20 Extremely Weird Things Only People From Alaska Do
By Courtney|Updated on April 24, 2024(Originally published December 11, 2020)
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Courtney
Author
Living and loving life in Alaska, Courtney enjoys living a happy life based on simple principles; work hard, be kind, stay humble. She is an avid dog lover with hobbies that include running, fly fishing, hiking & snowboarding.
In Alaska, we’d rather be weird than be normal. We love to stand out and we don’t really care if we fit in. You see, we are all about dancing to the beat of our own drum and being individuals up here in the Last Frontier, which means that there are a fair amount of Alaska stereotypes out there. The status quo is just so ‘lower 48’ and we are okay with it staying down there. We’re Alaskans and proud of it! And without further ado, check out these 20 extremely weird things that only people from Alaska do.
Only in Alaska is this considered a matrimonial tradition. Hey, we happen to think it looks pretty darn good! It’s pretty popular footwear, even for the brides and bridesmaids!
Alaskans might be a little weird, but they are DEFINITELY super brave and always willing to step up to the plate. Brrr! Alaska stereotypes are right on this one: we are strong and brave!
If you live here, it might not seem weird. But most people don't even know what 'dip netting' means. That just means more fish for us! Living in Alaska gives you all sorts of perks like this one.
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4. Always put their trash in bear-proof containers.
Never, we repeat - NEVER put any trash outside unless it's in a bear-proof container. Because, HELLO ... we live in Alaska. Everyone born in Alaska will know this one! No one wants bears in the house or in your yard.
Or maybe we should say, for the bears. Since we are pretty sure that big boy stole the fish from the bank that the fisherman caught. Keep your eyes peeled and play nice. They always win!
Hey... when in Alaska with temps below freezing, we gotta do what we gotta do! It’s better for your car, better for the environment, and better for you when you get inside a nice and toasty car!
Weird or maybe just crazy? We'll just call it brave and leave it at that. It’s crazy enough that they made a television show about it and it’s incredibly popular. These are some brave fishermen!
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9. Wear shorts and T-shirts when the temperature hits 30 degrees.
Happens every winter. After suffering below freezing temps, 30 degrees makes us feel like we're living in a heat wave. It feels positively balmy after a long winter! Many of us take to the beautiful hiking trails in Alaska to get some much-needed leg stretching in.
Only in downtown Anchorage will you see an icon named Star the reindeer walking around town, visiting with the locals. She lives downtown and loves to meet people on her daily strolls.
12. Work half the year and get paid a full salary.
The North Slope life is a weird thought for many but it is a very common way of life in Alaska. Two weeks working up in the Arctic Circle, and two weeks off. Work looks a little different sometimes in the Last Frontier!
13. Call in late to work because a moose was blocking them in their house.
Weird, maybe. Brilliant, definitely! Can you imagine getting off work and pulling out a huge king crab to cook for dinner? EPIC! Kind of like putting the crock pot on for dinner!
Say whaaat? Yup, that's right. Beach life in Alaska is about more than just surf and sand. We can reel in dinner right off shore. Y-U-M! Fresh, wild, Alaskan seafood. It’s what we’re known for!
This is always a weird one for folks to get used to saying that aren't from Alaska. After you've been here a while, it just is what it is ... and we love it! Saying you’re from "the bush" gives instant street credentials. Our state is wild, free, and absolutely gorgeous, but it can be hard sometimes to live so far away from it all!
In order to reach most remote places in Alaska, these otter planes must be able to land on water or snow. Skis definitely do the trick! We will fly just about anywhere we can.
This is a very common practice by Alaska Native residents living in remote villages. And the end result is DELISH! Once you try one of these, you’ll be hooked!
Can you think of any other weird things people from Alaska do that the lower 48’ers just don’t understand? Do you conform to any of the Alaska stereotypes on the list? Which one was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
Looking for more strange things about the Last Frontier? Then you need to read all about These crazy laws in Alaska that will leave you scratching your head in wonder.
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Things People From Alaska Do
Megan McDonald|December 16, 2020
Is it easy to live in Alaska?
It's not always easy to live in Alaska!
The distances can be far to travel.
Goods are expensive.
The winters can be long and cold.
But this state offers so much beauty and fun, that it’s an absolute blast to live here!
Where is the best city in Alaska to live in?
While there are many options, the following are just a few places to consider:
Juneau is our capital city, but not our largest city. It is only accessible by sea or boat, so it’s a little isolated.
Fairbanks is the largest city in the Interior of Alaska, where temperatures can get mighty cold in the winter, but the people are so friendly.
Anchorage is the largest and busiest city, with plenty of jobs, housing, and the cheapest goods and groceries you’ll find in the state.
But when many people come to Alaska, they’re looking for a wonderful small town to live in, and we have plenty of those, too!
