Solomon Travel Guide

Explore the culturally rich and naturally stunning Arctic town of Solomon, Alaska with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best things to do, places to visit, and where to stay and eat in Solomon.


Introduction to Solomon

Nestled in the Arctic region of Alaska, Solomon offers a unique blend of indigenous culture, stunning natural landscapes, and thrilling outdoor activities. This charming town is home to a multitude of historical sites, museum and cultural centers, scenic vistas, and recreational opportunities. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a history buff, Solomon has plenty to offer for every traveler.

List of Places to Visit in Solomon

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Solomon is steeped in indigenous culture and history, with several museums and historical sites that testify to the town’s rich cultural heritage. These culturally important attractions include:

  • Bering Land Bridge National Preserve: This vast nature preserve is home to several archaeological sites that offer a glimpse into the region’s ancient history. Visitors can explore the tundra and observe the various flora and fauna of the region.

  • Nome-Kinzey Cultural Center: This museum showcases the cultural heritage of the Inupiaq Eskimos, one of the oldest indigenous communities of the Arctic region. The museum houses a large collection of exhibits on Inupiaq history, language, and culture.

  • Cape Nome Mining District Discovery Center: This museum is dedicated to the history of gold mining in the region. Visitors can explore replicas of historic mining camps, try their luck panning for gold, and learn about the impact of gold mining on the region’s economy and culture.

Natural Attractions of Solomon: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Solomon is blessed with breathtaking natural landscapes and a vast array of outdoor recreational opportunities. Here are some of the must-visit natural attractions in Solomon:

  • Golovin Bay: A beautiful bay situated near the town of Solomon, Golovin Bay boasts stunning views of the surrounding mountains and rugged coastline. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, boating, hiking or simply soaking in the awe-inspiring views.

  • Solomon River Trail: This scenic hiking trail winds through the picturesque Solomon River valley, offering breathtaking views of the river, surrounding mountains, and abundant wildlife. The trail is perfect for bird watching, wildlife viewing, and photography.

  • Seward Peninsula: The Seward Peninsula, located near Solomon, is one of North America’s most remote and unspoiled wilderness areas. It offers a wealth of outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and northern lights viewing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Solomon

Solomon is surrounded by stunning mountain ranges and verdant valleys, making it an ideal hiking and biking destination. Some of the best hiking and biking routes in Solomon include:

  • Nanook Trail: This 6.5-mile round-trip trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors can hike or bike the trail, which is suitable for all skill levels.

  • White Alice Site Hiking Trail: This 2.5-mile round-trip trail takes visitors through a historic Cold War radar site, offering stunning views of the coastline and tundra.

  • Teller Road Biking Route: This scenic 30-mile route takes visitors on a journey through the rugged terrain of the Seward Peninsula. The route passes through several historic mining towns and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and coastline.

Best Things to Do in Solomon: Activities and Tours

From hiking and biking to cultural tours and wildlife watching, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy in Solomon. Here are some of the best things to do in Solomon:

  • Northern Lights Viewing: Solomon is one of the best places in the world to view the northern lights. Visitors can take a tour or simply go outside on clear nights to witness the awe-inspiring natural phenomenon.

  • Wildlife Watching: Solomon is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including moose, caribou, musk oxen, and brown bears. Visitors can take guided wildlife watching tours to observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

  • Dog Sledding: The art of dog sledding has been a long-standing tradition in the Arctic region. Visitors can embark on a guided dog sledding tour through the stunning landscapes of the Seward Peninsula.

Week-Long Itinerary for Solomon

Here’s a week-long itinerary for exploring Solomon and its surrounding areas:

  • Day 1: Visit the Nome-Kinzey Cultural Center and Golovin Bay
  • Day 2: Explore the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve and take a northern lights tour in the evening
  • Day 3: Hike the Nanook Trail and dine at a local restaurant in Solomon
  • Day 4: Take a wildlife watching tour of the Seward Peninsula and visit the Cape Nome Mining District Discovery Center
  • Day 5: Drive the Teller Road Biking Route and explore the surrounding mining towns
  • Day 6: Embark on a dog sledding adventure and relax in the evening with a soak in the hot springs
  • Day 7: Take a plane tour of the region and enjoy the stunning aerial views of Solomon and its surroundings

Food and Drink Scene of Solomon

Must-Try Dishes

Solomon has a rich culinary scene, with a plethora of restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisines. Here are some must-try dishes in Solomon:

  • Salmon: Fresh salmon is a staple of the Alaskan diet and is found on the menu of most local restaurants in Solomon. The dish is usually grilled or smoked and served with a side of vegetables.

  • Reindeer Sausage: This local delicacy is made from reindeer meat and is a popular snack food in Solomon. It’s usually served on a bun with mustard and sauerkraut.

  • Birch Syrup: Birch syrup is a unique syrup made from the sap of birch trees. It’s a common ingredient in Alaskan cuisine and is used to flavor everything from desserts to meat dishes.

Local Beverages

Alaska is known for its strong and flavorful beers and spirits, and Solomon is no exception. Here are some local beverages to try in Solomon:

  • Alaskan Brewing Co. Beer: Alaskan Brewing Co. is a local brewery that produces a wide variety of beers, including their signature “Smoked Porter”. The brewery offers tours and tastings for visitors.

  • Ice Wine: The extreme cold of the Arctic region makes it ideal for producing ice wine, a type of wine made from grapes that have been frozen on the vine. Visitors can sample locally produced ice wines at several wineries in the area.

Where to Stay in Solomon: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Solomon offers a range of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Here are some of the best places to stay in Solomon:

  • Nome Nugget Inn: This cozy hotel is located in the heart of downtown Nome, just a short drive from Solomon. The hotel features spacious rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.

  • Aurora Inn and Suites: This budget-friendly hotel offers comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and a continental breakfast. It’s located just minutes from downtown Nome.

  • Anvil City Science Academy: This clean and modern hostel offers shared and private rooms, a communal kitchen, and free Wi-Fi. It’s located in downtown Nome and is within walking distance of several popular attractions.

What to Buy in Solomon: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Solomon offers a variety of unique souvenirs and locally produced products that are perfect for bringing home as a gift or keepsake. Some must-buy items in Solomon include:

  • Birch Products: Birch trees are a common sight in the Arctic region and are used to produce a range of products, including syrup, teas, and crafts. Birch bark baskets and hand-carved wooden items are also popular souvenirs.

  • Native Crafts: The indigenous communities of the Arctic region produce a wide variety of crafts, including hand-crafted jewelry, carvings, and traditional clothing. These unique and authentic items make for a perfect souvenir or gift.

Local Culture and Customs of Solomon

The indigenous communities of the Arctic region have a rich culture and history, and visitors to Solomon should make an effort to learn about and respect these customs. Here are some local customs to keep in mind:

  • Respect for Elders: Elders hold a special place in indigenous communities and are often referred to as “wisdom-keepers”. Visitors should show respect and deference towards elders.

  • Sharing and Generosity: Indigenous communities place a high value on sharing and generosity. Visitors are often welcomed into homes and invited to share meals and stories.

Best Time to Visit Solomon

The best time to visit Solomon is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is mild and the days are long. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, wildlife watching, and northern lights tours during this time. Winter (November to March) offers visitors a chance to witness the stunning aurora borealis and enjoy winter sports like dog sledding and skiing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Solomon

Do:

  • Respect the Local Culture: Visitors should make an effort to learn about and respect the local culture and customs of Solomon.

  • Take a Northern Lights Tour: Witnessing the northern lights is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that visitors to Solomon shouldn’t miss.

Don’t:

  • Litter: Visitors should respect the pristine natural environment of Solomon and avoid littering.

  • Disturb Wildlife: Visitors should avoid disturbing or harassing wildlife, and should observe animals from a safe distance.

Safety and Health

Safety in Solomon

Solomon is generally a safe destination for travelers, but visitors should take basic precautions to ensure their safety. These include:

  • Be Aware of Wildlife: Visitors should be aware of the presence of wild animals and take precautions to avoid encounters.

  • Take Precautions in Extreme Weather: The Arctic region can experience extreme weather conditions, including blizzards and sub-zero temperatures. Visitors should dress appropriately and take precautions during severe weather.

Health in Solomon

Travelers to Solomon should take basic health precautions, including:

  • Bring Necessary Medications: Visitors should bring any necessary medications with them, as medical facilities in Solomon are limited.

  • Stay Hydrated: The dry Arctic climate can lead to dehydration, so visitors should drink plenty of water.

Getting to Solomon: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Solomon

The nearest airport to Solomon is the Nome Airport, located 27 miles away. The airport offers several daily flights to and from Anchorage and other parts of Alaska.

Bus Stations Near Solomon

There are no bus stations in Solomon, but visitors can take a bus from Nome to several other destinations in Alaska.

Other Options

Visitors to Solomon can also arrange for private transportation, including rental cars and taxis.

How to Get Around in Solomon

Solomon is a small town and is easily navigable on foot. Visitors can also rent bikes or cars to explore the surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Solomon: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Solomon is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding areas of the Seward Peninsula and the Arctic region. Some popular nearby destinations include:

  • Nome: Nome is located just a short drive from Solomon and is home to several historical sites, museums, and cultural centers, as well as a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities.

  • Bering Sea and Arctic Ocean: Visitors can embark on a boat tour of the Bering Sea and Arctic Ocean, offering an up-close view of the region’s unique marine life and stunning coastal scenery.

Conclusion

Solomon is a unique and culturally rich destination that offers a wealth of outdoor activities, historic sites, and stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re interested in hiking, wildlife watching, or cultural tours, Solomon has something for every traveler. With this comprehensive guide, you can plan your perfect visit to Solomon and discover all that this charming Arctic town has to offer.