Delta Junction, Alaska
The beautiful city of Delta Junction is boardered by three differeing mountian ranges and plays host to the lucious fertile valley made by the Tanana River. This town has had many types of themes that have helped create the unique vibe of the town. In the 1900’s it was a telegraph town, until it became more popular during the Chisana Gold Strike of 1913. In the 1920’s the governor chose Delta to be the bison wildlife sanctuary and now 90,000 acres are reserved for the popular bison in the area. Delta then became host to the military Missile Defense and Ft. Greely now resides there for the Alaska Army. the town has shifted since and is now known for its agriculture and farming.
The drive to Delta from Fairbanks is just beautiful and full of mountians, wildlife, and the makings of everything magical in Alaska. Bison, moose and many other Alaskan Wildlife can be seen from the road even and the veiws you get while in the town will leave you twitterpatted. I only ever go to Delta when I am traveling south from Fairbanks because it is a hub of travel. In Delta, the road forks and whichever way you go, will find adventure.
Where to Stay
Staying in Delta is easy to do, most people don’t actually go to Delta to “visit” but more pass through, however dont let that disuade you. Delta is beautiful and quiet, so if you are looking for a peaceful stay somewhere where there wouldn’t be alot of people, I would do it.
Hotels/ Lodges
The Diamond Willow Inn Alaska
Reservations: (907) 895-7400
This place is veteran Owned and one of the newest places in Delta. It offers a Hotel, A lodge, an Inn, Cabins and apartments. Also hosts Deltas newest coffee shop, Rustic Blends. Due to the nature of the variety of cabins, I can’t supply you with the address but the number is for reservations and Ive linked their page to the name so you can check them out
Alaska Country Inn
1616 Richardson Hwy
907-895-4667
This is by far the most known place to stay. They also host extended stay apartments or homes to rent.
Delta Lodging
2661 Richardson Ave Delta Junction AK 99737
907-895-1266
This has rooms, extended stays, places to host 25+ people. It is really cute and Alaskan
Buffalo Rentals “the Bunk house”
1555 Richardson Avenue, Delta Junction, Alaska 99737
Phone: (907) 895-5422
If you are just passing through and need a night, this place has got you covered. Is it the nicest? not really but it gets the job done!
Cabins & B&B’s
Some of these are included in the list above but here are some exclusive B&B’s
The Garden B&B
3103 Tanana Loop Exn, Delta Junction, AK 99737
(907) 895-4633
Fully furnished cabins at this place which is my kind of jam in regards to privacy
Hillcrest B&B
3474 Hillcrest Road, Delta Junction, AK 99737
(907) 895-6223
In the Ad in the Milepost, the B&B states they are warm, clean rooms nestled in alaskan scenery. Mountians, aurora and wildlife frequent this area.
And of course – You know me, I ALWAYS recommend you check out Air BNB for a place of your own and they may even be cheaper than the lodges.
AirBNB
** Honorable Mention**
Black Rapids Lodge
Mile 227.4 Richardson Highway 38 miles south of, Delta Junction, AK 99737
(907) 388-8391
Honorable mention because it is not located inside delta and farther south on the Richardson Highway but even though it is a distance from Delta, I would recommend checking this place out. The scenery alone makes it desirebale but the river, the mountians, the area is just superb. The owners are hands on and offer year round service. Its a bit spendy but if you can, check it out!
What to See and Do
I think its important to remind you that Alaska is a whole other kind of culture. Just because there arent “things” to do doesnt mean there arent things to do. Delta is a small town but offers Alot of history.
The Alaska Highway ends in Delta and the Richardson Highway begins. The Alaska Highway is North Americas Longest and Delta is offically the end. Some people come to “finish” the long journey through canada into the lower US.
Sullivan RoadHouse – The oldest roadhouse standing on the Valdez-Fairbanks trail. Made in 1905 and moved twice since, the building retains alot of charm and history. The Sullivan Roadhouse has tools used for the pipeline outside the building and history of how important roadhouses were to the movement of small towns into larger towns. It also retains some history of the town in the 1900s. It is free to get into and worth the stop to check out some of Alaska’s REAL history.
The Highways End Farmers Market (Summer only) – As delta IS a farm town now, the food shows. This Farmer’s Market is colorful and tasteful with foods grown locally. The market also has Alaskan made souveniors and gifts.
Big Delta State Historical Park / Rikas Roadhouse – The state park is really lovely. It has museaums, including the original Rika’s Roadhouse which has a bunch of old tools and items from the past. You can see where the original river crossing took place by ferry in the past. There is a dump station on the grounds as well as a cafe, gift shop and RV parking. Camping is available here as well.
Clearwater Creek – There used to be a wonderful lodge here but as luck would have it, it has burned down not just once but twice. Now the creek remains but with the ruins of the lodge next to it. This will not take away the beauty that this creek gives. Its clear all the way to the bottom and in the winter, doesnt freeze despite the subzero temperatures.
Quartz Lake – Its outside of delta but it hosts camping, fishing, boat rentals and swimming!
What to Eat
Buffalo Center
265 Richardson Hwy, Delta Junction, AK 99731
(907) 895-4055
Buffalo Burgers! and other things, but most famous for the buffalo burgers. Try the Dole pineapple whipped icecream too!
Pizza Bella
265 Richardson Highway Delta Junction, Alaska, Delta Junction, AK
1 907-895-4841
Pizza, what more could you want?
The Fire
1527 Richardson Hwy, Delta Junction, AK 99737
(907) 888-6619
A take out place, perfect to get food and go back on the road for your trip
Hard Wok Cafe
1343 Richardson Hwy, Delta Junction, AK 99737
(907) 895-5395
Vietnamize Food, really good for the prices!
Alaskan Steakhouse & Motel
265 Richardson Hwy, Delta Junction, AK 99737
(907) 895-5175
Exactly what the name says, the steaks arent that bad either!
Where to Hike/Camp
Castner Glacier – this hike is on the outskirts of delta and a frequented spot for everyone! When you are looking at the glacier, I would recommend hiking on the right side. The Left has a more “trail” feel but the right follows the river until the glacier. it has a beautiful ice tunnel to explore!
Donnelly Dome – A training site for the military but open to hikers, you can see the dome from the road, you cant miss it! there is a pseudo trail that takes you half way up but i Lost it when I went and ended up just climbing up the side of the dome, but you can see all the mountain ranges from the top and it isnt a hard walk.
Gulkana Glacier Trail – this was a beautiful trail to walk on and sports a walk over bridge and a draw bridge but I think one is out of comission and there is an alternative trail. The river keeps the area cool for hiking and there is wildlife and flowers all over the place. Highly recommend this trail, plus you get to see a glacier! Its a bit of a walk at 9.5 miles.
Lost Lake Trail – this trail takes you to a pond. Starting at Lost lake, it takes you around to moose pond which gives you the opportunity to see wildlife.
Mccullam Creek Trail – This is an out and back trail around 4 miles and is used for backpacking or day hiking.
Mcclaran Summit Trail – this trail leads you by a lake. it is an old ATV and the view is similar to that of the road. However being up close with nature seems to feel better.