Wiseman is located in
Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area on the middle fork of the
Koyukuk River in the
Brooks Range. Wiseman became an active mining and supply center when gold was discovered in the area around the Middle Fork Koyukuk River. This is still an active mining area and the town's population increases in the summer months when miners arrive to look for gold.
The Wiseman Museum at Mile 188.6 Dalton Hwy is housed in historic Carl Frank cabin.
The history of Wiseman and the Koyukuk Mining District is depicted in the cabin, old miners' journals, hotel guest books and historical photo displays. The museum is three miles to the north off the main highway.