Listen up, America: we know that there are a lot of misconceptions about our wildly illusive state, so we are here to set the record straight. There is a lot to love and a lot to fear in the mighty Last Frontier, but don’t worry – we got you covered. Although the allure of Alaska’s magical mountains and brilliant Aurora Borealis might leave you feeling like you are in la la land, the great 49th state is actually quite accessible to the outside world. Step right up and get ready to learn more about some commonly confused aspects regarding life in Alaska.

1. No, we don’t live in igloos.
Flickr - JLS Photography - Alaska
What a wild real estate market that would be though, huh?
2. But with winter wonderland views this magical, we sometimes wish we did.
Flickr - Bureau of Land Management Alaska
Life goals.
3. Even in our own home, we basically live with the wildlife.
Flickr - Mel Green
Get on YouTube and you'll see bears, moose and lynx coming right up into neighborhood homes in the city. Life really is that wild up here.
4. For months on end the sun doesn’t really ‘go down’ in the summertime.
Flickr - Calmuziclover
And we forget how to sleep.
5. And for many months during the winter, we are lucky if we see the sun at all.
Flickr - JLS Photography - Alaska
It's true, vitamin D isn't really our wintertime specialty.
6. The wildlife and the Northern Lights don’t come out on a scheduled timer, so please stop asking.
Flickr - Andrew Petersen
Anyone who has worked in the tourism industry has been asked this question by visitors. It never ceases to amaze us!
7. If you’ve never tasted a reindeer dog from Alaska, you’re missing out.
Flickr - Ian Collins
So much juicy deliciousness.
8. You can never go wrong with an Alaskan made product.
Facebook - Alaska Chip Company LLC
Alaska Chip Company? Yes please. We also make great chocolate, wine, syrup, etc.
9. The gold rush is not dead.
Flickr - mazaletel
Heck no it's not. Gold panning is still a very popular recreational activity that Alaskans love to enjoy.
10. There is absolutely nothing wrong with using your hand as a map.
Pinterest - Alaska Winter Warriors
In fact, Alaska is perfectly shaped to do such a thing!

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11. Despite what the media says, Alaska isn’t really the most dangerous place in America.
Flickr - Paxson Woelber
When you look at Alaska's crime on a per capita basis, the lower 48 is a much scarier place to be.
12. Yes, there are places in the state where the bears outnumber the humans.
Flickr - USDA Forest Service Alaska Region
If you've even been to Admiralty Island, you know exactly what we're talking about. Yikes!
13. Don’t even try complaining to us about the weather in your state.
Flickr - JLS Photography - Alaska
We don't even want to hear it!
14. You might think you have mountains in your state, but they are just hills compared to ours.
Flickr - Tom Purves
Just one look and you'll completely understand. Plus it's no big deal or anything but we also have North America's tallest peak; Denali!
15. Fishing in Alaska will ruin you for life.
Flickr - Joe Bartolini
Anyone who has ever caught a king salmon, rainbow trout or massive halibut in Alaska knows exactly what we are talking about.
16. The 'bush' is a place where people live.
Flickr - Joseph
And to us, they look mighty happy living there as well. Villages in Alaska sure do know about embracing a pure, happy quality of life free from the rat race.
17. We fly in otters.
Flickr - NAParish
Plus our otters have pretty cool floats, too.
18. Bunny boots actually keep our toes from falling off.
Flickr - JLS Photography - Alaska
For the humans, not the four legged fur balls. Although their boots are much cuter than our bunny boots.
19. We are actually king of the country when it comes to having that whole ‘island life’ thing down.
Flickr - Andrew Petersen
Don't think of Alaska as an island paradise? Think again. With 2,670 islands to be exact - we'd say that we are definitely WINNING in this category.
20. The extension cords hanging out of our vehicles aren't because we all drive Prius'.
Flickr - James Brooks
Actually, they are to keep our motors from seizing up in the winter.
21. That saying about how ‘real Alaska’ begins when you leave the city, well… it’s true.
Flickr - Paxson Woelber
I mean, the proof is in the puddin'...

For another great read, check out these 22 things that Alaskans miss terribly when they leave home. You’ll also enjoy these 25 things that are actually really frustrating about living in Alaska.

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