north pole
O
ne of Alaska’s most unique communities is North Pole, 15 miles southeast of Fairbanks. It is best known as the home of Santa Claus House but has a large number of businesses that cater to visitors. Restaurants, motels, campgrounds, supermarkets and a shopping center are located near the Richardson Highway. World’s largest Santa Claus statue at 42ft
He opened a small gift store in Fairbanks and then moved it to North Pole. Miller had already developed a reputation for playing Santa Claus to the Native children in the Alaskan Villages, and so he named his new trading post Santa Claus House. Con and his wife Nellie set about creating a dream that is still ongoing today. Realizing how exciting it was for children to get a letter from Santa, Con and Nellie decided to make it easy for them to receive a letter from the North Pole. They encouraged children to write to Santa and ensured every child got a return letter. You can still receive one of the letters that the Millers created by going to the Santa Clause House website. Each year the U.S. post office at North Pole receives thousands of letters from hopeful children around the world looking for a special letter with return postmark from the North Pole.
Visitor Info North Pole Visitor Information Center located at 2550 Mistletoe Drive is open from the end of May to September. 907488-2242
ACCOMMODATION
North Pole has a population of about 2,100. This area was first homesteaded in 1944 by farmers Bon and Bernice Davis. In 1952, Dahl and Gaske Development Company purchased the Davis homestead, subdivided it and renamed it North Pole, in hopes of attracting a toy manufacturer to the area. The City was incorporated on January 15, 1953 Unlike many Alaskan towns, North Pole does not have history going back thousands of years, but that does not mean it is boring! Con Miller was a young entrepreneur who became a fur buyer and trader shortly after arriving in Alaska in 1949. 118
Interior Alaska
Hotel North Pole Open year-round and locally owned. Free continental breakfast and Wi-fi. Santa Suite available. Close to Santa Claus House and local shops and restaurants. Only 15 minutes from Fairbanks. Inquire about local tours and Santa Package. 907-488-4800
DINING Subway® is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner in North Pole. Eat Fresh with a Footlong Sub and add chips and a drink for your adventure! Order online at Subway.com or on the Subway® APP. Pagoda Restaurant serves up delicious Asian dishes and has been voted the best steak in town! Featured on Diners Drive-ins and Dives. 431 Santa Claus Lane. Bell’s Travel Guides
