Attractions and Places To See around Nome - Top 5
Best attractions and places to see around Nome include a variety of sites reflecting its Gold Rush history, Indigenous culture, and unique Bering Sea coastal environment. Located on the southern Seward Peninsula, Nome is known for its role as the finish line of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. The region offers a landscape shaped by its past, featuring historical landmarks and natural features like the Bering Sea and tundra. Visitors can explore cultural centers, historical sites, and scenic viewpoints.
…Last updated: July 2, 2026
World's Largest Gold Pan and Anvil City Square
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Anvil Mountain Summit and White Alice Antennas Site
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Nome Visitor Center and The Burled Arch (End of the Iditarod)
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Front Street Waterfront
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Waterfront
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At the summit of Anvil Mountain, you'll find the last remaining tropospheric antennas in the US from the White Alice Communications system. These monumental structures were a crucial part of Cold War-era military and civilian communication; there were dozens of White Alice sites that supported both military operations like the Distant Early Warning (DEW) line that covered the Arctic Circle to notify the lower 48 of impending bombs sent over from Russia as well as civilian communications. While exploring these historical antennas, there are breathtaking views of Nome and the Bering Sea. The mountain is also home to a variety of wildlife, including muskoxen, ravens, and various bird species. Keep an eye out for the Anvil Mountain primrose and Kamchatka rhododendron, as well as other alpine flowers in the area.
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Anvil City Square is just a few blocks north of Front Street on the corner of Division and Third. This spot celebrates the rich history of Nome and is a must-see for visitors. In one corner of the park is the world’s largest gold pan, which makes for a great photo opportunity, and the statues of the "Three Lucky Swedes," John, Erik and Jafet, who discovered gold in the nearby Anvil Creek and began the "Stampede to Nome," of the Nome Gold Rush, which lasted from 1899–1909 and temporarily made Nome the biggest city in Alaska. Behind the Three Lucky Swedes, is the Umiak display, where the frames of two umiaks (walrus-skin boats) rest upside down on wooden risers. There are also statues of the two Inupiaq boys, Constantine Uparazuck and Gabriel Adams, who according to oral history with showed the Three Lucky Swedes where they could find gold in this area. Old St. Joe’s Hall is one the eastern side of the square and is one of the oldest standing buildings in Nome and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are ample interpretive signs all around the park as well as a recently constructed playground for children ages 2-12 to enjoy.
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The Nome Visitor Center should be your first stop if visiting this remote town for the first time. Located on Front Street near the end of the world famous Iditarod Dog Sled Race, The Visitor Center is open 7 days a week, from about 8 am to 5 pm in the winter, and 8 am to 7 pm in the summer. There are staffed with friendly locals, stocked with informational brochures, and “Oscar,” stuffed musk ox. If you arrive in town after hours, feel free to call the number on the Visitors Center door, someone might be able to come and open it for you. The famous Burled Arch is also located near the Visitor Center during the race season. This iconic symbol of the Iditarod marks the finish line of the grueling race and is a must-see when visiting Nome.
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The eastern end of Front Street offers unobstructed views over the Norton Sound, which is a part of the Bering Sea. Most of the year its completely frozen, making for otherworldly views over an icy sea.
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Overlooking the Bering Sea, this scenic road offers tranquil views year-round. During much of the year, this northern body of water is frozen solid, transformed into a vast expanse of ice and snow. When summer comes and the ice melts away, the glistening blue water creates an equally serene scene.
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Towering over downtown Nome, the World's Largest Gold Pan stands 20 feet tall. This giant replica honors Nome's gold rush past, when prospectors flocked to the region seeking fortune and adventure. Beside Nome's giant gold pan stand statues of the "Three Lucky Swedes" who first discovered gold in Nome in 1898. Today, this iconic landmark reminds visitors of Nome's glory days during the Nome Gold Rush.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in Nome?
Nome is rich in Gold Rush history. You can visit World's Largest Gold Pan and Anvil City Square, which features the giant gold pan, statues of the "Three Lucky Swedes," and Old St. Joe's Hall. Remnants of the Gold Rush, like abandoned dredges and old mining claims, are also scattered across the landscape, including the accessible Swanberg Dredge and "The Last Train to Nowhere."
Where can I learn about Nome's Indigenous culture?
To delve into Nome's Indigenous heritage, visit the Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum and the Katirvik Cultural Center, both located in the Richard Foster Building. These centers offer displays, historical pictures, and events dedicated to preserving and celebrating the cultures and languages of the Bering Strait people. The Bering Land Bridge Heritage Center also provides immersive exhibits on local Iñupiaq culture and the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve.
What natural attractions are there to see around Nome?
Nome offers diverse natural beauty. You can experience the Bering Sea Coast and vast tundra landscapes. Anvil Mountain Summit provides incredible views of Nome and the Bering Sea. Further afield, Pilgrim Hot Springs offers relaxation, and Salmon Lake is great for camping and fishing. The area also boasts 14 rivers, many accessible by road, perfect for fishing.
Are there opportunities for wildlife viewing in Nome?
Yes, Nome's diverse landscapes are excellent for wildlife viewing. You might spot musk oxen, moose, brown bears, Arctic fox, and various bird species on the tundra or along the coast. Marine life, including whales and salmon, can also be observed. Flightseeing tours offer a unique aerial perspective and increase chances of spotting animals like musk oxen, reindeer, and occasionally even polar bears or walruses.
Can I experience the Gold Rush history firsthand?
Absolutely. Beyond visiting historical landmarks like the World's Largest Gold Pan and Anvil City Square, you can participate in gold-panning experiences offered by local tour companies in nearby creeks. Beachcombing near Nome can also yield interesting gold-mining equipment remnants.
What are some family-friendly activities in Nome?
Families can enjoy exploring the World's Largest Gold Pan and Anvil City Square, which includes a playground for children and interpretive signs. The Front Street Waterfront and Waterfront offer tranquil views and opportunities for beachcombing. Many museums and cultural centers also provide engaging exhibits suitable for all ages.
Are there accessible attractions in Nome?
Several attractions in Nome are wheelchair accessible. The World's Largest Gold Pan and Anvil City Square and the Nome Visitor Center and The Burled Arch are both noted as wheelchair accessible, making them easy to visit for everyone.
What is the best time of year to visit Nome for outdoor activities?
The summer months are generally best for outdoor activities in Nome, as the ice melts, revealing the Bering Sea and making hiking trails more accessible. This is also when the tundra is vibrant with wildflowers. For witnessing the aurora borealis, the darker months offer the best chance to see the Northern Lights.
Are there any scenic drives or viewpoints near Nome?
Yes, Nome offers several scenic drives. The Kougarok Road (Nome-Taylor Highway), Nome-Teller Highway, and Council Road wind through tundra, mountains, and coastal plains, providing opportunities to see wildlife and Gold Rush artifacts. For panoramic views, the Anvil Mountain Summit offers breathtaking vistas of Nome and the Bering Sea.
Where can I find unique local crafts or souvenirs?
Local shops in Nome offer a variety of Alaska Native arts and crafts. You can find items like sealskin slippers, mukluks, grass baskets, and intricate carvings made from ivory, jade, and soapstone, providing unique souvenirs and gifts.
What is the significance of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Nome?
Nome is famously the finish line for the 1,049-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. The iconic Burled Arch, located near the Nome Visitor Center, marks the end of this grueling annual event, drawing mushers and spectators every March.
Can I go hiking around Nome?
Yes, hiking is a popular activity around Nome. You can find self-guided historical walking tours, and the Visitors Center provides handouts for day hikes and more vigorous workouts. Popular trails include those on Anvil Rock, Anvil Mountain, and King Mountain, offering diverse terrain and views.
What are some unique natural phenomena to witness in Nome?
Beyond the stunning tundra and coastal landscapes, Nome is an excellent location to witness the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, especially during the darker months. During much of the year, the Bering Sea also transforms into a vast expanse of ice and snow, offering otherworldly frozen views from the Front Street Waterfront.
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