Alaska, known as “The Last Frontier,” is full of fascinating facts. From its vast wilderness to unique cultural heritage, here are some intriguing Alaska trivia questions and answers to challenge your knowledge.
Introduction to Alaska Trivia
Alaska, the largest U.S. state by area, is a land of extremes—home to towering mountains, sprawling tundras, and rich indigenous cultures. Whether you’re a trivia enthusiast or planning a trip to Alaska, these questions and answers will deepen your appreciation for this remarkable state.
In this article, we’ll explore Alaska’s history, geography, wildlife, and quirky facts through engaging trivia. Let’s dive in!
Alaska Trivia Questions and Answers
Here’s a set of 101 Alaska Questions and Answers, organized category-wise with 10 Q&As per category and the format you specified:
Alaska Geography
Q: What is the capital of Alaska?
A: Juneau
Q: What is the largest city in Alaska by population?
A: Anchorage
Q: What ocean borders Alaska to the north?
A: Arctic Ocean
Q: Which U.S. state is closest to Alaska?
A: Washington (via Canada)
Q: What mountain range runs through southern Alaska?
A: The Alaska Range
Q: What is the tallest mountain in North America, located in Alaska?
A: Denali (formerly Mount McKinley)
Q: What strait separates Alaska from Russia?
A: Bering Strait
Q: What is the name of the large gulf on Alaska’s southern coast?
A: Gulf of Alaska
Q: What is the name of the island chain extending from southwestern Alaska?
A: The Aleutian Islands
Q: How many miles of coastline does Alaska have?
A: Over 33,000 miles
Alaska History
Q: When did Alaska become a U.S. state?
A: 1959
Q: Who did the U.S. purchase Alaska from?
A: Russia
Q: What was the purchase price of Alaska?
A: $7.2 million
Q: What year was Alaska purchased by the U.S.?
A: 1867
Q: What was the nickname given to the purchase of Alaska?
A: Seward’s Folly
Q: Who was Alaska named after?
A: It comes from the Aleut word “Alyeska,” meaning “great land”
Q: What major event occurred in Alaska in the late 1890s?
A: The Klondike Gold Rush
Q: When was the Alaska Pipeline completed?
A: 1977
Q: What World War II battle took place on Alaska’s soil?
A: The Battle of Attu
Q: What was the first capital of Russian America, now in Alaska?
A: Sitka
Alaska Wildlife
Q: What is the state bird of Alaska?
A: Willow Ptarmigan
Q: What large bear species is common in Alaska?
A: Grizzly bear
Q: What is the state mammal of Alaska?
A: Moose
Q: What marine mammal is commonly found in Alaska’s waters?
A: Sea otter
Q: Which large deer species is found in Alaska?
A: Caribou
Q: What whale species migrates through Alaska’s waters?
A: Humpback whale
Q: What is a common fish found in Alaska’s rivers?
A: Salmon
Q: What bird of prey is often seen in Alaska?
A: Bald eagle
Q: What small mammal is known for building lodges in Alaskan streams?
A: Beaver
Q: What is the name of the wolf species native to Alaska?
A: Gray wolf
Alaska Culture and People
Q: What indigenous people live in northern Alaska?
A: The Iñupiat
Q: What is the name of traditional Alaskan native gatherings?
A: Potlatches
Q: What is a common mode of transportation in rural Alaska?
A: Bush planes
Q: What language group do many native Alaskan languages belong to?
A: Eskimo-Aleut
Q: What do Alaskans call the long periods of daylight in summer?
A: Midnight Sun
Q: What popular winter sport has cultural roots in Alaska?
A: Dog mushing
Q: What is a popular food among native Alaskans?
A: Muktuk (whale skin and blubber)
Q: What do native Alaskans traditionally use for insulation?
A: Animal furs
Q: What is the native Alaskan name for a snow house?
A: Igloo
Q: What is the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act?
A: A 1971 law that resolved land claims and created native corporations
Alaska Weather and Climate
Q: What is the climate zone of most of Alaska?
A: Subarctic
Q: What is the average winter temperature in Fairbanks, Alaska?
A: Around -15°F
Q: How much daylight does Barrow (Utqiaġvik) get in the summer?
A: 24 hours
Q: How much darkness does Barrow get in the winter?
A: Over 60 days of continuous darkness
Q: What is the coldest temperature ever recorded in Alaska?
A: -80°F in Prospect Creek
Q: Which part of Alaska gets the most snowfall?
A: Thompson Pass
Q: What is the warmest city in Alaska?
A: Sitka
Q: Does Alaska experience thunderstorms?
A: Rarely, but they do occur
Q: What natural light show is visible in Alaska?
A: The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)
Q: How many seasons does Alaska typically experience?
A: Four (but winter is longest)
Alaska Travel and Tourism
Q: What is a popular cruise route in Alaska?
A: The Inside Passage
Q: What national park is home to Denali?
A: Denali National Park
Q: What is the most visited national park in Alaska?
A: Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Q: What city is the gateway to Glacier Bay?
A: Juneau
Q: What popular train route offers scenic views in Alaska?
A: The Alaska Railroad
Q: What is the best season to see the Northern Lights in Alaska?
A: Winter (September to April)
Q: What is a popular destination for seeing glaciers?
A: Prince William Sound
Q: What festival celebrates the Iditarod in Anchorage?
A: Fur Rendezvous (Fur Rondy)
Q: What is a famous lodge located near Denali?
A: Camp Denali
Q: What wildlife attraction is located in Seward?
A: Alaska SeaLife Center
Alaska Economy
Q: What is Alaska’s largest industry?
A: Oil and gas
Q: What seafood is most economically important in Alaska?
A: Salmon
Q: What is the main source of state revenue in Alaska?
A: Oil royalties
Q: What natural resource does the Trans-Alaska Pipeline carry?
A: Crude oil
Q: What industry supports many remote Alaskan villages?
A: Commercial fishing
Q: What is the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend?
A: An annual payment to residents from oil revenues
Q: What energy source is growing in Alaska?
A: Wind power
Q: What kind of mining occurs in Alaska?
A: Gold and zinc mining
Q: What is a key agricultural product in Alaska?
A: Potatoes
Q: How do many remote Alaskans receive goods?
A: By air or barge
Alaska Fun Facts
Q: What is the official state sport of Alaska?
A: Dog mushing
Q: How many time zones is Alaska in?
A: One (Alaska Standard Time)
Q: What is the longest river in Alaska?
A: Yukon River
Q: What is the only U.S. state name that can be typed on one row of a keyboard?
A: Alaska
Q: How many national parks are in Alaska?
A: Eight
Q: What state has the fewest roads?
A: Alaska
Q: How many volcanoes are in Alaska?
A: Over 130 potentially active
Q: What is the tallest building in Alaska?
A: Conoco-Phillips Building in Anchorage
Q: How many people live in Alaska (approx.)?
A: Around 730,000
Q: What is Alaska’s state nickname?
A: The Last Frontier
Alaska State Symbols
Q: What is the state flower of Alaska?
A: Forget-me-not
Q: What is the state tree of Alaska?
A: Sitka spruce
Q: What is the state dog of Alaska?
A: Alaskan Malamute
Q: What is the state fish of Alaska?
A: King Salmon
Q: What is the state insect of Alaska?
A: Four-spot skimmer dragonfly
Q: What is the state gem of Alaska?
A: Jade
Q: What is the state sport of Alaska?
A: Dog mushing
Q: What is the state fossil of Alaska?
A: Woolly mammoth
Q: What is the state marine mammal of Alaska?
A: Bowhead whale
Q: What is the state song of Alaska?
A: “Alaska’s Flag”
Alaska Food and Cuisine
Q: What is a traditional fish eaten in Alaska?
A: Salmon
Q: What berry is commonly used in Alaskan desserts?
A: Wild blueberries
Q: What type of crab is famous from Alaska?
A: King crab
Q: What is Eskimo ice cream made from?
A: Animal fat and berries (Akutaq)
Q: What kind of meat is common in rural Alaskan diets?
A: Caribou and moose
Q: What is a popular Alaskan seafood dish?
A: Smoked salmon
Q: What kind of pie is made from a native Alaskan berry?
A: Salmonberry pie
Q: What Alaskan fish is often canned?
A: Salmon
Q: What dish might include seal or whale?
A: Muktuk
Q: What is a popular way to preserve fish in Alaska?
A: Drying or smoking
FAQs About Alaska Trivia Questions and Answers
Before we conclude, here are some common Alaska trivia questions people ask:
1. What was Alaska’s original name before it became a U.S. state?
Alaska was called “Russian America” before the U.S. purchased it in 1867.
2. How many time zones does Alaska have?
Alaska spans two time zones—Alaska Time (most of the state) and Hawaii-Aleutian Time (western Aleutian Islands).
3. What is the coldest temperature ever recorded in Alaska?
The record is -80°F (-62°C) in Prospect Creek on January 23, 1971.
4. Which Alaskan city is the northernmost in the U.S.?
Utqiaġvik (Barrow) holds this title, located 320 miles north of the Arctic Circle.
5. What is the main industry in Alaska?
Oil and gas dominate Alaska’s economy, followed by fishing and tourism.
Conclusion: Why Alaska Trivia Fascinates Us
Alaska’s vast wilderness, rich history, and unique culture make it a treasure trove of trivia. Whether you’re preparing for a quiz night or just curious about “The Last Frontier,” these facts highlight why Alaska is truly one-of-a-kind.
