Santa and his reindeers would be right at home in Barrow, the northernmost inhabited area in the United States. This small city in the state of Alaska has in recent years seen great economic benefit from the North Slope oil find. With its expansive sparkling-white landscapes, wealth of wildlife and close-knit community – Barrow is the place to go for a getaway unlike many others.
The city’s traditional name in the native Eskimo Inupiat language means ‘place where owls are hunted’. However, the list of wildlife that chooses to make their home in the harsh grounds and freezing waters of Barrow is long: from bears (both polar and grizzly), artic foxes and red foxes to a variety of whales and seals. Barrow is most certainly a nature lover’s paradise despite the freezing temperatures.
Barrow boasts one of the world’s largest Eskimo settlements and the wealth of culture that goes hand-in-hand with this steadfast traditional way of life. From May to August, there is 24 hours of sunlight; while the winter months of November to January bring constant darkness. The city and its residents host a number of festivals, largely celebrating the wealth of nature and wildlife that are greatly respected by the local community.
Highlights
Bird-watching: many visitors come to Barrow specifically for the bird-watching as there are over 250 species of birds to be spotted. In fact, Barrow is known among bird-watchers as one of the top bird-watching places in the state of Alaska.
Eskimo Games: is the highlight of the year in Barrow, offering a full schedule of events finishing off with a magical fireworks display to ring in the New Year. If you can time your visit in Barrow to coincide with this festival, you’ll definitely want to do so as it’s a great way to get to know the locals and have an incredible time.
Whale-watching: the artic waters around Barrow are home to a number of species of whales, including the bowhead whale. Spending a day out on a boat trying to spot these gentle giants is an incredible experience you can find in very few places in the world. When you actually see one close up, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
Will Rogers and Wiley Post Monument: erected in memory of the humorist Will Rogers and pilot Wiley Post, who both died in a plane crash in the area in 1935, this monument is a landmark of Barrow. Aside from admiring the craftsmanship of the monument, you can take time to sit around the well-groomed grounds and take in the fresh air.