A bridge to the past and a land for the future, Cape Krusenstern National Monument protects approximately 560,000 acres of diverse Arctic coastal, and upland ecosystems. Inhabited by the Iñupiaq people since time-immemorial, over 5,000 years of sequential human use is documented in the 114 successive beach ridges. Rich connections to the land and waters are preserved through subsistence practices.

Muskox and Geese

Winter Moon

Beach Ridges on the Shore of Cape Krusenstern

Fish on a Drying Rack

Old House Uncovered

Cape Krusenstern

Since there are no roads into Cape Krusenstern National Monument, the visitor center is located at the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center in Kotzebue, AK.  From Kotzebue, visitors will charter an air taxi to transport them into the actual national monument which is open 24/7 every day of the year.

Cape Krusenstern National Monument

Museum Exhibits

A sample of exhibits at the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center including Dall Sheep and caribou.

Information, Education, and National Park Rangers The main point of contact for over 9 million acres of the Western Arctic National Parklands, the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center is what you may be looking for when in search of where to go, what to see, and what's so special about three national park units - Cape Krusenstern National Monument, Kobuk Valley National Park, and Noatak National Preserve. If you may be considering a visit to Northwest Alaska the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center is the one-stop-shop for information and orientation of this remote area of parklands. Although trails and facilities are nonexistent in these National Park units, the Heritage Center offers informative exhibits, summer programs led by National Park Rangers, and documentary films to be watched while visiting Kotzebue, Alaska. Any questions? Call the ranger at the front desk at (907)442-3890.

If your school or large group would like to set up a field trip please schedule one with our park rangers at (907)442-3890.

Trying to figure out where to go and what to do in Northwest Alaska? The Northwest Arctic Heritage Center is a great place to meet rangers and acquire information on Cape Krusenstern National Monument, Kobuk Valley National Park, and Noatak National Preserve.

Visit the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center

Animals

Archeology

Arctic

Tundra

Arts

Climate Change

Coasts, Islands and Atolls

Dunes

Foothills, Plains and Valleys

Forests and Woodlands

Fossils and Paleontology

Geology

Glaciers

Migrations

Mountains

Native American Heritage

Natural Sounds

Night Sky

Aurora Borealis

River and Riparian

Scenic Views

Thickets and Shrublands

Unique Species

Watersheds

Wetlands

Wilderness

Birdwatching

small brown bird sits on branch with calm water in the background

Birds in Cape Krusenstern

While it is difficult to reach, Cape Krusenstern National Monument offers birders a rare chance to see an amazing variety of birds. Eiders, Bluethroats, and Yellow-billed Loons, rare elsewhere in the United States, are possible to see here. Because the Monument is located at the crossroad of the Asiatic-North American flyway, it is even possible to see Eurasian birds such as Northern Wheatears that are difficult to find elsewhere in North America.

Amazing birding opportunities await the adventurers that visit Cape Krusenstern.

Birdwatching at Krusenstern Lagoon

Birds

Flying

Radio Hill is one of very few locations where aircraft can land in the park. Plenty of hiking and camping opportunities abound from this location. Great for birding in the spring and getting away from daily toil anytime.

Landscape view of vast green tundra stretching out towards rolling grey hills.

Radio Hill in Cape Krusenstern National Monument.

A Remnant of the Ice Age A window to the past, Radio Hill is a perfect perch to view Cape Krusenstern's vast landscapes which hold evidence of centuries of human use and Ice Age remnants. Once you have landed on Radio Hill find a good campsite out of the wind. From there one can do day hikes in any direction. If you're up for a long hike, head to the coast. Searching for muskox? They can be anywhere. In spring, birds abound as they migrate to this luscious land allowing for opportunties to discover rare Eurasian species arriving from Russia and Asia. Don't forget your waterproof footwear and bug repellant. The drainages throughout this area can be marshy and full of mosquitoes in the summer.

All seasons are a great time to visit. Simply make sure you have the right equipment and means to get there.

Landscape view of vast tundra and rolling Igichuk Hills.

Cape Krusenstern

Overview

Hours

Fees & Passes

Map

Things To Do

Category

Visit the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center

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Birdwatching at Krusenstern Lagoon

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Flying to Radio Hill

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