The City of Nome is Alaska's oldest continuous first class city and is located on the south coast of the Seward Peninsula facing Norton Sound, part of the Bering Sea. Incorporated on April 9, 1901, Nome has a population of approximately 3,800, half of whom are Native Alaskan Eskimos. The city is the commercial hub of northwestern Alaska. The Alaska Gold Company is the major gold mining agency still in operation today. The immediate area is also rich in other mineral deposits and Alaska's reindeer industry is centered in the Nome vicinity.
Nome has a unique combination of traditional Eskimo culture and a gold rush past. Rent a vehicle and tour the 300-plus miles of road system surrounding Nome. Drive to the Eskimo village of Teller, see the many remnants of Nome's gold rush past, and look for wildlife such as moose, bear, reindeer, or musk oxen. Visitors can have a picnic at Salmon Lake Campground, go on a walking tour of the town and visit the museum, shop for Native arts and crafts, or visit with the friendly residents.
In March, Nome is the end of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, an almost 1,200-mile race of more than 50 dog sled teams from all over the world that race from Anchorage to Nome.