What to See & Do in Nome, Alaska
From gold rush relics and Indigenous culture to tundra wildlife and extreme landscapes, Nome offers a unique blend of experiences
Cultural & Historic Sites
Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum
Gold rush history, Indigenous culture, and rotating local art inside the Richard Foster Building.
Inupiat Heritage Center Display – UAF Northwest Campus
Satellite display featuring local art, traditional tools, and subsistence stories on the Northwest Campus.
Board of Trade Building (Historic Saloon)
One of Nome’s oldest Gold Rush era saloons, still anchoring Front Street nightlife.
Jacob Berger House
Gold-rush Victorian mansion (1903–04) and local landmark.
Old St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (Old St. Joe’s Hall)
Alaska’s only surviving wood-frame Gothic Revival church (1901), relocated to Anvil City Square and used as a community hall.
Discovery Saloon
Built in 1901; the oldest commercial building in Nome—now a private residence with intact historic character.
Gold Rush & Mining Relics
Swanberg Dredge
National Register-listed gold dredge (1946) visible near town.
Beach Gold Panning & Abandoned Dredges
Search for fine gold along Nome’s beach year-round; derelict dredges dot the road system east and north of town.
Cultural Centers & Indigenous Experiences
Katirvik Cultural Center
Celebrates Inupiat traditions through exhibitions, workshops, and storytelling inside the Richard Foster Building.
Inupiat Handicrafts & Subsistence Gear – Maruskiya’s of Nome
Local ivory carving, sealskin, qiviut, and traditional Alaska Native art from regional artists.
Outdoor & Road System Adventures
Scenic Drives: Nome–Teller, Nome–Taylor (Kougarok), & Nome–Council Roads
Three gravel highways radiate from Nome with wildlife viewing, birding, historic roadhouses, and mining relics.
- Nome–Teller Road (≈72–73 miles NW)
- Nome–Taylor / Kougarok Road (≈85–86 miles N)
- Nome–Council Road (≈72 miles E)
Trailhead / town start: Front St & Bering St, Nome, AK 99762
Pilgrim Hot Springs
Subarctic oasis with mission-era buildings and natural hot springs off the Kougarok Road; entry by permit.
Visitor services (permits/info): 500 Seppala Drive, Nome, AK 99762
Safety Sound Wildlife Area (Nome–Council Road)
Prime birding along lagoon and coastal grasslands—swans, loons, terns, and migratory flocks in late May/June.
~Mile 15, Nome–Council Road, Nome, AK 99762
Safety Roadhouse
Rustic last checkpoint on the Iditarod trail—classic roadside stop with beach and lagoon views.
~Mile 22, Nome–Council Road, Nome, AK 99762
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife & Birding Tours
Guided outings for musk oxen, coastal birds, and photography. Local operator example: Nome Discovery Tours.
607 W. 1st Ave, Nome, AK 99762
Northern Lights Viewing
Nome sits under the Auroral Oval. Prime season is roughly Aug 21–Apr 21; best odds around the equinoxes, weather permitting.
Good vantage points: pullouts along the Nome–Teller, Nome–Taylor, and Nome–Council roads outside town lights.
Sled Dog & Iditarod Culture
Iditarod Finish Line (Burled Arch)
Iconic finish on Front Street. The arch sits near City Hall in the off-season and is moved to Front Street during the race each March.
Front St & Division St, Nome, AK 99762
Kennel Tours & Mushing Experiences
Seasonal and event-week options via the museum or Nome Visitor Center.
Adventure & Guided Tours
Self-Drive Seward Peninsula
Build multi-day road itineraries on the three highways. Reserve vehicles early; supply is limited.
In-town rentals/shuttle example: Aurora Inn & Vehicle Rentals, 302 E. Front Street, Nome, AK 99762
Kayak & Hiking Tours
Ask the Visitor Center or local outfitters about seasonal hikes and coastal paddling options.