If you’re the ultimate homebody—Whittier, Alaska may be your dream destination.

 

Whittier started out in the mid-1950’s as a military outpost. In recent decades, civilians have begun to trickle into a former army barracks at the heart of the town called Begich Towers. Begich Towers is currently home to 75% of Whittier’s 300 permanent residents. Begich Towers serves as a cozy condominium which features a post office, general store, police station, laundromat, hospital, mayor’s office, and a heated indoor pool. Whittier’s school is connected to Begich Towers by an underground tunnel, so young residents never have to brave harsh wind and snow on their way to the classroom. Begich Towers also features a small bed and breakfast so that visitors can experience Whitter’s warm sense of community.

 

Whittier is relatively close to Anchorage, Alaska—but it is still difficult to access. Whittier is only accessible by boat, and a single drive through tunnel which periodically alternates directions. The drive through tunnel closes every night at 10:30 pm. Whittier residents who ventured to Anchorage for an evening of fun, and missed the 10:30 tunnel cut off time have been known to spend the night in their car. Most Whittier residents love the tiny town’s remote status. Whittier is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and home to majestic animals such as reindeer who live in a small enclosure just outside of Begich Towers, and humpback whales who frolic in the pristine waters of Prince William Sound.