Overnight stay in Utqiagvik - Ideas for things to do?

Question

Hi, I will be traveling up to the arctic in early July in hopes to explore some of the towns and natural landscapes. I am currently thinking of spending 1-2 days in Kotzebue since there are many things to do there (flightseeing, fishing, kayaking, etc).

I also want to visit Utqiagvik for a day since it is the northernmost city in north america and might be cool to see whats there. But I am having a hard time finding things to do. Tundra tours and the Top of the world hotel offers a local tour of the town and it looks informative. But I am also interested in seeing some nature and parts outside of town. Are there any tours or ways to see more?

I will be traveling solo and I do enjoy some nature/wildlife photography, in case that helps!

Answer

Visiting Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow) is a unique experience given its remote location and status as the northernmost city in North America. While it’s a small town, there are several ways to explore both local culture and the surrounding Arctic landscapes during a short stay.

Within town, you can get a sense of local history, culture, and community:

Top of the World Hotel tour: This guided tour offers an overview of Utqiagvik’s history, culture, and landmarks, including the whaling station, local schools, and public buildings. It’s especially useful for solo travelers wanting context and background.
Local museums: While limited, the Iñupiat Heritage Center provides exhibits on local Indigenous culture, crafts, and history.
Photography opportunities: The town itself, with its unique Arctic architecture and summer midnight sun, offers interesting photo ops.

For nature and wildlife photography, the areas outside town are even more rewarding:

Tundra tours: Some local guides offer tundra excursions by 4x4 or small plane, which allow you to explore Arctic tundra, bird colonies, and possibly wildlife such as muskox, Arctic foxes, and caribou. These tours often include photography stops and information about the landscape.
Coastal areas: Walking along the Chukchi Sea coast can provide dramatic landscapes and birding opportunities. Depending on conditions, you might see nesting seabirds, marine mammals, and vast open vistas.
Flightseeing: For a broader perspective, small plane flights over the surrounding tundra and coastlines give excellent photographic opportunities and a sense of the region’s scale.

Additional tips for a short stay in Utqiagvik:

Plan ahead with local guides as services are limited, and transportation options are minimal.
Even in July, the weather can be cool and windy; bring layers suitable for tundra conditions.
Consider the midnight sun for extended daylight photography opportunities. The sun does not set in early July, giving nearly 24-hour light for outdoor exploration.

While Utqiagvik may not offer extensive commercial attractions, combining a town tour with tundra and coastal exploration can make a 1-2 day visit very rewarding, especially for solo travelers interested in Arctic photography and unique cultural experiences.