Bering Land Bridge National Preserve is located in Nome Census Area, Alaska. Archaeological, paleontological, and biological resources tell the story of the Bering Land Bridge, which once connected Asia and North America. You can choose from different themes to shape your trip: geological features, historic sites, or seasonal wildlife viewing.
Landscape, Earth History, and Use
The preserve includes volcanic lava flows, coastal formations, paleontological sites, and the Serpentine Hot Springs area. The landscape is shaped by a variety of geological features and traces of past life. The Serpentine Hot Springs area includes two thermal areas: Serpentine Hot Springs and Arctic Hot Springs. Serpentine Hot Springs has been used for thousands of years and continues to serve both traditional and modern uses. Geological themes are thus set alongside a long history of human use.
Ranger programs are another possible seasonal experience: During the summer months, they may include talks, hikes, and Junior Ranger programs at the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve Heritage Center. If you are interested, check the schedule for your travel dates.
Gold Rush History and Culture in Nome
The Cape Nome Mining District Discovery Sites include several named places: the Discovery Claim at Anvil Creek, the E.O. Lindbloom Placer Claim, No. 1 at Snow Creek, and Nome Beach. As a National Historic Landmark, the sites are associated with Alaska’s first major placer gold discovery. This focus on gold rush history complements the preserve’s much older natural and cultural history.
In Nome, the Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the culture, history, and craftsmanship of Nome and the Bering Strait. The main gallery features the permanent exhibition “Nome: Hub of Cultures and Communities Across the Bering Strait.” The museum is open to visitors Monday through Saturday, from 12 to 5 p.m.; check its opening hours before your trip.
The Burled Arch serves as the official finish line of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Outside the race season, visitors in Nome can take photos near the arch. Another way to explore the city’s history is the self-guided “Historical Walking Tour” of historic buildings that have survived numerous fires and floods. Old St. Joe’s Hall is one of the city’s oldest surviving buildings and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; the building is not always open. The Katirvik Cultural Center in Nome aims to bring together cultural events and opportunities for language exchange. Private tours can be arranged by phone.
Roads and Seasonal Wildlife Viewing
The Nome-Taylor Highway, locally known as Kougarok Road, is a scenic route to varied landscapes, historic remnants, and possible wildlife sightings. Road conditions can vary in winter. A turnoff beyond Safety Bridge leads to interpretive panels and a boardwalk for wildlife viewing; access conditions can vary by season.
The Nome-Council Road passes through coastal grassland, dunes, and meadows along Safety Sound. Along one section of this road, “Last Train to Nowhere” features viewing platforms and interpretive panels. Conditions and access may change; check before your visit. The Nome area also has 14 rivers, most of which are accessible via the road network and can be used for fishing.
Another seasonal viewing opportunity is an old road section that leads to a viewpoint on the Solomon River. Salmon, Dolly Varden, and Arctic grayling can be spotted there in late July and August. Ranger programs are offered during the summer months, while the window for fish viewing is more specific. You can also look for beach glass, dishes, ceramic fragments, and other colorful objects from the region’s past on Nome’s beaches.
Explore more destinations: Nome, Gambell, Aleutians West Census Area, Anchorage, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Juneau, Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, Kodiak Island Borough.
Go to the overview of destinations: Alaska.
