Nome: Gold Rush History and the Iditarod

Nome lies on the southern side of the Seward Peninsula, on the coast of the Bering Sea in Arctic Alaska. Cultural history and Gold Rush history meet here, along with seasonal events and unique travel conditions. If you’re looking for a hotel in Nome, you can plan your travel dates around the things that interest you—for example, the Iditarod in March, summer programs, or guided hikes at different times of year.

Location and Getting There

Nome is not connected to Alaska’s highway system. Other than by air, the town is accessible only by water and via a few snowmobile or dog-sled trails. Transportation options may change seasonally, so please check in advance whether your planned connection is available.

Nome’s road network extends for about 250 miles through tundra, mountains, and coastal plains. Gold Rush relics can be seen along the route. The landscapes and historical traces give the road network a distinctive character, although the roads themselves do not provide access via Alaska’s highway system.

Cultural and Gold Rush History

The Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum preserves and presents the culture, history, and art of Nome and the Bering Strait. A self-guided historic walking tour takes you to buildings that have survived numerous fires and floods. If you take the self-guided tour, please check locally to confirm whether the visitor handout is available.

One notable landmark is the Swanberg Dredge, about a mile from downtown and within walking distance. More than 40 gold dredge remnants can also be seen from the road network in the Nome area. The museum, historic buildings, and visible remnants offer different perspectives on culture, local history, and traces of the Gold Rush.

Events and Seasonal Activities

Every March, Nome is the finish line for the 1,049-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Hundreds of events are held around the finish, and visitors can take part; the specific program varies each year. If you’re planning your trip around the race, please check that year’s dates and program.

The Bering Land Bridge Heritage Center is located in Nome. If you’re interested in summer offerings, the Bering Land Bridge Heritage Center holds Sidewalk Talks, Junior Ranger programs, and Tundra Tots during most weeks from June through August. Because these offerings are seasonal, please check the dates and weekly schedules before your trip. Tour operators in Nome also offer guided hikes in summer and winter; providers and seasonal availability may change.

Landscape, Rivers, and Night Skies

There are 14 rivers in the Nome area. Most are accessible via the road network and offer fishing opportunities; fishing conditions vary seasonally. The rivers and their surroundings provide a different kind of nature experience from guided hikes, which vary by season.

The Aurora Borealis may be visible about a mile beyond Nome’s city lights. Whether you see the Aurora Borealis depends on the conditions at the time. For travelers interested in the night sky, the distance from the city lights is a helpful point of reference—not a guarantee of a sighting.

Around Nome

Near Nome, Pilgrim Hot Springs features thermal waters and a habitat for waterfowl. A permit is required for access; it can be obtained free of charge at the Nome Visitor Center. Please confirm the procedure for obtaining the required permit before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Gambell.

For the broader travel overview: Nome Census Area.