Let’s set one thing straight; being weird is way more interesting (and fun) than being boring. So for the isolated town of Whittier to be named as the ‘weirdest in America‘ by Ranker.com, we’re absolutely flattered. But for many outsiders, the wildly unique attributes that this town has to offer can be quite the spectacle. So while you might think of this place as the weirdest town in Alaska, we find it to be exceptionally distinctive. We’ll let you draw your own conclusion below…
The first thing you need to know about Whittier is this; there is only one way in, and one way out.
Flickr - mtkr Weird, huh? So much so in fact that this is part of the reason that Whittier was rated as the ‘weirdest place’ in America to live.
That isn’t, however, taking into consideration the fact that your alternative to escaping is via boat or ferry.
Flickr - Bruce Klorfine The Alaska Marine Highway stops in Whittier at certain times of the year, and the area is also very popular within the cruise ship world. Local fishing, hunting and sight-seeing boats also line the harbor as locals and visitors alike flock to this recreational paradise during the summer months.
To access Whittier via personal vehicle, travelers must go through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel which is carved into Maynard Mountain.
Flickr - TravelingOtter
This is the second longest highway tunnel in North America at 13,300 feet. It is also the longest combined rail + highways tunnel in the country.
Flickr - Lawrence Visitors are pleasantly surprised to learn that you can take an excursion on the Alaska Railroad to explore the town of Whittier.
This strikingly beautiful tiny town is situated at the head of the Passage Canal on the western edge of Prince William Sound, and it’s completely surrounded by awe-inspiring natural beauty.
Flickr - daihung Small towns in Alaska are frequently stunning with many stand out features, and Whittier, Alaska is no different!
The year-round population in Whittier is just over 200 residents, the majority of which are all said to live under one roof which was originally built as army barracks.
Flickr - Lawrence The 14-story high Begich Towers is where the majority of Whittier lives. Reports say that this cozy nook in Whittier also houses a police station, post office, store, church, video rental shop, playground and community health center.
If you visit the area during the winter months, you’ll notice that there are only a few roads and parking lots, which also double as areas to store the abundance of snow that gets plowed.
Flickr - Travis
Boats that are dry docked are also very common sights that you’ll experience in this sleepy fishing community.
Flickr - Travis
One of the eeriest attractions is Whittier are the abandoned Buckner Army Barracks, which many report to be haunted.
Flickr - Lawrence This facility was abandoned in 1964 after it suffered immense damage in the Good Friday earthquake. Reports have said that it is apparently very expensive to demolish because it is bomb-proof and full of asbestos. Weird, huh? But such an interesting part of history!
During the summer months you’ll find that Whittier is a thriving little community where seasonal businesses and recreational travelers unite in perfect harmony.
Flickr - Emma Forsberg There’s a lot to do in this small town in the summer time, making it one of the best places to visit in Alaska.
The area is a glacial mecca-land that is filled with stunning beauty in the surrounding Prince William Sound.
Flickr - NOAA’s National Ocean Service - Henry Hauch
If glaciers are on your Alaska bucket list, we highly recommend a trip to this special place.
Flickr - Norman Shippee
Even on the drive in you’ll be spoiled with countless views of hanging glaciers off the Portage Glacier Highway.
Flickr - fischers!
An abundant assortment of waterfalls are also what you can expect to find in Whittier, many of which you’ll be able to observe from the comforts of your own vehicle.
Flickr - Lawrence
If you hike or boat into the backcountry, however, your views will only maximize as you get a truly up-close-and-personal look at Alaska’s raw, rugged terrain.
Flickr - TravelingOtter
The wildlife viewing in and from Whittier is enough to attract photographers from all around the world, each and every year.
Flickr - Frank Kovalchek
The town also has a unique assortment of charming coastal eateries, most of which can be found in close proximity to the busy harbor.
Fickr - Lawrence You’ll find everything from a popular Chinese restaurant, to coffee shops, and fantastic little seafood restaurants. There’s something for everyone here!
Fun and idyllic gift shops where you’ll find one-of-a-kind items is also something that many visitors have to look forward to when visiting the ‘weird’ town of Whittier.
Flickr - Harry Chen This way, you’ll never leave empty handed! Plus, who doesn’t want to bring home a few mementos from the weirdest place in America? That is pretty cool if you ask us! This special town is a must-visit for everyone at least once in their lifetime.
For a closer look into what life is like in this awesomely weird little town, check out the YouTube video below. If you know of any other great videos about Whittier, make sure to share them in the comments!
Flickr - mtkr
Weird, huh? So much so in fact that this is part of the reason that Whittier was rated as the ‘weirdest place’ in America to live.
Flickr - Bruce Klorfine
The Alaska Marine Highway stops in Whittier at certain times of the year, and the area is also very popular within the cruise ship world. Local fishing, hunting and sight-seeing boats also line the harbor as locals and visitors alike flock to this recreational paradise during the summer months.
Flickr - TravelingOtter
Flickr - Lawrence
Visitors are pleasantly surprised to learn that you can take an excursion on the Alaska Railroad to explore the town of Whittier.
Flickr - daihung
Small towns in Alaska are frequently stunning with many stand out features, and Whittier, Alaska is no different!
The 14-story high Begich Towers is where the majority of Whittier lives. Reports say that this cozy nook in Whittier also houses a police station, post office, store, church, video rental shop, playground and community health center.
Flickr - Travis
This facility was abandoned in 1964 after it suffered immense damage in the Good Friday earthquake. Reports have said that it is apparently very expensive to demolish because it is bomb-proof and full of asbestos. Weird, huh? But such an interesting part of history!
Flickr - Emma Forsberg
There’s a lot to do in this small town in the summer time, making it one of the best places to visit in Alaska.
Flickr - NOAA’s National Ocean Service - Henry Hauch
Flickr - Norman Shippee
Flickr - fischers!
Flickr - Frank Kovalchek
Fickr - Lawrence
You’ll find everything from a popular Chinese restaurant, to coffee shops, and fantastic little seafood restaurants. There’s something for everyone here!
Flickr - Harry Chen
This way, you’ll never leave empty handed! Plus, who doesn’t want to bring home a few mementos from the weirdest place in America? That is pretty cool if you ask us! This special town is a must-visit for everyone at least once in their lifetime.
Have you ever visited the weirdest town in Alaska? What did you think? Was it pretty cool? Let us know in the comments below!
If you love beautiful places, you don’t want to miss this tiny town in Alaska that’s completely surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. You might also enjoy learning about this small town in Alaska where you’ll never want to sleep. For more great articles and incredible video footage from Alaska, be sure to check us out online HERE.
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Address: Whittier, AK 99693, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Weirdest Town In Alaska July 08, 2020 Megan McDonald How long is the tunnel into Whittier, Alaska? The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, or more commonly known as the Whittier Tunnel, is 2.5 miles long. It is the longest highway tunnel in North America, and one of the strongest. It’s actually designed for 150 mph winds and -40 degree Fahrenheit temperatures. This is a one lane tunnel, and it is the only tunnel used for traffic in both directions. Not only that, it also shares the tunnel with the Alaska Railroad! You can say this tunnel is widely used and appreciated. Due to its multi use capacity, it’s open for short periods of time in either direction for cars, and closes for the train a couple of times a day as well. It’s a wonderful tunnel to see and experience! How long does it take to get to the Whittier Tunnel from Anchorage? It takes approximately one hour, but to be on the safe side you should plan on a one and a half hour drive in the summer. One way tickets are $13.00 per private vehicle. You’ll want to make sure you check the tunnel times carefully, because you would hate to get stuck in Whittier. It will take about ten minutes to drive through the tunnel in its entirety.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Weirdest Town In Alaska
July 08, 2020
Megan McDonald
How long is the tunnel into Whittier, Alaska? The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, or more commonly known as the Whittier Tunnel, is 2.5 miles long. It is the longest highway tunnel in North America, and one of the strongest. It’s actually designed for 150 mph winds and -40 degree Fahrenheit temperatures. This is a one lane tunnel, and it is the only tunnel used for traffic in both directions. Not only that, it also shares the tunnel with the Alaska Railroad! You can say this tunnel is widely used and appreciated. Due to its multi use capacity, it’s open for short periods of time in either direction for cars, and closes for the train a couple of times a day as well. It’s a wonderful tunnel to see and experience! How long does it take to get to the Whittier Tunnel from Anchorage? It takes approximately one hour, but to be on the safe side you should plan on a one and a half hour drive in the summer. One way tickets are $13.00 per private vehicle. You’ll want to make sure you check the tunnel times carefully, because you would hate to get stuck in Whittier. It will take about ten minutes to drive through the tunnel in its entirety.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, or more commonly known as the Whittier Tunnel, is 2.5 miles long. It is the longest highway tunnel in North America, and one of the strongest. It’s actually designed for 150 mph winds and -40 degree Fahrenheit temperatures. This is a one lane tunnel, and it is the only tunnel used for traffic in both directions. Not only that, it also shares the tunnel with the Alaska Railroad! You can say this tunnel is widely used and appreciated. Due to its multi use capacity, it’s open for short periods of time in either direction for cars, and closes for the train a couple of times a day as well. It’s a wonderful tunnel to see and experience!
How long does it take to get to the Whittier Tunnel from Anchorage?
It takes approximately one hour, but to be on the safe side you should plan on a one and a half hour drive in the summer. One way tickets are $13.00 per private vehicle. You’ll want to make sure you check the tunnel times carefully, because you would hate to get stuck in Whittier. It will take about ten minutes to drive through the tunnel in its entirety.
