Alaska Travel News
Welcome to Alaska News, your trusted source for the latest updates, stories, and insights from across the Last Frontier. From breaking news and local government developments to Alaskan culture, environment, and wildlife, we bring you in-depth coverage that keeps you connected to Alaska’s unique communities and landscapes. Whether you're interested in Anchorage city life, rural village stories, or the great outdoors, Alaska News is here to bring you the stories that matter most. Join us daily for a fresh look at what's happening in our state—because Alaska’s story is our story.
🌃 Northern Lights Season Begins in Alaska
The Northern Lights season is getting underway in Alaska, with the longer and darker nights of fall creating excellent opportunities to see the aurora. Fairbanks is one of Alaska's most popular bases for aurora viewing, thanks to its location under the auroral oval and relatively low light pollution.
The aurora season generally runs from late August through April, with clear, dark nights offering the best opportunities for viewing. For travelers planning an Alaska vacation, fall and winter provide a wonderful chance to combine Northern Lights viewing with other Alaska experiences.
If you are hoping to see the aurora in 2026 or 2027, we recommend planning ahead and allowing several nights in the Fairbanks area to increase your chances of a successful sighting.
🚂 Alaska Railroad 2027: Routes, Schedules & What Travelers Should Know
Planning an Alaska vacation by train in 2027? The Alaska Railroad connects some of the state's most popular destinations, including Anchorage, Denali National Park, Talkeetna, Seward and Fairbanks.
The railroad offers several scenic routes, including the Denali Star, Coastal Classic and Glacier Discovery trains. Summer services are designed to connect with Alaska's main travel season, while the Aurora Winter Train provides a different way to experience Alaska during the colder months.
If you are planning to include the Alaska Railroad in your 2027 vacation, it is a good idea to plan ahead. Popular departures and premium GoldStar seating can sell out, particularly during the peak summer months.
🏔 Update: Denali Park Road: Pretty Rocks Bridge Completed. A major milestone has been reached at Denali National Park & Preserve. The new Pretty Rocks Bridge, spanning the active landslide near Mile 45 of the Denali Park Road, was officially completed in September 2026. The 475-foot steel truss bridge reconnects the eastern and western sections of the historic 92-mile Denali Park Road. The bridge was built to provide a long-term solution at the Pretty Rocks landslide, which forced the closure of the road beyond Mile 43 in 2021.
Construction of the approximately $230 million project included not only the bridge but also improvements to the surrounding road and slopes. The project was particularly challenging because the bridge crosses an active landslide in steep, remote terrain with difficult geological and permafrost conditions.
As of August 27, 2026, hikers and cyclists can travel west of Mile 43 and cross the new Pretty Rocks Bridge. However, buses will continue to operate only as far as East Fork for the remainder of the 2026 season. Full bus service along the Denali Park Road is expected to resume for the 2027 visitor season.
For travelers planning a Denali National Park visit in 2027, this is particularly significant. Once full bus service resumes, visitors are expected to regain access to destinations west of the bridge, including Polychrome Overlook, Toklat, the Eielson Visitor Center, Wonder Lake and Kantishna.
🎆 Alaska skies burst with colors amid New Year’s celebrations... more
🎄 Alaska-raised Capitol Christmas Tree brings holiday and Veteran’s Day cheer ... more
🌰 Alaska-grown hazelnuts? A changing climate is helping growers coax unusual crops ... more
