Nome and Surrounding Areas

Sunrise behind Front Street.

NPS Photo

The Bering Land Bridge Heritage Center and park headquarters are located in Nome, AK. The Heritage Center features culturally rich and engaging exhibits, including Inupiaq language learning opportunities, cultural videos, and more. In summer, visitors can join park staff for talks and hikes around the area. Special programs are also offered during Iditarod, which takes place in March.

Nome, a rural community of about 3,600 people, is not connected to a larger road system. The easiest way to reach it is by commercial airplane. In town and throughout Nome’s road system, you may find a number of things to do and places to visit to complete your Alaska experience.

 

City of Nome Visitor Center

Learn more about the roots of this sub-arctic town. Gain an insider's perspective on where to stay, what to see, and where to eat.

Pilgrim Hot Springs

Pilgrim Hot Springs offers thermal waters as well as an oasis for waterfowl. A permit is required to access the hot spring. Permits are free and may be obtained from the Nome Visitor Center.

Council Highway

Take a scenic drive to Council, a former gold mining community.

Teller Highway

A 72-mile road will take you from Nome to the small Inupiat coastal village of Teller.

Kougarok Road (Nome-Taylor Highway)

Its official name is the Nome-Taylor Highway, but locals call it the Kougarok Road. Take this scenic drive to reach a variety of landscapes, remnants of history, and potential wildlife sightings.

 

Bering Land Bridge Heritage Center.

NPS Photo / Micah Hill

Bering Land Bridge Heritage Center
Explore Inupiaq language learning opportunities, regional artwork, cultural videos, and much more!

 

Salmon Lake Campground.

Salmon Lake Campground
Located about 40 miles north along the Kougarok Road, Salmon Lake Campground offers a sandy beach, picnic tables, barbeque pits, trash bins, and a pit restroom. The Kougarok Road is not maintained during the winter months and large amounts of snow may make it impassable for vehicles. Best to visit during snow free months!

 

Two people relax on their way to Dorothy Falls.

NPS Photo / Katie Cullen

Dorothy Falls
Around mile 26 along the Kougarok Road, Dorothy Creek flows out of the mountains to your left. A moderate to strenuous hike up the creek will lead you to the scenic waterfall. There is no trail and the terrain may be strenuous.