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.
I spent a couple months in Delta Junction during the fall and winter of 2019 while shooting Life Below Zero: Next Generation 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 it’s 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.
Quick Guide to Delta Junction, Alaska
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Population | 918 (2020 Census) |
| Founded | 1957 |
| Incorporated | 1960 |
| Motto | “Crossroads of Alaska” |
| Elevation | 1,158 ft |
| Distance from Fairbanks | ~98 miles (about 2 hours) |
| Distance from Anchorage | ~266 miles (5–6 hours) |
| Historical Significance | Official end of the Alaska Highway (Mile 1422); Trans-Alaska Pipeline runs through it. |
| Nearby Military Base | Fort Greely |
| Climate | Subarctic: cold winters, mild-to-warm summers, 70+ inches average annual snowfall |
Delta Junction, Alaska History
Athabascan people have lived in this part of Interior Alaska for at least 10,000 years, drawn by the moose, caribou, and salmon runs along the Delta and Tanana Rivers. The town itself started in 1919 as a construction camp, and for years it was known as “Buffalo Center,” after a herd of plains bison transplanted here from Montana in 1928. Free roaming bison are still in the area today!
In 1942 the U.S. Army built the Alaska Highway in just eight months during WWII, putting Delta Junction on the map as its official terminus. The town officially formed in 1957 and incorporated in 1960.
Oil brought the next wave. After the North Slope discovery in 1968, construction began on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline in 1974, running straight through town from Prudhoe Bay on its way to Valdez. A decade later, the state’s ambitious Delta Agricultural Project opened thousands of acres for farming. Results were mixed, but the area still grows barley and potatoes today, and has become an unlikely hub for exotic meat production, raising yak, elk, and bison.
More recently, the Pogo Gold Mine has added another layer to the local economy, producing over 3 million ounces of gold since 2006 and employing 300+ people, a real chunk of the workforce for a town this size.
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
I’ll be honest, winter in Delta Junction, AK can be miserable! 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 40-45 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.
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, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, 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 closest 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 in mid to late summer. 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 Lodging
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
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.
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!
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.
Delta Junction, Alaska Map
Delta Junction, Alaska FAQs
How do you get to Delta Junction, Alaska?
By car from Fairbanks, it’s about 98 miles south on the Richardson Highway, roughly a 2-hour drive. From Anchorage, it’s a longer haul, about 266 miles via the Glenn and Richardson Highways, 5–6 hours. Flying into Fairbanks and driving the rest of the way is the fastest option if you’re coming from farther out.
Is Delta Junction worth visiting?
It depends what you’re after. It’s not a major tourist destination, but it’s a genuine slice of Interior Alaska with real history. The official end of the Alaska Highway, a working stretch of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and a handful of solid small-town spots to eat and sleep. Worth a day or two if you’re already driving the Richardson Highway corridor.
What is Delta Junction known for?
Being the official terminus of the Alaska Highway at Mile 1422, and for sitting on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline route. It’s also home to a State Bison Range and Fort Greely, a nearby military installation.
What’s the best time to visit Delta Junction?
Summer, without question. Winters are genuinely rough, cold enough to sting, short days, and most of the town’s already thin amenities. For example: Buffalo Center Drive-in is closed for the winter season entirely.
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