Delta Junction marks the true end of the Alaska Highway and has a population of approximately 850. From here, going north or south, you will be traveling on the Richardson Highway, which starts in Valdez and ends in Fairbanks. There is a large commemorative milepost at the visitor center to mark Mile 1422 of the Alaska Highway.

In 1903, during the Fairbanks Gold Rush, what was to become the Richardson Highway, was built from Valdez to Fairbanks via Delta Junction. This trail used a portion of the Valdez Eagle trail made famous by the Klondike Gold Rush. A roadhouse was built at the junction of the Delta and the Tanana Rivers to supply the gold seekers and a telegraph station was built in 1904 to aid increased communication needs.

The Chisana Gold Rush of 1913 and Delta’s selection in 1920 as the home of the government’s buffalo importation program helped establish the town as a permanent settlement. The Bison were moved from Montana to a 90,000-acre tract of land, which now contains a free-roaming herd of more than 500 Bison. This led the area to become known as Buffalo Center. In 1960 Delta Junction was incorporated as a city.

This area was a traditional hunting territory of the Athabaskan Indians and features spectacular views of the Alaska Range and the Delta River. In 1903, what was to become the Richardson Highway was built from Valdez to Fairbanks because of the Fairbanks Goldrush. This trail used a portion of the Valdez Eagle trail made famous by the Klondike Gold Rush.

Pogo Mine is an underground gold mine 40 air miles from Delta Junction. The mine began production in April 2007 and employs over 300 people. It was scheduled to operate for 10 years, however production is now expected to continue past 2020. More than 3.8 million ounces have been mined since opening, making it the eighth largest gold mine in the U.S.

Delta Junction Visitor Info Center is at the junction of the Richardson and the Alaska Highway. (HM 1422) Stop in for comprehensive information and souvenirs from the gift shop. Open daily 8 to 8, mid-May through mid-September. Certificates for completing the Alaska Highway are available. 907-895-5068 or 877-895-5068
www.deltachamber.org/visitorcenter.html

Delta Junction began with a Road house that was built at the junction of the Delta and the Tanana Rivers to service gold seekers.
It expanded in 1904 with the completion of a telegraph station. The Chisana Gold Rush of 1913 and Delta’s selection in 1920 as the home of the government’s buffalo importation program helped to establish the town. The Bison Sanctuary is a 90,000-acre tract which contains a free-roaming herd of more than 500 Bison.

No listings were found

Best Place to Stay in Delta Junction Alaska

Kelly’s Alaska Country Inn

Kelly’s Alaska Country Inn. Every room offers Wi-fi, satellite TV, refrigerators, microwaves, private baths, and in-room coffee service. Kitchen units are available. Located downtown within walking distance of shopping, and restaurants.

 

Camping in Delta Junction, AK

Delta State Recreation Site

Delta State Recreation Site has 25 campsites, a picnic shelter, water, and toilets. It can be found at the north end of town just past the airport.

Clearwater State Campground

Clearwater State Campground has 17 campsites, well water, good fishing, and a boat launch. Mile 1415 of the Alaska Highway. 

 

Best Things to Do in Delta Junction, AK

Rika’s Roadhouse

Rika’s Roadhouse Café and Gifts are open at Big Delta State Historical Park. The Café serves homemade soups, sandwiches, pies, and baked goods. The Smiling Moose Gift shop specializes in Alaskan-made gifts, souvenirs, food items, and locally made ulus, knives, fur items, books, photography, wall art, and much more. 

Rika’s Roadhouse History: 

The Valdez-to-Fairbanks trail brought travelers to the banks of the Tanana River, where they crossed by ferry. John Hajdukovich, a Yugoslavian entrepreneur, bought the land along with a fur trading post in 1909 making the Roadhouse over 110 years old.

The two-story roadhouse became a year-round oasis for hunters, trappers, prospectors, and travelers as well as local Athabascans and homesteaders. In 1918 John hired a dependable, hard-working Swede named Rika Wallen to take over. Rika made the place her own and ran the roadhouse successfully from 1918 until the 1940s and 50s.

Deltana Fair

Deltana Fair is held annually at the end of July. There are horse shows, Mud Bogs, Baby Show, and Pie Eating Contests. Exhibits & much more.

Sullivan Roadhouse

Sullivan Roadhouse built in 1905, is the oldest roadhouse in Interior Alaska. John and Florence Sullivan operated the log inn from 1905-1922. Today, the restored log structure is a museum that houses many antique items.

 

Delta Junction FAQs

How far is Delta Junction from Fairbanks?

Fairbanks is 98 miles from Delta Junction via the Richardson Highway.

How far is Delta Junction from Anchorage?

Anchorage is 338 miles from Delta Junction. From Delta Junction, take the Richardson Highway 151 miles south to Glennallen and the Glenn Highway 187 miles to Anchorage.

What is Delta Junction known for?

Delta Junction is known for being the end of the Alaska Highway. The Alaska Highway was a monumental project by the US military to build a road connecting Alaska to the “lower 48” states during WW II. At Delta Junction, the Alaska Highway ends and the Richardson Highway connects to Fairbanks (North) and Valdez (south).

Delta Junction is also known for having two historical roadhouses. Rika’s Roadhouse in the Big Delta State Historical Park is a famed roadhouse that welcomed gold rush miners as they traveled from Valdez to Fairbanks in the early 1900s.

The Sullivan Roadhouse, in the heart of Delta Junction, is the oldest roadhouse in Interior Alaska, built-in 1905 on the Valdez Fairbanks Trail. Learn about the gold rush days, see the artifacts, and get a feel for what life was like at the turn of the last century in frontier Alaska.

Is Delta Junction north or south of Fairbanks?

Delta Junction is 98 miles southeast of Fairbanks on the Richardson Highway. Delta Junction is the official end of the Alaska Highway.

How cold does it get in Delta Junction, Alaska?

Delta Junction gets very cold in the wintertime because of its infamous wind chill. Delta is well known for its wind; their local paper call it the Delta Wind. The thermometer may read minus 63 degrees below zero Fahrenheit, but if there is an added wind chill, it is dangerous to have exposed skin. While Delta Junction can be cold, it isn’t the coldest spot in Alaska, the record goes to Prospect Creek Camp, which reached -80F/-62.2C in January of 1971, or if you add the wind chill, the record goes to Howard Pass, which had a -100F wind chill a few years ago.

Can you see Northern Lights in Delta Junction?

Yes, you can see the Northern Lights in Delta Junction and see them well because it is away from a large population like Fairbanks, where there might be more light pollution. From September through March, you can see the northern lights or aurora borealis. The equinoxes are especially noted for good viewing, as is the middle of winter when it is cold and crisp. The auroral band moves but Interior Alaska is one of the best places to view this intriguing phenomenon in the entire world. To learn more about the best time to view the Northern Lights, click here.

Alaska Travel Tips

Sign up for our 4-part email series to discover critical information for planning your ultimate Alaska vacation!

Alaska Bear

HEY!

Looking to see bears in Alaska?

Check out these Amazing Alaska Tours.

Think You Know Alaska?

Take the quiz and find out...