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Insider guide to help ease your transition to your new military assignment at Eielson Air Force Base and Fort Wainwright (Fairbanks, Alaska). Read on for all the insider tips, favorites, and local gems.
Churches near Eielson Air Force Base and Fort Wainwright that are military friendly:
True North Church (Fairbanks)
Community Baptist Church, North Pole
Covenant Reformed Church, Fairbanks
Journey Christian Church, Fairbanks
Bethel Church, Fairbanks
Local Recreation Near Eielson Air Force Base and Fort Wainwright:
Birch Lake State Recreation Site offers stunning natural beauty with a clear, serene lake ideal for fishing, boating, and camping amidst forested landscapes. Located near North Pole, it provides diverse outdoor activities and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Chena Hot Springs Resort is renowned for its natural geothermal hot springs that provide a relaxing and rejuvenating experience amidst picturesque surroundings. Visitors can enjoy soaking in the mineral-rich waters, explore the surrounding wilderness, and marvel at the nearby Ice Museum and Aurora Borealis during the winter months. This is a nice winter outing for kids because it includes an indoor pool, a restaurant, and a geothermal tour.
Chena Lakes Recreation Center is a scenic outdoor destination offering a range of activities. It features a large lake, hiking and biking trails, fishing spots, and picnic areas. In winter, the area transforms into a haven for snow sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It's a popular spot for enjoying Alaska's natural beauty and engaging in recreational activities year-round.
Angel Creek Rocks - Rock climbing and hiking.
Santa Claus House is a whimsical holiday attraction featuring a charming store filled with Christmas-themed gifts and decorations. Visitors can meet Santa Claus year-round, enjoy festive displays, and experience the magic of Christmas in a unique and cheerful setting.
Dog Sledding Tours can be found all throughout Alaska.
Cross-country Skiing near Fairbanks
Fishing galore, with some fishing trips via Alaska River Tours
Hiking trails near Fairbanks
Recreation within a few hours of Eielson Air Force Base and Fort Wainwright:
Denali National Park and Preserve, located in central Alaska, offers stunning views of Mount Denali and diverse outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The park features picturesque landscapes with rugged mountains, pristine rivers, and serene lakes, providing a majestic backdrop for nature enthusiasts and adventurers.
Healy, Alaska is a small, charming town located near Denali National Park, offering easy access to outdoor adventures and stunning natural beauty. Known for its proximity to Mount Denali, Healy provides a gateway for visitors to explore hiking trails, wildlife, and the rugged landscapes of central Alaska.
Buffalo Center Drive-In (Delta Junction) is a scenic route near Fairbanks that offers picturesque views of the surrounding wilderness and access to local attractions. The drive provides a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of the Alaskan landscape.
Talkeetna, Alaska is a charming small town known for its vibrant arts scene, historic buildings, and stunning views of Mount Denali. It serves as a gateway for outdoor adventures, including mountaineering, hiking, and river trips, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure in a picturesque setting.
Anchorage, Alaska is the state's largest city and a vibrant hub of culture, offering a mix of urban amenities and stunning natural landscapes. With its diverse attractions, including museums, parks, and proximity to outdoor adventures, Anchorage serves as a key gateway to explore the wilderness and wildlife of Alaska.
Arctic Circle, in Alaska marks the southern boundary of the polar region, where visitors can experience unique phenomena like the midnight sun and polar night. This remote and rugged area offers stunning landscapes, including vast tundra and sweeping views, providing a rare glimpse into the northern extremes of the Earth's environment.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, located in southeastern Alaska, is the largest national park in the U.S., renowned for its vast wilderness, towering peaks, and expansive glaciers. The park offers breathtaking scenery and diverse outdoor activities, from hiking and climbing to wildlife viewing, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventurers.
Matanuska Glacier, Alaska is a small community known for its striking Matanuska Glacier, which offers impressive views and recreational opportunities such as ice climbing and guided glacier tours. Located in the picturesque Matanuska Valley, the area is also renowned for its agricultural activities and scenic landscapes.
Denali Highway (Cantwell to Paxson) is a scenic gravel route in Alaska that stretches for 135 miles between Cantwell and Paxson, offering breathtaking views of the Alaska Range and remote wilderness. This drive provides access to pristine landscapes, wildlife viewing, and outdoor adventures, making it a favored route for those seeking an immersive Alaskan experience.
A lifetime bucket list item for us was Katmai National Park to view the wildlife and experience the Fat Bear Competition. From Anchorage, we flew to King Salmon for an overnight stay in a cabin. In the morning, a shuttle van picked us up with our luggage and took us to their float plane for transport into the park. We float planed in, spent the day viewing bears, walking, and eating at the lodge. We flew out in the afternoon via float plane and were transported to the King Salmon airport to return to Anchorage.
Our favorite place in Alaska is a small fishing town on the coast called Valdez. It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever visited with glaciers, moody clouds, waterfalls, emerald green mountains, glacial blue water, and wildlife like black bears, salmon, eagles, sea lions, and seals. From Fairbanks, it’s a 6-hour drive south on the Richardson Highway past Delta Junction, Summit Lake, Rainbow Ridge, Wrangell St. Elias-National Park, Worthington Glacier, and finally Keystone Canyon before descending into Valdez. It’s doable in a weekend, but better enjoyed over a 3 or 4-day trip. While there, be sure to visit local restaurants The Fat Mermaid, The Potato, and Nat Shack.
Annual Events to Look Forward to Near Eielson Air Force Base and Fort Wainwright:
The Glenn Highway Fourth of July Car Launch is a unique and exhilarating event where enthusiasts gather to showcase their vehicles in a high-energy, patriotic display. The spectacle features a thrilling lineup of cars taking off from a designated launch area, celebrating Independence Day with a blend of automotive excitement and community spirit.
Midnight Sun Festival is a vibrant annual event celebrating the summer solstice with a range of activities under the continuous daylight of the midnight sun. The festival features live music, food vendors, local crafts, and community events, offering a festive and unique experience in the land of the midnight sun.
Alaska Gold Panners’ Midnight Sun Baseball Game in June is a fun, nighttime event held in Fairbanks where participants search for gold in the light of the midnight sun. This unique game combines the thrill of gold panning with a festive atmosphere, celebrating Alaska's rich mining history and the enduring allure of gold.
World Ice Championships (February through March) showcase the best ice sculptors from around the globe, who craft intricate and stunning sculptures from massive blocks of ice. Set against Alaska's breathtaking winter landscape, this event blends artistry with the harsh beauty of the frozen environment.
Iditarod Ceremonial Start in Anchorage is the festive beginning of the renowned Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, where teams and mushers are introduced to thousands of spectators. Held in downtown Anchorage, this event features lively parades, dog team presentations, and a vibrant celebration of Alaskan culture and the historic race.
Aurora Viewing Season (Sept-Mar)
4th of July Celebrations in Fairbanks, North Pole, and several other small towns
Valdez Kids’ Pink Salmon Fishing Derby is an annual event in Valdez, Alaska, where young anglers compete to catch pink salmon in a family-friendly atmosphere. The derby provides an exciting opportunity for children to engage in fishing while enjoying the beautiful Alaskan scenery and community spirit.
Interesting Shops Near Eielson Air Force Base and Fort Wainwright:
The Great Alaskan Bowl Company, located in Anchorage, is renowned for crafting handcrafted wooden bowls and kitchenware from local Alaskan hardwoods. Their products blend functional design with the beauty of Alaskan natural materials, offering unique, high-quality items that showcase the region’s craftsmanship.
The Knotty Shop, Fairbanks
Restaurants Near Eielson Air Force Base and Fort Wainwright:
Chena Pump House (be sure to go for Sunday Brunch)
Prospector’s Pizzeria and Ale House
Thai Cuisine Restaurant in North Pole
East Ramp, Wood-Fired Pizza
Little Richard’s Family Diner, North Pole
The Cookie Jar Restaurant, Fairbanks
Blue Roof Bistro, Fairbanks
Hot Licks – Ice cream
LaVelle’s Bistro, Fairbanks
Restaurants (further away) Adjacent to Eielson Air Force Base and Fort Wainwright:
49th State Brewing (Healy)
Buffalo Center Drive-In (Delta Junction)
Nat Shack (Valdez)
Denali Brewing Company (Talkeetna)
Snow City Café (Anchorage)
Inlet Pub house- eat in an igloo! (Anchorage)
Veterinarian Near Eielson Air Force Base and Fort Wainwright:
Dog/Cat Boarding/Pet Sitter Near Eielson Air Force Base and Fort Wainwright:
Holy Dog (north of Fairbanks)
Dentist Near Eielson Air Force Base and Fort Wainwright:
Chena Dental Care, North Pole
Other recommended favorites Near Eielson Air Force Base and Fort Wainwright:
Enjoy walking, running, or biking in the flood channels.
What’s the Best Part about Living Near Eielson Air Force Base and Fort Wainwright?
The great outdoors. Embracing what Alaska does have to offer. Great adventures to be had and memories to be made – skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, kayaking, and hiking in glacier caves. You can kayak in glaciers. You will see so much wildlife – bears, caribou, moose, eagles, seals, otters, sea lions, and whales. You can easily catch salmon and halibut. Hiking opportunities are abundant and varied. Nothing sparks beauty and awe like Alaska. Alaska is wild, extreme, and unforgiving. Alaska can change the way you view the world.
What’s the Most Challenging Part about Living Near Eielson Air Force Base and Fort Wainwright?
The remote location and daylight changes aren’t to be downplayed. Fairbanks is not like Anchorage. Anyone can learn to survive in Interior Alaska, but only the most resilient people can thrive. There is a sense of community here that extends past the fence line. In Interior Alaska, we’re all neighbors and we help each other. It’s a beautiful balance of learning to do hard things for yourself while also embracing the support of neighbors. The winters are long and extremely cold.
Thank you to Heather Campbell and Wendi Boden who helped provide information for this guide!
I was a military spouse for 25 years and now blog to help other military families embrace the lifestyle and their calling. To learn more about me read here.
I'm releasing a book for military spouses called Another Move, God? 30 Encouragements for Embracing Your Life as a Military Wife. Read more about the book and order your copy today.
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