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Article Overview: Delta Junction, Alaska

Nestled in the heart of the Alaska’s interior, Delta Junction beckons travelers with its rugged beauty, rich history, and unique attractions. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking an authentic Alaskan experience, Delta Junction is worth exploring.

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AlaskaExplored is THE DESTINATION for all things Alaska. Wether you’re planning a trip to Delta Junciton, Alaska, or if you’re just curious about the last frontier in general, we got you covered. Here at AlaskaExplored.com you’ll find expert tips, detailed guides, stunning photographs, and so much more.

Together AlaskaExplored has more than twenty years of experience traveling, working, and exploring the beautifully rugged, 49th state. Working in television has taken us all around the world, and no place more than Alaska. During our time in Alaska we’ve documented countless stories from every corner and crevasse of the state.

We’ve helped showcase the grandeur of this wild place for National Geographic, Discovery, Disney, Animal Planet, and more. Now we want to share our knowledge and real life experiences with you!

My Delta Junction Experience

I spent a couple months in Delta Junction during the fall and winter of 2019 while shooting a project for National Geographic Channel. We spent a handful of weeks traveling back and forth to this tiny town in the middle of nowhere following a native man who handmade motorized canoe’s. He also raised and ran sled dogs. So we spent a good mix of time between his shop and the woods.

I won’t lie, Delta Junction wasn’t my favorite place in Alaska. During winter months its pretty sleepy and there aren’t a ton of amenities. The days are short and bitter cold, but the beauty is undeniable. The views of the Tanana river and endless alder Forrests were a dream to photograph. We stayed at some super cozy lodges and managed to find a serviceable bar. While I wasn’t there in the summer months, I could see why the locals love it. So if you find yourself in Delta Junction, Alaska there’s plenty to see and do. Let’s talk about it!

Delta Junction, Alaska

Table of Contents: Delta Junction, Alaska

Why Trust Us?
My Delta Junction Experience
Delta Junction, Alaska

Delta Junction, Alaska History

Delta Junction holds a significant place in Alaska’s history as the official end of the Alaska Highway, which stretches over 1,300 miles from Dawson Creek, British Columbia. The town also marks the northern terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, a crucial artery for transporting oil from Alaska’s North Slope to the port of Valdez. Additionally, Delta Junction is home to a diverse community of residents, including Native Alaskans, military personnel stationed at nearby Fort Greely, and the unique State Bison Range.

Delta Junction Weather

Delta Junction experiences a subarctic climate, characterized by long, cold winters and short, mild summers. Winter temperatures can plummet well below freezing, while summer temperatures typically range from mild to warm. Visitors should come prepared for varying weather conditions and dress accordingly for outdoor activities.

Summer: During the summer months, Delta Junction enjoys relatively mild temperatures, making it an ideal time to explore the great outdoors. Daytime highs typically range from the mid-60s to low 70s, all though in recent years it hasn’t been uncommon for Delta Junction, Alaska to see summer temperatures rise into the 80’s!

Winter: Winter in Delta Junction, AK can be f*cking miserable! Winter temps are often in the teens, single digits, and well below freezing. That kinda cold that takes your breath away and stings your nostrils. Daytime highs hover around the teens and 20s, while nighttime lows can plummet well below zero. With an annual average snowfall of more than 70 inches, and stunning displays of the Northern Lights, its that classic Alaskan town most people envision.

Spring and Fall: Fall and springtime temperatures in Delta Junction, Alaska can still be really cold. Temperatures range from the single digits all the way into the 50s.

These temperatures are averages, and it’s good to remember that our climate is changing at an unprecedented rate. Just in the past decade that I’ve been traveling to the state I’ve seen and experienced drastic changes. So

Things to do in Delta Junction, Alaska

Delta Junction and the surrounding area might not be on anyones top 5 spots to visit while in Alaska. But there’s enough going on to keep your busy for a day or two. Check out our favorite things to do:

Big Delta State Historical Park

If you’re a history buff and love all things old frontier life, make sure to check out Big Delta State Historical Park. The 10-acre park located on the banks of the Tanana River has a ton of buildings and displays on how folks used to live. Rika’s Roadhouse and Landing is the highlight, an important stop for travelers, miners, and soldiers on the Valdez-Fairbanks Trail from 1909 to 1947. The park also has a museum, a gift shop, and a restaurant.

Sullivan Roadhouse Historical Museum

The Sullivan Roadhouse Historical Museum, a National Historical Place, transports visitors back to gold rush life in the 1900’s. The meticulously restored log cabin, houses a plethora of photographs, exhibits, and artifacts that detail the roadhouse’s history. Admission is free!

Trans-Alaska Pipeline

Delta Junction’s story is intertwined with the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. The 800-mile behemoth, snaking through the town on its way to Valdez, brought an economic boom during construction and continues to generate revenue through taxes and fees.

The closet place to view the Trans-Alaska Pipeline from Delta Junction is the Pump Station 9, a crucial stop for boosting oil pressure. Another popular view point is mile maker 275.4 off the Richardson Highway. This is where the pipeline crosses the Tanana River.

Big Deltana Fair

Back in the early 80’s the Chamber of Commerce would hold a Buffalo Barbecue, where they would harvest a bison from the nearby wild heard. The state put a kibosh on that but the event evolved into a three day extravaganza held every third weekend in July. Attendees can expect to experience all sorts of events, like a cutest baby competition, blueberry pie competitions, a pipeline run and even a parade. Check out their website for more details.

Delta Junction, Alaska Restaurants

There aren’t a ton of dining options in town, especially during the slow winter months, but there are a few. So if you find yourself hungry in Delta Junction, check out these restaurants:

Buffalo Center Drive-in

Quaint old timey drive in serving a plethora of burgers and shakes. Unfortunately it is only open only in the summer. Cash only!

Phone: (907) 895-4055 Hours: 11am – 10pm

Big Delta Brewery

A much welcomed libation oasis in the frozen desert of Delta Junction. Their beer is super tasty and they make some damn good pizza as well.

Phone: 907-895-2222 Hours: Daily till 8 or 9pm

The Cave

Advertised as a wine bar and grille, its got more of a sports bar vibe with overpriced steaks, a foosball table, and kitschy stuffed animals hanging from the walls.

Phone: (907) 888-6619 Hours: 4pm – 9:30-10pm, Closed Sun.

The Fire

Popular food truck serving up big ass messy burgers, loaded fries burritos and wraps.

Phone: (907)-895-1074 Hours: 11am or 8pm

Still thirsty? Do a Fairbanks brewery crawl: Breweries in Fairbanks, Alaska: Sipping Spuds in Alaska’s Heartland

Delta Junction, Alaska Hotels

Diamond willow Inn

We stayed here for a couple weeks during a shoot in Delta Junction. Super comfy cabins with all the amenities. They also have 32 rooms at the inn, long term apartment rentals, and an 8 room duplex.

Phone: (907) 895-7400 Email: Diamondwillowinn2485@gmail.com

The Garden B&B

This charming B&B offers cozy accommodations surrounded by beautiful gardens, with amenities such as complimentary breakfast and free Wi-Fi.

Phone: (907) 895-4633 Email: rbstillie@yahoo.com

Kelly’s Alaska County Inn

Located near downtown, this inn features comfortable clean and basic rooms.

Phone: (907)-895-4662 Email: office@DACInn.com

Camping Near Delta Junction

Phone: (907) Email:

Quartz Lake State Recreation Area

Quartz Lake State Recreation Area packs a punch into 600 acres just a few miles north of town. Hike scenic trails for panoramic views, cast your line in well-stocked lakes teeming with trout, or relax by the refreshing swimming area. If you’re there in the winter, reserve an ice fishing hut! If you’re there in the summer they have ample camp sites as well as public use cabins.

Phone: (907) 451-2695

Clearwater State Recreation Site

I did some canoeing on clearwater creek while filming for NatGeo. It was the middle of the winter when I was there so folks weren’t camping in any of the 17 available sites, but I could imagine it being a great place to camp during summer months. The water truly is clear AF!

Phone: (907) 895-4599

Getting to Delta Junction, Alaska

Anchorage to Delta Junction

By Car: It’s a bit of a hike to get to Delta Junction from Anchorage. By car the journey is approximately 266 miles northeast of Anchorage via the Glenn Highway (AK-1) and Richardson Highway (AK-4). It takes about 5-6 hours, passing through scenic landscapes and charming towns along the way.

By Air: When I was working in Delta Junction, I would take a flight from Anchorage (Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport) into Fairbanks, and drive the rest of the way. The flights less than an hour and the Fairbanks airport is super easy to navigate.

Fairbanks to Delta Junction

By Car: Delta Junction is located approximately 98 miles southeast of Fairbanks via the Richardson Highway (AK-2). The drive is gorgeous and takes around 2 hours if you don’t stop every 10 miles for photos. You’ll pass by scenic views of the Alaska Range. Simply head south on the Richardson Highway until you reach Delta Junction.

By Bus: Interior Alaska Bus Line runs a couple times a week from Fairbanks to Delta Junction.

Why Trust Us?

My Delta Junction Experience

Delta Junction, Alaska

Table of contents

Delta Junction, Alaska History

Delta Junction Weather