Tangle Lakes Archaeological District

Archaeology

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State and Federal lands in the Denali Highway region contain at least 900 known archaeological sites. Many of these sites are thousands of years old and contain information of great scientific importance to our understanding of Alaska's prehistoric past. When the highway opened in 1957, it provided new opportunities for the public to enjoy the region's exceptional natural and scenic values. The highway has also provided access for academic researchers and government archaeologists, who have worked to understand and preserve the physical evidence of Alaska's prehistory.

The Tangle Lakes Archaeological District Special Use Area (TLAD SUA) contains one of the largest concentrations of archaeological sites found along the Highway corridor. Each year the DNR, Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation, Office of History and Archaeology assists the DNR Division of Mining, Land and Water in managing the area for maximum public access consistent with conservation of the district's cultural heritage.

Be an Alaska Heritage Defender

Archaeological sites are among the most fragile and non-renewable resources found in Alaska State Lands. Once destroyed, they are lost forever. Casual artifact collecting and erosion caused by off-trail ATV traffic are the biggest threats. In the TLAD SUA recreational users, including hunters and hikers, are the first line of defense for prehistoric site protection. Please do not collect or disturb artifacts.

Please:
Ride ATVs only on designated trails
Avoid pioneering new ATV trails
Do not collect or disturb artifacts

Know the Law

It is illegal to damage, destroy or remove archaeological materials on Alaska State Lands. Violations are punishable with both criminal and civil penalties, including fines up to $100,000 (AS. 41.35.200-215).

To learn more about Alaska's prehistoric heritage visit https://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/oha/