Here are 18 Interesting Facts About Alaska.
Glacial retreats in southern Alaska are leading to an increase in the frequency of earthquakes. The Bering glacier, in particular, is so massive that its weight stabilizes the subduction of the Pacific plate underneath the North American plate.
There was a man so dedicated to April Fools Pranks that in 1974, he flew hundreds of tires into Edgecumbe dormant volcano in Alaska and set them on fire, thereby fooling the local populace, and coast guard into thinking the volcano became active.
There is a mile-long zipline in Hoonah, Alaska, that starts 1,300ft above sea level and reaches speeds of up to 60mph.
There is a species of a frog in Alaska that freezes during the winter and while frozen, the frog stops breathing, its heart stops beating, its blood stops flowing, and it cannot move. However, when spring arrives, the frog’s body thaws and the frog returns to normal life.
At their closest points, Alaska and Russia are only 2 miles apart.
During WWII, the Japanese invaded Alaska, and more Americans were killed or wounded defending Alaska than at Pearl Harbor.
Because of mainland Alaska’s one time zone, northwest Alaska experiences two sunsets in one calendar day around August 8th.
There is a pizza place in Alaska that delivers by plane.
In Alaska people report road kill to authorities, who butcher it and give to the needy.
From 1787 through 1912, the US never went more than 15 years without adding a state. Then 47 years passed before Alaska joined the union and US is now in the longest period in US history without a state being added (54 years).
The town of Talkeetna in Alaska has had a cat named Stubbs as mayor for 15 years.
In 1958, Alaska was hit with a mega tsunami that measured 1720 ft tall, taller than the Empire State Building.
The long summer days in Alaska regularly produce “Giant Vegetables” by August harvest, with produce such as 127lb cabbage and 3ft long beans setting records at the Alaska State Fair.
The Alaskan state flag was designed by a thirteen year old who had won a contest.
There is a mile-long zipline in Hoonah, Alaska, that starts 1,300ft above sea level and reaches speeds of up to 60mph.
The world’s largest rechargeable battery is in Fairbanks, Alaska, weighs 1,400 tons and cost $35M to build.
A company in Alaska has developed a powdered beer for backpacking.
Alaska and Hawaii are tied as the US State with the lowest high temperature, at 100 degrees F.
The Adak National Forest in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska, is the smallest National Forest in America, with only 33 trees.
