Delta Junction

Commemorative milepost for the end of the Alaska Highway

Delta Junction marks the true end of the Alaska Highway and has a population of approximately 850. This area was a traditional hunting territory of the Athabaskan Indians for thousands of years. The town is spread out around the Alaska and Richardson Highways and from here, going north or south, you will be traveling on the Richardson Highway (See map pg 102). 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 road house 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 lead the area to become known as Buffalo Center. In 1960 Delta Junction was incorporated as a city.

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 only 10 years, however production is now expected to continue. 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). 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 Delta State Recreation Site 25 campsites, picnic shelter, water and toilets. This campground has a wilderness feel but is still near downtown. Mile 267 Richardson Highway. Big Delta State Historical Park is a 11acre park with 23 RV campsites and picnic area at mile 274.5 Richardson Hwy. The Park is home to historic Rika’s Roadhouse.

Rika’s Roadhouse, started in 1909 by John Hajdukovich, a Yugoslavian entrepreneur. It was a stop for hunters, prospectors and local Athabaskans. In 1918, a dependable, hard-working Swedish woman named Rika Wallen was hired to take over. Rika purchased the roadhouse and ran it until the 1950s. Learn more of this fascinating story by visiting the Roadhouse. There is a café and gift shop open during the summer. Mile 275 Richardson Hwy. Sullivan Roadhouse Historical Museum gives a glimpse into an early Alaskan roadhouse. Built in 1905, it is the oldest roadhouse in Interior Alaska. It was relocated to Delta Junction during the summer of 1996 and restored as a walk-through museum that houses many original items and photographs. Free admission. Adjacent to the Visitor Center. Farmer’s Market is held on Wednesday & Saturday from mid-May to September. It takes place at the end of the Alaska Highway and across the street from the Visitors Center. It is a great place to find fresh local produce and locally made gifts.

Buffalo Center Service has gas, diesel and propane. Tire sales and service, convenience store, clean restrooms and free RV dump with fuel fill-up. Easy access for RV’s. Open 5am - 11pm Monday to Saturday and 8am - 11pm on Sunday. 24 Hour Credit Card Fueling.