Cape Krusenstern National Monument

Cape Krusenstern National Monument
Image credit: picture by AlaskaNPS licenced under Public Domain Mark.

Cape Krusenstern National Monument is situated along the Chukchi Sea coastline in northwest Alaska. It spans over 649,000 acres and was established on December 1, 1978, to preserve and showcase both its natural and cultural heritage. The monument is named after one of the first Russian explorers of the area, Admiral Otto von Krusenstern.

The region comprising Cape Krusenstern National Monument features a unique combination of diverse ecosystems, including coastal tundra, inland wetlands, lagoons, and rugged limestone bluffs. Its remote location and harsh climate have contributed to the preservation of ancient archaeological sites that date back over 4,000 years. These sites consist of numerous remains of prehistoric settlements and burial grounds, known as the Kobuk-Kotzebue Tradition.

Visitors to Cape Krusenstern National Monument can take guided walks or self-guided hikes along the trails provided. They are given the opportunity to learn about the indigenous people who have inhabited the area for thousands of years. The monument serves as an excellent site to explore and appreciate the artistry and cultural expressions of the past through the presence of intricate and preserved petroglyphs on rocks.

Nearby attractions include the Kobuk Valley National Park and the Noatak National Preserve. These protected areas offer a chance to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Alaskan wilderness, with opportunities for wildlife viewing, backpacking, river rafting, and camping. The town of Kotzebue, located about 50 miles south of Cape Krusenstern National Monument, provides amenities for visitors, including accommodation options, dining establishments, and tour services.

With its rich historical background and diverse natural landscapes, Cape Krusenstern National Monument and its surroundings offer an enriching experience for those seeking a glimpse into the remote beauty and cultural heritage of northwest Alaska.

Location

Cape Krusenstern National Monument is located on the northwest coast of Alaska in the United States. Situated along the Chukchi Sea, this remarkable monument spans approximately 660,000 acres of diverse landscapes. The monument consists of a series of sandy beaches, coastal lagoons, rugged cliffs, and rolling tundra, all surrounded by the vast expanse of the sea. Cape Krusenstern National Monument is positioned within the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve and preserves a significant portion of the Arctic coastline. This remote location showcases the remarkable geography of Alaska and provides a unique window into the ancient history of this region, making it a haven for wildlife, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking unparalleled natural beauty.

Address & Contact

171 3rd Ave
Kotzebue, AK 99752
Driving Directions
Phone: 9074423890
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Cape Krusenstern National Monument would be during the months of June and July. These months offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities, with average maximum temperatures ranging from 54°F to 60°F and average minimum temperatures ranging from 42.5°F to 51°F. The average monthly precipitation during this time is 0.6 inches in June and 1.8 inches in July. It is important to note that the weather in this region can be quite cold throughout the year, with temperatures dropping to negative degrees in winter months.

Things to do and learn in Cape Krusenstern National Monument

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Cape Krusenstern National Monument are: Hands-On Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Camping Backcountry Camping Hiking Backcountry Hiking Arts and Crafts Flying Fixed Wing Flying

Topics

Learn about these topics at Cape Krusenstern National Monument: Animals Birds Night Sky Archeology Unique Species Colonization and Settlement Arctic Tundra Aurora Borealis

Amenities

Visitor Centers

Northwest Arctic Heritage Center

Large, half-dome shaped, blue and grey building with just over 11,000 square feet of space. The museum space is just over 1,800 square feet and contains animal displays, soundscapes, tactile exhibits and more. The Heritage Center also contains a bookstore, restroom, art gallery, and sitting area. The Northwest Arctic Heritage Center serves as the visitor centers for the Western Arctic National Parklands: Kobuk Valley National Park, Cape Krusenstern National Monument, and Noatak National Preserve.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Northwest Arctic Heritage Center.

Campsites within or near Cape Krusenstern National Monument

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

News and Alerts

Date issued Details
2025-01-17Siikauraq Whiting Named Superintendent of Western Arctic National Parklands
The National Park Service (NPS) is pleased to announce the selection of Siikauraq Whiting as the new superintendent for Western Arctic National Parklands, which administers Kobuk Valley National Park, Cape Krusenstern National Monument, and Noatak National Preserve. More
2024-09-30Fall Subsistence Resource Commission Meetings in Kotzebue, Alaska
The National Park Service will hold the fall Subsistence Resource Commission meetings for Kobuk Valley National Park and Cape Krusenstern National Monument, October 7-10, 2024. More
2024-07-01State and Federal sheep hunts in the DeLong Mountains hunt area of Game Management Units 23 and 26A, the Baird Mountains hunt area of Game Management Unit 23, and Unit 23 Remainder (Schwatka Mountains) except for that portion within Gates of the Arctic Na
The Superintendent of Western Arctic National Parklands announces that the seasons for the Federal Subsistence Dall’s Sheep hunts within portions of Game Management Units (GMUs) 23 and 26A will remain closed for the regulatory year beginning July 1, 2024, and ending on June 30, 2025. More
2024-05-31Federal customary and traditional muskoxen hunt
Western Arctic National Parklands opens the muskox (UMIŊMAK) federal subsistence permit lottery on Monday, June 3, 2024 The National Park Service at the Western Arctic National Parklands will be issuing federal subsistence hunting permits for two muskox hunts – FX2312 and FX2303 – in Game Management Unit (GMU) 23 NW. The season is August 1, 2024 – March 15, 2025. A total of three (3) federal subsistence permits will be issued (one for FX2312 and two for FX2303).  More
2024-05-02Noatak Placenames collaborators recognized &
Noatak, AK The National Park Service (NPS) office in Kotzebue, Alaska, is pleased to announce a new annual award, the Eileen DeVinney Award. For the inaugural Eileen DeVinney Award, NPS staff traveled to the Native Village of Noatak to thank the Noatak Placenames project 2023 field team: Hilda Booth, Thurston Booth, Ricky Ashby, and James Adams. More
2024-03-12Cape Krusenstern Spring Subsistence Resource Commission Meetings in Kotzebue, Alaska
The National Park Service’s Cape Krusenstern National Monument Subsistence Resource Commission meeting to be held in Kotzebue March 18-9, 2024. Meetings are open to the public. More