Northern Sky Cabins’ Guidebook
NORTHERN LIGHTS VIEWING
The best places for a chance at seeing and capturing photos of the Aurora Borealis!
Best place close to North Pole, to get good photos of Northern Lights! There are also trails and fishing summer or winter! Just outside of North Pole, off of the Richardson Highway the road is paved up to the well maintained, gravel, river and lake turnoffs.
Park has wide open areas and a large lake, away from the city lights with plenty of places to park for suburb aurora viewing. There are two parks within the recreation area, the River Park and the Lake Park, both suitable for viewing the northern lights. There are also several winter trails on and around the lake. You’ll want to bring a headlamp or a flashlight.
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Chena Lake Recreation Area
3780 Laurance RoadBest place close to North Pole, to get good photos of Northern Lights! There are also trails and fishing summer or winter! Just outside of North Pole, off of the Richardson Highway the road is paved up to the well maintained, gravel, river and lake turnoffs.
Park has wide open areas and a large lake, away from the city lights with plenty of places to park for suburb aurora viewing. There are two parks within the recreation area, the River Park and the Lake Park, both suitable for viewing the northern lights. There are also several winter trails on and around the lake. You’ll want to bring a headlamp or a flashlight.
Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge
1300 College RdJust before the entrance to Chena Lakes recreation area you can turn off on several spots to the right and get great pictures from the dyke. You can go past the lake recreation park all the way down past the river park and there’s a visitor kiosk by the river where you can go to the dam.
Chena River Lakes Dam
Just before the entrance to Chena Lakes recreation area you can turn off on several spots to the right and get great pictures from the dyke. You can go past the lake recreation park all the way down past the river park and there’s a visitor kiosk by the river where you can go to the dam.
11 miles up the Steese Highway you’ll turn right just before to the weigh station, where the Steese continues (going straight on what appears to be the continuing Steese will take you up the Elliot Highway). From mile 16 1/2 where The Felix Pedro Monument is to mile 20, where Cleary Summit is, there are several big pullouts that are great for viewing. Cleary Summit itself is a very popular spot for seeing the Aurora’s. The road up Cleary is very sharp and steep but it is paved. We recommend 4 wheel drive in winter months.
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Cleary Summit Aurora Viewing Area
2315 Fish Creek Rd11 miles up the Steese Highway you’ll turn right just before to the weigh station, where the Steese continues (going straight on what appears to be the continuing Steese will take you up the Elliot Highway). From mile 16 1/2 where The Felix Pedro Monument is to mile 20, where Cleary Summit is, there are several big pullouts that are great for viewing. Cleary Summit itself is a very popular spot for seeing the Aurora’s. The road up Cleary is very sharp and steep but it is paved. We recommend 4 wheel drive in winter months.
There is great viewing of the Aurora’s all along Chena Hot Springs Road.
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Chena Hot Springs Road
Chena Hot Springs RoadThere is great viewing of the Aurora’s all along Chena Hot Springs Road.
Murphy Dome
These guys have aurora tours as well.
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Rod's Alaskan Guide Service Dog Sledding
3355 Repp RdThese guys have aurora tours as well.
The Aurora Chasers®
3875 Geist RdADVENTURES & SIGHTSEEING
You haven’t seen it all until you’ve you’ve seen it from the train. Offering sightseeing, travel to and from Alaska destinations as well as event trains. Visit them at https://www.alaskarailroad.com/
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Alaska Railroad Corporation
1888 Fox AveYou haven’t seen it all until you’ve you’ve seen it from the train. Offering sightseeing, travel to and from Alaska destinations as well as event trains. Visit them at https://www.alaskarailroad.com/
This is a must visit! We take the kids here every year on a field trip just because they (and we!) enjoy it! Visit and old time cabin and see Alaskan wildlife all indoors! Watch Alaska informational movies, see many authentic Alaska handmade items, get pictures of yourselves “riding” on a snow machine (yeah, we don’t call them snowmobiles, nor do we ride them like snow mobiles!) and get information for hiking trails and many other things!
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Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center
101 Dunkel StThis is a must visit! We take the kids here every year on a field trip just because they (and we!) enjoy it! Visit and old time cabin and see Alaskan wildlife all indoors! Watch Alaska informational movies, see many authentic Alaska handmade items, get pictures of yourselves “riding” on a snow machine (yeah, we don’t call them snowmobiles, nor do we ride them like snow mobiles!) and get information for hiking trails and many other things!
Fairbanks - Watch the birds or walk the trails, this is a local favorite!
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Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge
1300 College RdFairbanks - Watch the birds or walk the trails, this is a local favorite!
Visit the museum and see Blue Babe and see the large jade boulder among many other interesting things.
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Museum of the North
1962 Yukon DrVisit the museum and see Blue Babe and see the large jade boulder among many other interesting things.
Aurora Ice Museum
17600 Chena Hot Springs RdWant a real taste of Alaska? No one should come to Interior Alaska and miss Denali National Park & Preserve.
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Denali National Park & Preserve
Parks HwyWant a real taste of Alaska? No one should come to Interior Alaska and miss Denali National Park & Preserve.
Large Animal Research Station
2220 Yankovich RdFountainhead Antique Auto Museum
212 Wedgewood DrTake the riverboat down the Chena river and into the Tanana river and back again. On the journey you’ll b be introduced to a family who has made the rivers of Alaska a way of life for five generations. You’ll experience seeing a bush floatplane takeoff right alongside the boat, then visit the home and kennels of the late four-time Iditarod winner Susan Butcher as well as see her champion sled dogs in action. Next you’ll embark on a tour through the Chena Indian Village where you’ll learn about the ancient Athabascan Indian culture . Amazing adventure!
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Riverboat Discovery
1975 Discovery DrTake the riverboat down the Chena river and into the Tanana river and back again. On the journey you’ll b be introduced to a family who has made the rivers of Alaska a way of life for five generations. You’ll experience seeing a bush floatplane takeoff right alongside the boat, then visit the home and kennels of the late four-time Iditarod winner Susan Butcher as well as see her champion sled dogs in action. Next you’ll embark on a tour through the Chena Indian Village where you’ll learn about the ancient Athabascan Indian culture . Amazing adventure!
Beautiful place to see the plants that can grow and thrive in interior Alaska!
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Botanischer Garten Georgeson
2180 W Tanana DrBeautiful place to see the plants that can grow and thrive in interior Alaska!
This is a wonderful dinner cruise! Nice little ride down the Chena with a dining room and a great dinner too!
Sternwheeler Tanana Chief
1020 Hoselton RdThis is a wonderful dinner cruise! Nice little ride down the Chena with a dining room and a great dinner too!
Rod's Alaskan Guide Service Dog Sledding
3355 Repp RdTest The Waters Dive Center
Diving courses, scuba rentals, diving trips including ice diving!
GOLD PANNING
Places to pan for gold
They will teach you to gold pan and guide you through! You’ll enjoy a fun and inexpensive experience here. Visit them at http://golddaughters.com.
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Gold Daughters
1671 Steese HwyThey will teach you to gold pan and guide you through! You’ll enjoy a fun and inexpensive experience here. Visit them at http://golddaughters.com.
Gold Dredge 8
1803 Old Steese Hwy NSTAY A FEW HOURS OR THE DAY
Multiple things to do
Fairbanks Children's Museum
302 Cushman StKids love all the fun things to do.
In Salcha, 31 miles away. State recreation area. Take your water toys, a cooler full of food and drinks, some chairs, and on hot summer days a sun shade of some sort and spend the day! You can walk a long way out in the shallows before swimming so it’s great for little ones! Boating is a real treat here too, many locals love to go tubing!
Harding Lake
In Salcha, 31 miles away. State recreation area. Take your water toys, a cooler full of food and drinks, some chairs, and on hot summer days a sun shade of some sort and spend the day! You can walk a long way out in the shallows before swimming so it’s great for little ones! Boating is a real treat here too, many locals love to go tubing!
In Fairbanks. Nice little place to spend the day swimming and sunbathing or having a picnic.
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Tanana Lakes Recreation Area
4400 S Cushman St ExdIn Fairbanks. Nice little place to spend the day swimming and sunbathing or having a picnic.
UNIQUELY ALASKAN & SOUVENIRS
North Pole- You just can’t visit North Pole and NOT see Santa’s house! As the top attraction in North Pole it has a beautiful gift shop complete with ornaments, decor, apparel, toys, amazing fudge, cookies and candy. Lots of photo ops including one with Santa himself and his sleigh you can sit in! A 42’ tall Santa statue stands outside along with a giant Christmas tree along side of Santa’s reindeer!
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Santa Claus House
101 St Nicholas DrNorth Pole- You just can’t visit North Pole and NOT see Santa’s house! As the top attraction in North Pole it has a beautiful gift shop complete with ornaments, decor, apparel, toys, amazing fudge, cookies and candy. Lots of photo ops including one with Santa himself and his sleigh you can sit in! A 42’ tall Santa statue stands outside along with a giant Christmas tree along side of Santa’s reindeer!
Fairbanks- One of the coolest places to go! Want traditional Alaska souvenirs? This is the place to find it! With beautiful furs, beads, clothing and more you won’t want to miss this!
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Alaska Raw Fur
4106 Boat StFairbanks- One of the coolest places to go! Want traditional Alaska souvenirs? This is the place to find it! With beautiful furs, beads, clothing and more you won’t want to miss this!
Ever wonder what it would be like to sit in a hot tub at forty below? Well here’s your chance to do just that! Or swim in the hot springs pools, they have one indoors and a “lake” like pool outdoors. They offer food as well. If you’re here in the winter check out their Ice Hotel!
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Chena Hot Springs Resort
17600 Chena Hot Springs RdEver wonder what it would be like to sit in a hot tub at forty below? Well here’s your chance to do just that! Or swim in the hot springs pools, they have one indoors and a “lake” like pool outdoors. They offer food as well. If you’re here in the winter check out their Ice Hotel!
Salcha- Great place for souvenirs and ice cream! The Knotty Shop is in Salcha and 16 miles out of North Pole on the Richardson Highway.
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The Knotty Shop
6565 Richardson HwySalcha- Great place for souvenirs and ice cream! The Knotty Shop is in Salcha and 16 miles out of North Pole on the Richardson Highway.
North Pole- November 30th to January 26th the winter ice park is open next to Santa Claus house. Come and see fantastic ice carvings and slide down giant ice slides, in the past there has been a giant ice bowl to play in, an ice maze and New Years Eve fireworks and snowflake drop. Prepare for fun in the cold by having proper winter gear! (Wool or equivalently warm socks, good boots, thermals, snowpants, a good winter coat, mittens or good gloves - hand warmers are great too, hat and scarf or face mask)
Christmas In Ice
125 St Nicholas DrNorth Pole- November 30th to January 26th the winter ice park is open next to Santa Claus house. Come and see fantastic ice carvings and slide down giant ice slides, in the past there has been a giant ice bowl to play in, an ice maze and New Years Eve fireworks and snowflake drop. Prepare for fun in the cold by having proper winter gear! (Wool or equivalently warm socks, good boots, thermals, snowpants, a good winter coat, mittens or good gloves - hand warmers are great too, hat and scarf or face mask)
View the many ice sculptures and have fun while you’re at it! Mid February through March.
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George Horner Ice Park
3574 Phillips Field RoadView the many ice sculptures and have fun while you’re at it! Mid February through March.
In Fairbanks. Spend the day touring through actual historical cabins moved here and turned into gift and food shops in Gold Rush Town. Ride on the park train or play on the playground equipment, pavilion for picnic and grilling, get your old time photos, there’s shows, dances, the famous Alaska Salmon bake and much more!
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Pioneer Park
2300 Airport WayIn Fairbanks. Spend the day touring through actual historical cabins moved here and turned into gift and food shops in Gold Rush Town. Ride on the park train or play on the playground equipment, pavilion for picnic and grilling, get your old time photos, there’s shows, dances, the famous Alaska Salmon bake and much more!
You can get a personal photo transferred to a bowl, cool Alaskan keepsake!
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The Great Alaskan Bowl Company
4630 Old Airport RdYou can get a personal photo transferred to a bowl, cool Alaskan keepsake!
If you've come to Alaska you just gotta do the dog sled thing, right?! Look them up online for more information.
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Rod's Alaskan Guide Service Dog Sledding
3355 Repp RdIf you've come to Alaska you just gotta do the dog sled thing, right?! Look them up online for more information.
They offer many tours; sights, Northern Lights, Hot Springs, ice fishing, snow mobile tours, dog mushing, snow shoe tours & hiking. Winter or summer, they have fun!Search for them online to make appointments.
Alaska-Wildlife-Guide LLC
3740 Lyle AveThey offer many tours; sights, Northern Lights, Hot Springs, ice fishing, snow mobile tours, dog mushing, snow shoe tours & hiking. Winter or summer, they have fun!Search for them online to make appointments.
Fishing and rafting tours! look them up online for more information.
Alaska Fishing and Raft Adventures
525 Halvorson RdFishing and rafting tours! look them up online for more information.
North Pole- Santa’s seniors gift shop offers unique handcrafts and artwork, family cookbooks and alaska books written by local artists. As well as events for seniors - visitors welcomed.
Santa's Senior Citizens
101 E 5th AveNorth Pole- Santa’s seniors gift shop offers unique handcrafts and artwork, family cookbooks and alaska books written by local artists. As well as events for seniors - visitors welcomed.
The Knotty Shop
6565 Richardson HwyNorth Pole. Make sure to get your photo by one of the signs near the roundabouts.
Welcome to North Pole sign
North Pole. Make sure to get your photo by one of the signs near the roundabouts.
EATING OUT
North Pole. Oh my this place is da bomb!!! Our very favorite eatery in the Pole!! Incredibly delicious!! It’s a small family owned business that has the works, anything you could want! Breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert! And oh soooo yummy!! Just 2 minutes from The Last Frontier Cabin at 235 N Santa Claus lane.
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North Pole Crepery
235 N Santa Claus LnNorth Pole. Oh my this place is da bomb!!! Our very favorite eatery in the Pole!! Incredibly delicious!! It’s a small family owned business that has the works, anything you could want! Breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert! And oh soooo yummy!! Just 2 minutes from The Last Frontier Cabin at 235 N Santa Claus lane.
North Pole. Like Thai food? Then you don’t want to miss the wonderful flavors that are made here! Just 3 minutes from The Last Frontier Cabin at 537 St. Nicolas Drive.
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Thai Cuisine Restaurant
537 St Nicholas DrNorth Pole. Like Thai food? Then you don’t want to miss the wonderful flavors that are made here! Just 3 minutes from The Last Frontier Cabin at 537 St. Nicolas Drive.
North Pole. The absolute best Chinese food, I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t love it!
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Pagoda Chinese Restaurant & Bar
431 N Santa Claus LnNorth Pole. The absolute best Chinese food, I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t love it!
North Pole. Want a taste of an old fashioned diner? This is the place with delicious food and friendly service!
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Little Richard's Family Diner
2698 Hurst RdNorth Pole. Want a taste of an old fashioned diner? This is the place with delicious food and friendly service!
North Pole. Firework has been one of our favorite places to eat since it opened. The owners are are personable and friendly always taking care to personally make sure everything is good, and it is! Plus they are quick, win win! Just 2 minutes from The Last Frontier Cabin at 235 N Santa Claus lane.
Fire Wok Express
249 North Santa Claus LaneNorth Pole. Firework has been one of our favorite places to eat since it opened. The owners are are personable and friendly always taking care to personally make sure everything is good, and it is! Plus they are quick, win win! Just 2 minutes from The Last Frontier Cabin at 235 N Santa Claus lane.
North Pole. Great breakfast place and locals favorite. Just 2 minutes from The Last Frontier Cabin at 235 N Santa Claus lane.
Country Cafe
235 N Santa Claus LnNorth Pole. Great breakfast place and locals favorite. Just 2 minutes from The Last Frontier Cabin at 235 N Santa Claus lane.
North Pole. In the mood for a quick but mouthwatering meal? This is an espresso coffee and food drive through. Soft, big and delicious bagels among other tasty takeouts! I’ve posted pics of their menu here. Everything’s delicious! Located between Tesoro and Sourdough Fuel in North Pole at 2860 Dougchee Ave.
Sunrise Bagel & Espresso
2860 Doughchee AveNorth Pole. In the mood for a quick but mouthwatering meal? This is an espresso coffee and food drive through. Soft, big and delicious bagels among other tasty takeouts! I’ve posted pics of their menu here. Everything’s delicious! Located between Tesoro and Sourdough Fuel in North Pole at 2860 Dougchee Ave.
North Pole. These authentic little gems are so yummy you’d better get there before afternoon or they will be sold out!! 302 North Santa Claus next to Verizon and Century 21. Just 3 minutes from The Last Frontier Cabin.
Outlaw Tamales
302 N Santa Claus LnNorth Pole. These authentic little gems are so yummy you’d better get there before afternoon or they will be sold out!! 302 North Santa Claus next to Verizon and Century 21. Just 3 minutes from The Last Frontier Cabin.
In Fox 9.5 miles out of Fairbanks. The best prime rib and the tastiest, variety filled salad bar! They also have king crab, halibut, shrimp and lobster. The Turtle Club is a true rustic Alaskan experience with the yummiest dinners! About 40 minutes from The Last Frontier Cabin at 2098 Old Steese Highway.
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Turtle Club
2098 Old Steese Hwy NIn Fox 9.5 miles out of Fairbanks. The best prime rib and the tastiest, variety filled salad bar! They also have king crab, halibut, shrimp and lobster. The Turtle Club is a true rustic Alaskan experience with the yummiest dinners! About 40 minutes from The Last Frontier Cabin at 2098 Old Steese Highway.
Fairbanks. We love Taco Azteca for the amazing food, salsa bar and great prices! FYI there is also a bar in this restaurant. At 3401 Airport Way it's 16 miles from The Last Frontier Cabin. Aprox 35 minutes.
Taco Azteca
3401 Airport WayFairbanks. We love Taco Azteca for the amazing food, salsa bar and great prices! FYI there is also a bar in this restaurant. At 3401 Airport Way it's 16 miles from The Last Frontier Cabin. Aprox 35 minutes.
North Pole Taco king recently opened! Also one in Fairbanks. This is another one our favorites.
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Taco King
200 Old Steese HwyNorth Pole Taco king recently opened! Also one in Fairbanks. This is another one our favorites.
Pizza Hut
301 N Santa Claus LnNEE LOCATION: North Pole Plaza
Saigon Garden
North Pole Plaza. Good Vietnamese food.
Bristol's Shave Ice
North Pole. Very popular summertime shaved ice place!
North Pole & Fairbanks. Basic, very quick, take out Pizza. Last Tuesday of each month is customer appreciation day, get as many medium pepperoni or cheese pizzas as you want for $6 each!
Great Alaska Pizza Company
North Pole & Fairbanks. Basic, very quick, take out Pizza. Last Tuesday of each month is customer appreciation day, get as many medium pepperoni or cheese pizzas as you want for $6 each!
FISHING; SUMMER & ICE
Fishing in the summertime and ice fishing in winter.
Chena Lakes
North Pole- Popular ice fishing area.
Delta - If you can get access to a boat you will catch as many fish as you want here! 73 miles south on the Richardson Highway from The Last Frontier Cabin. Aprox 1 hr. 15 mins. There is also a campground and day use area.
Quartz Lake
Delta - If you can get access to a boat you will catch as many fish as you want here! 73 miles south on the Richardson Highway from The Last Frontier Cabin. Aprox 1 hr. 15 mins. There is also a campground and day use area.
Alaska Fishing and Raft Adventures
525 Halvorson RdIce fishing and summer fishing guides.