3 minute read
delta Junction
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.
In 1903, what was to become the Richardson Highway, was built from Valdez to Fairbanks because of the discovery of gold in Fairbanks. A road house was built at the junction of the Delta and Tanana Rivers to supply the gold seekers, and a telegraph station was built in 1904 to aid increased communication needs. This trail used a portion of the Valdez Eagle trail made famous by the Klondike Gold Rush.
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 Sanctuary is a 90,000-acre tract of land which contains a free-roaming herd of more than 500 bison.
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 10 years, however production is now expected to continue much longer. 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 Information Center at the junction of the Richardson and the Alaska Highway. Stop in for comprehensive visitors information and a selection of souvenirs including Delta Junction pins. Open daily 9-5:30, Memorial Day through mid-September. The milepost monument, at the Visitor Center, marks the end of the Alaska Highway and is an excellent photo opportunity. Certificates for completing the Alaska Highway are available. 907-895-5068
VIsITOr INfO
Commemorative milepost for the end of the Alaska Highway
Delta State Recreation Site 25 campsites, picnic shelter, water and toilets. Conveniently located near town in a wilderness setting. Mile 267 Richardson Highway. Big Delta State Historical Park has 23 camping sites. Toilets, water available and a dump station. Only 8 miles north of Delta Junction at mile 274.5 Richardson Highway.
Deltana Fair held annually at the end of July has a parade, mud bogs and more. Farmer’s Market Wednesday & Saturday, across from the Visitors Center. Big Delta State Historical Park is a 10 acre park with RV camping, picnic area, toilets, water and an RV dump station, located at mile 275 Richardson Hwy. There are a number of historical buildings on the grounds, including a Telegraph station and Museum. The centerpiece of the park is undoubtedly, Rika’s Roadhouse. This historic roadhouse was started in 1909 as a stop for hunters, trappers, prospectors and local Athabaskans. In 1918 Rika Wallen took over the roadhouse and ran it until the 1950s. There is a café and gift shop open during the summer. Sullivan Roadhouse built in 1905, is the oldest roadhouse in Interior Alaska. John and Florence Sullivan operated it from 1905-1922. The museum is filled with artifacts, and equipment from the building of the Alaska Highway. It is located across from the Visitors Center and admission is free.
Buffalo Center Service has gas, diesel, propane as well as tire sales and service. There is a well-stocked convenience store with a large selection of merchandise. Clean restrooms, free RV dump station with a fuel fill-up and easy access for RV’s. Open 5am11pm Monday to Saturday, 8am-11pm on Sunday. 24 Hour Credit Card Fueling.