In what has become an annual tradition, and a practical opportunity for Alaskans looking to put down roots or invest in remote real estate, the State of Alaska has opened its annual Land Auction to resident bidders.
The auction, managed by the Alaska Division of Mining, Land, and Water, features a wide range of state-owned parcels that have been surveyed and appraised prior to listing. Bidding remains open until Oct. 1, at 4 pm, and is open exclusively to Alaska residents, in accordance with state eligibility rules for non-commercial land sales.
Among the parcels in this year’s auction are nine road-accessible lots in the Copper River Valley, within the One Thousand Skies–Sunrise Subdivision. These parcels begin at approximately 10 acres, with starting bids at $63,000. Accessibility is a key feature, with gravel road access improving the attractiveness of these rural properties for year-round or seasonal use.
One Thousand Skies-Sunrise is located between milepost 136 and milepost 137 of the Glenn Hwy, approximately 48 miles west of Glennallen. Access is from the Glenn Hwy to S. Millennium Loop, a gravel road which runs south through the subdivision. Parcel 1068, for example, is accessed from E. Sunup Dr, a gravel road. Parcels 1075 and 1076 are accessed via an undeveloped public access easement.
There is no municipal water supply or sewer system to the parcels. See plat notes and the Sewer and Water section of the land brochure for details. There are also no other utilities (electric, phone, or internet, etc.) in this area.
This area is within the boundary of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and is subject to applicable platting authority, local ordinances, and property assessments. Local ordinances may impose setbacks, easements, or restrictions in addition to those mentioned in the land auction. Check with the borough for details. There is currently no zoning for the subdivision.
The auction parcels may contain wetlands. Also, purchasers must obtain permits from the US Army Corps of Engineers before developing any wetland areas. Floatplane access is not a viable option to some of the unnamed lakes in the area, as they either are too small or too shallow.
Lot 1 of Block 2 is temporarily reserved as parking until subdivision roads are upgraded and accepted for maintenance.
Easements affecting these parcels, as depicted on the plat, may include, but are not limited to, utility easements. Information on restrictions, easements, reservations, and setbacks may be depicted on the plat, contained in the plat notes, or recorded separately. There is a 75ft building setback from all bodies of water and apparent wetlands, and a 50ft public access easement along water bodies. Legal access to all lots is via interior rights-of-way. No direct access to Glenn Hwy is allowed. Parcel 1070 has a 20-foot drainage easement.
The sealed-bid auction allows eligible participants to submit bids through three channels:
- Online, via the DNR’s Land Sales portal
- In person, at designated offices
- By postal mail, using forms provided in the auction materials
Bids must meet or exceed the minimum bid listed for each parcel. Following the close of the bidding period, the official bid opening will occur on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 10 am where the highest qualified bidders will be awarded parcels.
The Department of Natural Resources offers land through three programs:
- Land Auctions (like Offering #497)
- Over-the-Counter (OTC) Program – unsold parcels from previous auctions available at fixed prices
- Remote Recreational Cabin Sites (RRCS) Program – offering unique cabin site staking opportunities in remote areas
Each program caters to different buyer preferences, from competitive bidding to pre-priced purchases, and from road-accessible lots to wilderness cabin sites. There is also an agricultural land program.
A free auction brochure with detailed maps, parcel descriptions, and bidding instructions is available on the DNR Land Sales website. Interested Alaskans may also request printed materials or accessible formats by calling the Anchorage Public Information Center at (907) 269-8400.
With competitive pricing, scenic locations, and a uniquely Alaskan process, Auction #497 is more than just a land sale—it’s a chance for residents to stake a personal claim in the Last Frontier.
For more information or to explore available parcels, visit: landsales.alaska.gov.
Just what everyone wants, a piece of property that the government has all kinds of rules and undisclosed restrictions on.
Land is also auctioned periodically by the Department of Agriculture (agriculture covenants apply), the Mental Health Trust, and the University of Alaska. Each may have different eligibility requirements and financing options. I purchased mine several years ago through the DNR, which is one of the reasons I call myself Natural Alaskan.
Actually, the DNR webpage lists parcels in the One Thousand Skies subdivision as “over the counter” sales, meaning they can also be purchased by non-residents.
I am a Nonresident how can i bid on the land
You can’t, strictly for residence only
But don’t even think of treading below the surface of said Terraferma. You will never own that
“…and property assessments”. Buy land so the government can get their greedy meat hooks into you even more! We own nothing. We rent from the government. Pay up or they’ll take it from you.
Exactly. You’ll never own it or any other property here or anywhere else.
And that kind of money for property with road access in someplace like Cordova what a joke. Lots of state bureaucrats and worker bees making a ton of money laughing at us.