Alaska is known for its rugged landscapes, towering mountains, and stunning wildlife, but did you know it’s also home to some pretty bizarre and quirky roadside attractions? From giant statues to offbeat museums, these oddities offer a fun and unique experience for travelers looking to break up their long drives. Here are 11 of the weirdest Alaska roadside attractions that are totally worth stopping for!
1. The World’s Largest Raven
Located in the town of King Salmon, this massive raven statue stands 30 feet tall and is hard to miss. The raven is a significant bird in Alaskan culture, often associated with Native traditions and folklore. While it’s mostly a fun photo op for passing tourists, this giant bird is also a tribute to the importance of ravens in the state’s indigenous cultures.
2. The Igloo City
On the Richardson Highway, you’ll find a peculiar and abandoned structure called Igloo City. Once planned as a hotel designed to look like a giant igloo, it was never completed, leaving behind a bizarre, unfinished building that looks like a giant snowball. It’s a strange sight to behold, and while it’s not in use, it’s a popular spot for travelers looking for a quirky photo.
3. The Chicken Water Tower
In the tiny town of Chicken, you’ll come across an odd water tower shaped like a chicken. This towering structure is a quirky homage to the town’s name, which was inspired by the wild chickens once found in the area. It’s hard to miss and a perfect spot for a quick stop and photo opportunity in this remote location.
4. The Alaska “Magic Bus” (Into the Wild Bus)
Made famous by the book and movie Into the Wild, the Alaska Magic Bus, also known as Bus 142, is an iconic and somewhat eerie attraction. Although it’s not easy to visit due to its remote location along the Stampede Trail, the bus is a symbol of the tragic tale of Christopher McCandless, who ventured into the Alaskan wilderness and ultimately met his fate there. Some people still trek to the bus, despite the dangers, making it a famous but somber roadside curiosity.
5. The Musk Ox Farm
Located in Palmer, the Musk Ox Farm is home to some seriously adorable and unusual animals. Musk oxen, which look like a cross between bison and woolly mammoths, roam freely here, and visitors can learn about the farm’s conservation efforts. The farm’s wool is used for unique products, and the entire experience of visiting these ancient creatures is both educational and entertaining.
6. The 40-Foot-Tall Snowman
Along the Richardson Highway near Delta Junction, you’ll find a towering snowman who is perhaps the tallest of his kind. This oddball creation has become a quirky landmark for those traveling through the area. While it might not be made of snow (it’s made of concrete), the giant snowman is a humorous sight and a great photo opportunity.
7. The Giant Salmon Statue
In the town of Willow, you’ll see an enormous salmon statue that stands proudly by the roadside. This fishy giant is a nod to the area’s love for salmon fishing, which is a major part of Alaska’s culture and economy. The statue may look like a simple roadside attraction, but it’s a fun and memorable stop for anyone on their way through the town.
8. The Tree of 40 Fruits
Located in Homer, the Tree of 40 Fruits is an actual tree grafted with over 40 different varieties of fruit, including peaches, cherries, and plums. It’s a living work of art created by artist Sam Van Aken. The tree blooms with a variety of fruits each year, offering a curious mix of colors and scents. It’s one of the weirdest but most fascinating attractions you’ll find in Alaska.
9. The World’s Largest Totem Pole
In the small town of Kake, you’ll find the world’s tallest totem pole, which stands at an impressive 132 feet. This towering monument is not only impressive in its height but also in its cultural significance. The pole was carved to represent the Tlingit people, and it’s a great way to appreciate Alaskan native culture while marveling at its size.
10. The Unabomber’s Cabin Replica
In Fairbanks, you’ll find a small replica of the cabin used by Theodore Kaczynski, also known as the Unabomber. While not an official roadside attraction, the oddity of seeing a replica of the infamous cabin in a small town in Alaska makes for an unusual stop. It offers an intriguing, albeit eerie, glimpse into the life of one of the country’s most notorious criminals.
11. The Alaska Yukon Mike Statue
In Tok, you’ll spot a large, quirky statue of Yukon Mike, a miner and prospector that represents the Gold Rush era. This 20-foot tall statue is a fun and eccentric symbol of the area’s history during the Klondike Gold Rush. It’s an offbeat but enjoyable roadside attraction that celebrates the gold mining heritage of Alaska.
Alaska isn’t just about majestic landscapes and wild adventures; it’s also home to some of the weirdest and most unique roadside attractions that offer a glimpse into the state’s quirky charm. From giant salmon statues to unusual farms and mysterious buses, these oddities make for fun, memorable stops on your Alaskan road trip. So, next time you’re driving through the Last Frontier, take a detour to see one of these weird and wonderful attractions—you might be surprised by what you find!
SOURCES
[1] https://www.thealaskalife.com/blogs/news/13-quirky-alaska-roadside-attractions-that-ll-make-you-do-a-double-take
[2] https://www.fiftygrande.com/50-weirdest-roadside-attractions/
[3] https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/alaska/roadside-attractions
[4] https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/top-10-roadside-attractions-usa
[5] https://www.viator.com/en-IN/blog/Quirky-Roadside-Attractions-To-Plan-Your-Next-Road-Trip-Around/l94033
