It’s easy to get caught up in the high-tech, digitally influenced world that the modern era is constantly shoving in our faces. But when we take a stroll down memory lane and look at Alaska’s incredibly resilient past, it’s impossible not to be completely humbled. These 12 unbelievable ruins in Alaska are filled with inspiring stories that will captivate your heart and completely transport you to the past. They are all so fascinating!
- Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park – Kodiak
Flickr - J. Stephen Conn At this 182-acre state park you can check out ruins from a World War II coastal defense installation.
- Treadwell Ruins – Douglas Island
Flickr - Dan From 1883 to 1917 this was area was in the heart of the gold rush. Today, the ruins are nestled in a gorgeous park managed by the City of Juneau. Visitors can enjoy walking pats around this stunning place and a lofty dose of Alaskan history.
- Fort Egbert – Eagle
Flickr - Bureau of Land Management This was a U.S. Army base that operated from 1899 to 1911. Today, little remains but the ruins that are displayed truly do keep the memories of the past alive.
- Independence Mine - MatSu
Flickr - Arthur T. LaBar Walking trails around this area lead you to unforgettable views. Head up to Hatchers Pass to make a day of exploring Alaska’s rich mining history.
- Kennecott Copper Mine – McCarthy
Flickr - carol mitchell Established in 1903 and by 1938 it was a completely abandoned and totally mined-out area. Many believe today that this area is haunted. The ruins are spectacular and it is incredible to see how many buildings are still standing to this day.
- Old Pier – Kiska Island
Flickr - Kim F Located in the Rat Islands group on the Aleutian Chain, this area has deep history. In the 1700s it was used as a trading area for the Russians . During WW2 (after Alaska was offically a state), this area was a Japanese occupation site. Today it is even a National Historic Landmark. Lots of history yet little remains on the island itself.
- Preservation Trail – Juneau
Flickr - Rocky A The Preservation National Recreation Trail is filled with history and memories from the far past. It is just a short walk from downtown Juneau and it is filled with stunning beauty such as waterfalls and endless mountain views. In the 1880s, this trail was the main area of access to over 5 gold mines in the Gold Creek Valley. Remnants from the past still remain today and literature along the trails makes learning about the past super easy and incredibly fun.
- Radovan Ruins – Wrangell- St. Elias National Park
Flickr - NPS Cultural Landscapes In 1908, the famous prospector arrived in Cordova with a dream to find his copper mountain. Martin Radovan helped construct the Copper River Northwestern Railway stretching 196 miles from the port of Cordova to Kennecott. Today, remenants of the past still remain within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
- Taku Harbor Cannery Ruins - Stephens Passage
Flickr - Joseph What was once a cannery is now nothing but a distant memory. Ruins from the elevated building still remain, yet not much more.
- White Pass Rail – Skagway
Flickr - Alvin Law This railway linking Skagway to Whitehorse in the Yukon offers an eerie look into the far past.
- Buckner Building – Whittier
Flickr - davidd This old building in Whittier is no longer accessible to the outside public, but what remains is chilling. Many speculate that the building is haunted white others are fascinated by how much is still standing and in very decent condition, considering.
#12 is the Coal Wash Factory in Sutton. During the 1920s, this historic place was booming with coal mining and abundant amounts of production. Watch the excellent video below to get a history lesson on this truly unique place. It’s fascinating and it truly does transport us back to another place in time.
Flickr - J. Stephen Conn
At this 182-acre state park you can check out ruins from a World War II coastal defense installation.
Flickr - Dan
From 1883 to 1917 this was area was in the heart of the gold rush. Today, the ruins are nestled in a gorgeous park managed by the City of Juneau. Visitors can enjoy walking pats around this stunning place and a lofty dose of Alaskan history.
Flickr - Bureau of Land Management
This was a U.S. Army base that operated from 1899 to 1911. Today, little remains but the ruins that are displayed truly do keep the memories of the past alive.
Flickr - Arthur T. LaBar
Walking trails around this area lead you to unforgettable views. Head up to Hatchers Pass to make a day of exploring Alaska’s rich mining history.
Flickr - carol mitchell
Established in 1903 and by 1938 it was a completely abandoned and totally mined-out area. Many believe today that this area is haunted. The ruins are spectacular and it is incredible to see how many buildings are still standing to this day.
Flickr - Kim F
Located in the Rat Islands group on the Aleutian Chain, this area has deep history. In the 1700s it was used as a trading area for the Russians . During WW2 (after Alaska was offically a state), this area was a Japanese occupation site. Today it is even a National Historic Landmark. Lots of history yet little remains on the island itself.
Flickr - Rocky A
The Preservation National Recreation Trail is filled with history and memories from the far past. It is just a short walk from downtown Juneau and it is filled with stunning beauty such as waterfalls and endless mountain views. In the 1880s, this trail was the main area of access to over 5 gold mines in the Gold Creek Valley. Remnants from the past still remain today and literature along the trails makes learning about the past super easy and incredibly fun.
Flickr - NPS Cultural Landscapes
In 1908, the famous prospector arrived in Cordova with a dream to find his copper mountain. Martin Radovan helped construct the Copper River Northwestern Railway stretching 196 miles from the port of Cordova to Kennecott. Today, remenants of the past still remain within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
Flickr - Joseph
What was once a cannery is now nothing but a distant memory. Ruins from the elevated building still remain, yet not much more.
Flickr - Alvin Law
This railway linking Skagway to Whitehorse in the Yukon offers an eerie look into the far past.
Flickr - davidd
This old building in Whittier is no longer accessible to the outside public, but what remains is chilling. Many speculate that the building is haunted white others are fascinated by how much is still standing and in very decent condition, considering.
Are you fascinated by all that the last frontier has to offer? If so, you’ve got to check out these 16 stunning places in Alaska that everyone should explore at least once.
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