Seward is a home rule city on Resurrection Bay in the Kenai Peninsula Borough, about 120 road miles from Anchorage. It is the southern terminus of the Alaska Railroad and the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park; 2,717 people lived there in 2020.[1]
| Borough | Kenai Peninsula Borough |
|---|---|
| Population | 2,717 (2020) |
| Established | 1903 |
| Incorporated | 1 Jun 1912 |
| Rail | Southern terminus of the Alaska Railroad |
| Trail | Iditarod Trail Mile 0 |
History
The Alutiiq name for the area is Qutalleq and the Dena’ina name is Tl’ubugh. The Russian-American Company’s Alexander Baranov established a trading post on Resurrection Bay in 1793. The modern town was established in 1903, named for Secretary of State William H. Seward, and incorporated on 1 June 1912.[1]
During World War II the town was an important port, with Fort Raymond and an army airfield that later became Walseth Air Force Base. The 1964 Alaska earthquake damaged much of the town through shaking and a local tsunami.[1]
Population
The 2020 census counted 2,717 residents, up from 2,693 in 2010. The median age was 36.8 and there were 904 households.[1]
Transport and trail
Seward is the southern end of the Alaska Railroad and of the Seward Highway. It is Mile 0 of the Iditarod National Historic Trail.[1]
Economy
Fishing and tourism are the main industries. In 2016 fish offloads at Seward were about 13,500 tons worth about $42 million, and about $545 million from 2007 to 2016. In 2023 the port had 87 cruise visits and nearly 200,000 visitors, and a $137 million floating cruise dock with a 60,000 square foot terminal has been planned.[1]
Attractions
Seward is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, created in 1980, which includes the Harding Icefield and Exit Glacier. The Alaska SeaLife Center, the Seward Historical Museum and the Mount Marathon Race are local attractions.[1]
Climate
The average January high is 31.3°F and the annual average high is 46.3°F. Annual precipitation is about 69.7 inches and snowfall about 64.4 inches. Records range from 88°F to −15°F.[1]
FAQs
Where is Seward? On Resurrection Bay, about 120 road miles from Anchorage.
What is Seward the gateway to? Kenai Fjords National Park.
When was Seward incorporated? 1 June 1912.
What is the Iditarod connection? Seward is Mile 0 of the Iditarod Trail.
Sources
Key facts
- Population 2,717 (2020)
- Incorporated 1 Jun 1912
- Mile 0 of Iditarod Trail
Quick checkWhich national park is Seward the gateway to?Show answer
Kenai Fjords National Park
Sources
- Wikipedia. Seward, Alaska. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-12)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 12, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue