State Capital of Alaska is Juneau
Juneau is located in the Gastineau Channel and the Alaskan panhandle.
It is not actually connected to the mainland of Alaska.
People traveling to and from the capital city do so by flying in a plane or riding a three-day ferry.
Wow!
Alaska Has More Than 34,000 Miles of Coastline
The only state to have coastlines on three different waters, Alaska touches the Arctic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and the Bering Sea.
Alaska has more coastline than the rest of the US combined!
That’s a lot of beaches!
Alaska is Called the Land of the Midnight Sun
The city of Barrow, Alaska has both the longest and shortest amount of daylight in the state.
On May 10, the sun will rise and then not set for nearly three months.
This is where the name, Land of the Midnight Sun, comes from.
And then, when the sun sets on November 18, it will not be seen again for almost two months.
Can you imagine?
The Aurora Borealis is Visible in Alaska
Known as the Northern Lights, the night sky exhibits a ribbon dance of brightly colored lights best seen during Aurora season, August to April.
This beautiful natural light display happens when electrically charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the atmosphere.
Part of Alaska is in the Arctic Circle
The Arctic Circle is an imaginary line that goes around the northernmost part of the world.
In the Arctic Circle, the sun does not set at all during Summer Solstice.
It also does not rise during the Winter Solstice.
Because of the way the Earth’s axis tilts and shifts, this unique phenomenon happens with the sun.
Denali National Park is in Alaska
Covering more than 6 million acres – that’s over 9300 square miles of land, Denali National Park is home to Denali, the highest peak in North America.
Formerly known as Mount McKinley, the name was changed to Denali despite a naming battle that lasted over 100 years.
Glaciers Cover About 5% of Alaska
The glaciers of Alaska are a sight to behold.
Glaciers are giant ice formations made over time.
While 5% sounds like a small number, Alaska is home to over 100,000 glaciers, which is more than half of the world’s glaciers.
Taking a cruise, ice climbing, riding an ATV, or going for a walk are ways to see beautiful ice-blue glaciers.
State Facts: Alaska Fun Facts for Kids
Wow!
These are really interesting facts about Alaska!
The Last Frontier is most definitely an incredible place and filled with so much history.
With mountains and beaches, rainforests, and glaciers, Alaska has it all.
Do you think you would like to go to Alaska someday?