Alaska

Nearly 24 hours of daylight in summer, and long stretches of darkness in winter, genuinely shape mood and daily routine in Alaska. So much of the state remains wild and only lightly settled, exactly why Alaska calls itself “The Last Frontier.”

More than 200 federally recognized tribes call Alaska home, including Iñupiat, Yupik, and Tlingit communities, whose traditions in wood carving, storytelling, and living off the land remain active parts of daily life. Local foods like akutaq, made from berries and fat, and reindeer sausage reflect this heritage directly.

In Skagway, the 19th-century Gold Rush left a lasting mark on the region’s history, and Denali National Park holds the tallest mountain in North America.