This itty bitty, teenie tiny island in Alaska is home to a story that made international headlines back in 2008 after former Governor Sarah Palin made a reference about Alaska’s proximity to Russia when discussing her foreign policy experience. While many watched the now-famous Saturday Night Live skit and laughed as they mocked Tina Fey saying, “I can see Russia from my front door,” most had no idea where that actual place was in Alaska. Well, now you do! Little Diomede Island is a little isolated sliver in the middle of the Bering Strait and it is a remarkably unique place. This location means you really can see Russia from Alaska!

Gio. Ve./Google Maps
Little Diomede Island is located in the middle of the Bering Strait and it is a part of Alaska in the United States of America. What is fascinating about this place is that it is just 2.4 miles away from Big Diomede, which is a part of Russia. One of the little known facts about Alaska is how close it truly is to Russia.
Wikipedia
On the satellite image above you can see just how tiny Little Diomede Island is. It appears to be just a mere speck in the middle of the Bering Strait, separated between the United States on one side and Russia on the other. One of the wildest things about this is that the western and eastern hemispheres are separated by such a small area of sea here, yet Russia is a whole day ahead of Alaska. One of the surprising things about Alaska is how close we are to the date line that separates an entire 24 hours time difference between the two countries, even though geographically we are so close.

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Flickr - NOAA Photo Library
The population on Little Diomede Island is only around 100 people, of which the entire community is essentially nestled on the side of a rock in the middle of the sea. The island has a total area that is only 2.8 square miles in size. The only really feasible way to get here is by boat or helicopter. However, being that it is located in the middle of the sea, harsh weather often ensues and travel to and from Little Diomede Island is put on hold as the conditions can become very dangerous and deadly at the drop of a dime.
Wikipedia
On Little Diomede Island there are no hospitals or airports. There isn't even the ability to have television. While there is a tiny schoolhouse here, the primary view is of Siberia in the Russian territory, right out the window. You could say this little island houses the most remote town in Alaska.
Flickr - NOAA Photo Library
Little Diomede Island was most famously known as making headlines after former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin had made comments about Alaska's physical closeness to Russia when speaking about her foreign policy experience. Then celebrity and comedian Tina Fey proceeded to do a skit on Saturday Night Live about former Governor Palin saying that "she can see Russia from her front door."

Well, Little Diomede Island is, in fact, the only place in Alaska where you can actually see Russia from your front door. The most ironic thing about this whole story is that locals report that former Governor Palin has never even visited the area, although her slight comment about Alaska's relationship with Russia seemed to dominate headlines back in 2008 during the presidential election.

Did you know that you could see Russia from Alaska? Have you ever visited Little Diomede Island? If so, what was our favorite part? We’d love to see our photos (of the island, Alaska, or Russia!) and read your comments in the section below.

If you thought that was awesome, check out the 15 coolest small towns in Alaska that you’ve probably never heard of. You might also love to read about the oldest general store in Alaska that has a fascinating history.

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See Russia From Alaska

Megan McDonald | June 30, 2020

What is the most remote town in Alaska?

This is a hard question to determine, as many towns can qualify as remote. The road system only accesses 25% of Alaska, so most of the state is only accessible by boat or plane. Anaktuvuk Pass post office was named the most remote post office in the United States, so this small town of 292 would be a top contender. Little Diomede Island has a tiny little town with an Inupiat Eskimo population of around 170 people, and is located 16 miles off the coastline of Alaska. Due to the weather it is highly inaccessible, which makes it viable as one of the most remote spots in Alaska. But there are villages all over the state in the bush that take a great amount of effort to get to, and each one has a wonderful argument for being the most remote!

Why do they call Alaska “the bush”?

The bush in Alaska refers to anywhere in the state that you can’t get to on the limited road system, or arrive at by ferry. This is actually most of Alaska! Most of Alaska’s Native population lives in these beautiful remote communities, and depend on hunting and subsistence fishing to live in these rural areas. There are limited supplies, and necessities can be very expensive as they have to be flown into these communities. 

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Little Diomede Island, Alaska 99762, USA