What to See & Do in Utqiaġvik, Alaska

 

  • Iñupiat Heritage Center
    This National Park Service-affiliated center celebrates the culture, language, and traditions of the Iñupiat people. Exhibits include whaling tools, traditional clothing, sleds, and interpretive displays. Visitors can often watch artisans working on ivory or baleen carvings.
    5421 North Star Street, Utqiaġvik, AK 99723
    📞 (907) 852-0422

  • Whale Bone Arch
    Located on the beach near the town’s edge, this iconic landmark is made from bowhead whale jawbones. It’s one of the most photographed spots in town and a powerful reminder of Utqiaġvik’s subsistence whaling culture.

  • Arctic Ocean Beachfront
    Walk to the edge of the northernmost point in the U.S. and stand along the Arctic Ocean. In summer, you might spot sea ice floating offshore; in winter, the coastline is frozen solid. Visitors often take a “toe-dip” photo to commemorate reaching the top of the world.

  • Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)
    From October to April, Utqiaġvik offers an ideal location to view the aurora borealis. The clear skies and latitude make it one of the best places on Earth to witness this natural phenomenon. Dress warmly and step outside late at night.

  • Midnight Sun (May–August)
    Utqiaġvik experiences continuous daylight from mid-May through early August. It’s a surreal experience to see the sun circling the sky without setting for weeks at a time. Locals host celebrations during the Nalukataq Festival, a traditional whaling feast and blanket toss celebration.

  • Point Barrow (Nuvuk)
    The northernmost point in the United States. Accessible via guided tour or snow machine in winter. Historically significant as a whaling lookout and spiritual location for the Iñupiat people.

Guided Tours in Utqiaġvik