Oh, Alaska! You big, beautiful, burly beast of a state. You are large and mighty – and full of surprises. For many that come to visit, the majesty of Alaska catches them off guard, completely steals their heart and prevents them from ever wanting to go back to their original home. Because now, Alaska is home. Once you live here, nowhere else will ever compare. The cold, dark winter might convince you to leave a time or two, but you’ll always end up coming back. The people in the lower 48 just don’t get it and the material based lifestyle certainly isn’t for you anymore. Here are just 18 (of the many) undeniable reasons why Alaska will always be home!

1. This is the largest state in the nation AND the least populated.
Flickr - Paxson Woelber
SIGN. US. UP. The crowds can stay in the lower 48 where they belong.
2. Fishing is not just a hobby in here, it’s a lifestyle.
Flickr - Alaska Region U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Sport, commercial and subsistence. Fishing is the name of the game in the 49th state.
3. With more islands than any other state in the nation, we got that whole ‘laid back’ thing conquered.
Flickr - Andrew Petersen
Hang loose and enjoy the view, brah!
4. The Northern Lights show will suck you in and never let you go.
Flickr - Beverly
Like ever. Just wait and you'll see for yourself!
5. Road trips are… epic, enchanted and totally life changing.
Flickr - Bureau of Land Management
Every single time.
6. With more lakes than any other state in the nation, this place is a dream for water babies.
Flickr - Dan Logan
Splish splash we're a takin' a bath! Or a kayak, jet ski, fishing, boating, canoeing or floating trip. Woot woot!
7. Our eight national parks are filled with magic.
Flickr - Horatio3K
Pure, pristine and utterly untouched. These places are pure gold.
8. One word: glaciers. And plenty of em’!
Flickr - Ian D. Keating
616 officially named glaciers with over 100,000 estimated in total. Gleaming blue glacial ice is the best eye candy ever!
9. The midnight sun means that our summers are basically twice as long as everybody else’s.
Flickr - James Brooks
Sorry, any arguments will be shut down instantly. We are so winning with this one!

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10. But when we do get a sunset (or sunrise), it’s usually to die for.
Flickr - Joseph
In these moments, were totally fine with saying bye bye to the solstice sun.
11. This is their land, we just live here.
Flickr - JLS Photography - Alaska
And we wouldn't want it any other way!
12. The mountains are calling, and we must go.
Flickr - Paxson Woelber
And now everywhere else in the world just has 'hills' and nothing that will even compare to this beast mode!
13. The scenery is undeniably breathtaking.
Flickr - Western Arctic National Parklands
It's kind of what we do. No big deal or anything.
14. Our natural resources are diverse and plentiful.
Flickr - wplynn
Welcome to YUM Nation, population... a lot!
15. We never run out of new places to hike, bike or explore.
Flickr - Paxson Woelber
Even after a lifetime of exploring, we'd never come close to seeing it all. How lucky we are to be alive!
16. Dogs are always a part of the family in the last frontier.
Flickr - Joseph
With dog mushing as the state sport, this one is kind of a given. But we love it SO much that it had to make the list!
17. Our deep rooted culture and Alaska native heritage embodies a simple, subsistence based lifestyle.
Flickr - Ben Rogers
You can't get to where you're going without remembering where you've been. The roots run deep in Alaska.
18. People here have a tendency to restore our faith in humanity, time and time again.
Flickr - Public Affairs Office Fort Wainwright
From our hard working military men and women to the friendly and hospitable locals - people here are unlike anywhere else.

Is Alaska your happy place? If so, you will love these 15 super cool small towns in the last frontier that you’ve probably never even heard of!

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