It takes so much energy to ship, carry or truck items to Alaska that usually when the owner is done with them, they stay close to home. Remnants of older times are everywhere from the signs of ancient peoples to the Gold rush era of the 1900s to the Pipeline craze of the 1970s, there are artifacts all over the state. Some say old rusty pieces of metal are trash, some say they are priceless authentic goldpans from a part of Alaska's history. But if someone else's junk is your treasure, then these are the shops for you!

Here are the top places to find the pieces of Alaskana you seek. Some rebuild and refinish antiques, some just find treasures and put them on a shelf for your shopping pleasure. These stores will fill your need for secondhand delights in the long winter months and through spring break-up, when yard sales just aren't in season.

1. Wal*Mike's, Trapper Creek

Wal*Mike's is the most delightful, crowded junk shop packed from floor to ceiling with cool antiques and Alaska trinkets. This place is a required stop on any Parks Highway road trip. It will definitely live up to its name as the box store of quirky Alaskan roadside thrift shops. (114.8 Mile West Parks Hwy)

2. Bad Mother, Fairbanks

This hip new downtown spot is has stylish fashion and home decor for the arctic fox. The clean lines and spacious shopping area make for a lovely shopping experience.

(511 2nd Ave)

3. Alaska Picker, Wasilla

The Picker has a great selection of well restored antiques and Alaskana. Friendly customer service is a hallmark of this mom and pop shop. They recently renovated and it looks great! (5401 E Mayflower Ln)

4. Bargain Basement, Kenai

This place is welcoming and well organized. From skis and snow board equipment to video games, this place has what you want. This busy shop has new things coming in all the time and they even have gift certificates, a great gift for a bargain lover! (11472 Kenai Spur Hwy)

5. Plato's Closet, Anchorage

A standard for the Alaskan fashionista, this store in happening midtown Anchorage is a treasure trove of second hand fashion for everyone. The lighting, layout and style will keep you coming back for more second hand outfits time after time. (1201 W Northern Lights Blvd)

6. Alaska SPCA Thrift Shop, Anchorage

Please note, Alaska SPCA Thrift Shop is no longer in business.

SPCA is animal themed and has a wide variety of used goods for animals and their owners. Pick up kennels, toys, clothing and household goods. As a bonus, you'll feel great because all the proceeds go to the Spay and Neuter program! (549 W Intl Airport Rd

Ste B-4)

7. St. Mary's Thrift Store, Kodiak

This treasure trove in Kodiak is a central hot spot for local goods. Well loved locally, this shop supports a local school. (2918 Mill Bay Rd)

8. The Pack Rat Antique, Wasilla

The Pack Rat is actually not that packed, but a comfortable place to shop. This surprisingly huge store has an awesome collection of antique posters. Local antique vendors rent spots and consign treasures, so it has a wide variety of items and there's always something new (to you).

(1068 W Fireweed Ln)

9. The Bargain Shop, Anchorage

This is a large and plentiful thrift shop on the Joint Elmendorf-Richardson military base. They are a great place to get kids toys, bikes, workout equipment and home furnishing for super reasonable prices. (8515 Saville Ave)

10. Duane's Antique Market, Anchorage

Duane's Antique Market is the largest and oldest antique store in the State of Alaska. They are experts and have a classy selection of antique furnishings. (1233 E 76th Ave)

11. Roxy's 2nd Hand, Fairbanks

This place specializes in Upcycled Furniture! Roxy is always working on projects and bringing woodwork back to life. Look for great deals on really cool revived furnishing and decorations for your home. (101 College Rd)

Have you been to these shops? What's the best piece of treasure you discovered in Alaska? Let us know in the comments below!