What are best museums to visit along the Alaska Highway? The Alaska Highway is a historic roadway that stretches 1,387 miles from Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Fairbanks, Alaska. Along this iconic route, there are a variety of must-visit museums that offer a fascinating look into the history, culture, and natural beauty of the region.
From the Northern Lights Space and Science Centre to the Milepost Museum, there is something for everyone to enjoy. In this blog post, I will be highlighting the top 8 best must-visit museums along the Alaska Highway that you won’t want to miss. Get ready to be inspired and educated as we embark on this journey through the breathtaking landscape of Alaska, British Columbia, and the Yukon.
These museums offer unique exhibits and interactive experiences that bring the history of the Alaska Highway to life. From the early pioneers and their journey to the Gold Rush, to the modern-day travelers, these museums provide a glimpse into the past and the challenges faced along this incredible route. This blog post will be your ultimate guide to exploring the best museums along the ALCAN.
1. N.A.R. Station Museum
HISTORIC MILE 0 (0 KM) DAWSON CREEK, BRITISH COLUMBIA
GPS: 55.759777, -120.227167
ADDRESS: 900 Alaska Ave, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 4T6, Canada
The first must-visit museum on the Alaska Highway! The N.A.R. Station Museum is a beautiful tribute to the US Soldiers who built the Alaska Highway. Tour the stationmaster’s original living quarters and don’t miss the natural history side of the museum that hosts artifacts from the First Nations who settled here prior to the arrival of Europeans. Access to the N.A.R. Station Museum is via the Tourism Dawson Creek Visitor Centre where a small gift shop is also located.
2. Fort St. John – North Peace Museum
HISTORIC MILE 48 (75 KM) FORT ST. JOHN, BRITISH COLUMBIA
GPS: 56.240137, -120.846039
ADDRESS: 9323 100 St, Fort St John, BC V1J 4N4, Canada
The North Peace Museum in Fort St. John, British Columbia, Canada is a history museum that showcases the history of the North Peace region and its communities. It features exhibits on the local First Nations, early settlers, natural resources, and cultural heritage. The museum also hosts events, educational programs, and provides research services.
3. Fort Nelson Heritage Museum
HISTORIC MILE 300 (454 KM) FORT NELSON, BRITISH COLUMBIA
GPS: 58.804379, -122.716011
ADDRESS: 5553 Alaska Hwy, Fort Nelson, BC V0C 1R0, Canada
Fort Nelson Heritage Museum is highly regarded as one of the best museums along the Alaska Highway. It showcases the history and culture of the Northern British Columbia region and is considered a must-visit for those traveling along the Alaska Highway. The museum features exhibits on the region’s First Nations people, the fur trade, the construction of the Alaska Highway, and the local oil and gas industry.
4. Northern Lights Centre
HISTORIC MILE 635 (978 KM) WATSON LAKE, YUKON
GPS: 60.062494, -128.710777
ADDRESS: 807 Frank Trail, Watson Lake, YT Y0A 1C0, Canada
The Northern Lights Centre is also considered one of the best museums along the Alaska Highway. It is located in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada, and is dedicated to educating visitors about the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights.
The museum features interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and a full-dome theater showcasing the Northern Lights in a 360-degree immersive experience. The Northern Lights Centre is a popular destination for travelers interested in learning about this natural phenomenon and the science behind it.
5. George Johnston Museum
HISTORIC MILE 804 (1244 KM) TESLIN, YUKON
GPS: 60.168207, -132.720583
ADDRESS: KM 1244 of the Alaska Highway 800 meters (0.5 miles) west of Nisutlin Bay Bridge, Teslin, YT Y0A 1B0, Canada
Another must-visit museum on the Alaska Highway! The George Johnston Museum is located in Fort St. John, British Columbia, Canada, and is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the Peace River region.
The museum showcases the life and work of George Johnston, a pioneering fur trader, and his family, as well as the region’s First Nations people. Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits, which include artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays, to learn about the region’s rich heritage. The museum is considered an important stop for travelers along the Alaska Highway who are interested in local history and culture.
The George Johnston Museum is an iconic place on the Alaska Highway! Check my post about other iconic places along the ALCAN: Alaska Highway – The 15 BEST Stops Along the ALCAN – Must-see places!
6. MacBride Museum of Yukon History
HISTORIC MILE 918 (1419 KM) WHITEHORSE, YUKON
GPS: 60.721140, -135.051348
ADDRESS: 1124 Front St, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 1A4, Canada
The MacBride Museum of Yukon History is located in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada and is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the Yukon territory. This is another example of a must-see museum during your Alaska Highway journey!
The museum features exhibits on the First Nations people of the region, the Klondike Gold Rush, and the development of the territory, including the construction of the Alaska Highway. Visitors can explore the museum’s collections, which include artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays, to learn about the unique history and culture of the Yukon.
7. Kluane Museum of History
HISTORIC MILE 1093 (1701 KM) BURWASH LANDING, YUKON
GPS: 61.353980, -138.997594
ADDRESS: Mile 1093, Alaska Hwy, Burwash Landing, YT Y0B 1V0, Canada
The Kluane Museum of History can be considered as one of the best museums along the Alaska Highway, known for its rich history and culture of the Kluane region of the Yukon. The museum features exhibits on the First Nations people of the area, the gold rush, and the history of the local mining, fishing, and hunting industries.
Visitors can explore the museum’s collections, which include artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays, to learn about the unique history and culture of the region. The Kluane Museum of History is considered a must-visit for travelers along the Alaska Highway who are interested in local history and culture.
8. Sullivan Roadhouse
HISTORIC MILE 1422 (2288 KM) DELTA JUNCTION, ALASKA
GPS: 64.035553, -145.730939
ADDRESS: 266 Richardson Hwy, Delta Junction, AK 99737, United States
Last museum on my list of “Best Alaska Highway museums”. The Sullivan Roadhouse Museum is located in Delta Junction, Alaska and is dedicated to preserving the history of the Alaskan Roadhouse system.
The museum is housed in a restored roadhouse, a type of traveler’s inn that was common along the Alaska Highway during the 1940s and 1950s. Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits, which include artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays, to learn about the history of the roadhouses and the lives of the people who ran and patronized them.
I hope you enjoy my list of Alaska Highway – TOP 8 BEST Must-Visit Museums Along ALCAN! Have a great Alaska Highway trip!
👍 Find out more:
Discover the best stops along the Alaska Highway in my travel guide, “Alaska Highway Travel Guide – 202 Best Stops”, which is available on Amazon. This is the ultimate travel guide and pocket reference for anyone wishing to experience the adventure and wonder of THE ALASKA HIGHWAY! MUST-HAVE for all Alaska Highway travelers. Visit 202 places on the ALCAN with “Scan QR and go” for easy navigation.
Author:
Mark Watson is a California-based member of a Los Angeles Motorcycle Club and a keen traveler. He’s traveled the entirety of U. S. Route 66 seven times on his Harley-Davidson. He strives to interest others in the historic drive to keep the legendary Route 66 alive. He also traveled through the Alaska Highway. He is an author of bestseller books on Amazon: “Route 66 Travel Guide – 202 Amazing Places” and “Alaska Highway – 202 Best Stops”.