The largest state in the USA by far, Alaska has only been a state since 1989. Home to 30 glaciers, Alaska was nicknamed "Seward's folly" after Seward, the U.S. Secretary of State, negotiated the purchase from Russia of the entire region - a total of about 600,000 square miles. The price was about two cents per acre, but only later was this recognized as one of the world's best real estate deals.
The Yukon River formed a vital part of the Alaskan Gold Rush in the late 1800s. The Kenai River is now famous for its red salmon runs and trout. Iliamna Lake is Alaska's largest, but Lake Louise draws far more tourists due to road access.
Denali, formerly Mount McKinley is in the Alaska Range and is the tallest mountain in the USA. Kodiak Island is one of some 1800 islands in one chain where 200 islands make up the Aleutians in the southwest corner of Alaska.
Alaska has more than 30 national parks, preserves and monuments including Glacier Bay National Park, Sitka National Historical Park, Denali National park, and many more.
The state is also known for big game hunting of moose, bear and sheep as well as salmon and crab fishing. The popular Discovery Channel series "Dangerous Catch" is based in Alaska.