Top Destinations to Visit

Sullivan Roadhouse Historical Museum

What to Do: Built in 1905 by John and Florence Sullivan, is considered the oldest roadhouse in Alaska’s interior. Situated in the heart of Delta Junction at the official end of the Alaska Highway, this historic log lodge now serves as a museum showcasing the Valdez-Fairbanks Trail and the network of roadhouses that once dotted its path. Inside, visitors can immerse themselves in beautifully reconstructed rooms and interpretive exhibits, capturing the essence of daily life in early 20th-century Alaska. Outside, the grounds feature vibrant wildflower gardens, a traditional vegetable plot, and scenic interpretive pathways. Conveniently located across from the Delta Visitor Center, the Sullivan Roadhouse Historical Museum is a highlight for anyone seeking to connect with Alaska’s rich history. Free parking & free admission.

Kid Appeal: Children can see genuine artifacts (like antique tools and furnishings) and learn how early pioneers lived, all while exploring a historic log roadhouse.

Delta Community Library

What to Do: Browse the library’s book collection, check out family-friendly movies, or attend story-times and special events. Check them out on Facebook for the most recent activities. WiFi 24/7 from parking lot!

Kid Appeal: The library often host reading programs, craft days, and themed activities that encourage a love of reading and creativity.

Deltana Fair & Music Festival (Late July)

What to Do: If you’re in the area in late July, the Deltana Fair is the big annual local event featuring local vendors, carnival games, live music, livestock shows, a street parade and more. Location - 2755 Nistler Road Delta Junction, AK 99737.

Kid Appeal: Fun rides, fair food, and kid-friendly contests make it a memorable experience for the whole family.

Rika's Roadhouse at Big Delta State Historical Park

What to Do: Rika’s Roadhouse is the highlight of Big Delta State Historical Park, where visitors can trace Alaska’s past through a self-guided walking tour of the roadhouse, several restored buildings, and a museum. Built by John Hajdukovich in 1910, it was sold in 1923 to Swedish immigrant Rika Wallen for “$10.00 and other considerations,” likely as payment for her work. She immediately renamed it Rika’s Roadhouse and managed it into the late 1940s, remaining there until her death in 1969.

Open from mid-May through mid-September, a self-guided walking tour takes you through the museum complex, which includes the WAMCATS station, a Swedish-style barn, and a sod-roofed cabin showcasing pioneer artifacts. Ample parking. Location - 274 Richardson Hwy, Delta Junction, AK 99737.

Kid Appeal: The grounds along the Tanana River let kids roam, explore nature, and stretch their legs —perfect for burning off extra energy and hands-on exploration.

Trans-Alaska Pipeline

What to Do: For many visitors arriving on the Alaska Highway, Delta Junction is the first place to see the famous Trans-Alaska Pipeline. The best viewing point is Mile 275.4 of the Richardson Highway where the pipeline crosses the Tanana River. Ample parking.

Kid Appeal: Kids might be surprised and excited to see such a massive piece of engineering towering over the landscape. Curious kids can learn about the pipeline’s history, how it’s built to withstand harsh Alaskan winters, and why it’s such an important part of the state’s economy

Outdoor Recreation and Trails

Camping

Check out the Public Use Cabins in and around Delta Junction for an authentic camping experience. Be prepared!

Delta State Recreation Site: Known for its scenic campground and picnic areas near the Delta River. It’s a favored camping spot for travelers journeying between Tok and Fairbanks. It provides a backcountry atmosphere yet remains conveniently close to town for events and shopping. Nearby stores, commercial showers, and other amenities add to the convenience. Visitors can take advantage of 25 developed campsites, a picnic area, a covered picnic shelter, as well as available water and toilets.

Quartz Lake there are 16 campsites in the loop and 87 parking and camping sites in the parking lot development. Mile 277.8 Richardson Highway.

Fishing

Birch Lake State Recreation Site: a fantastic stop for families traveling between Fairbanks and Delta Junction. It sits right along the Richardson Highway with a peaceful, lily pad–filled lake on one side and forested wetlands on the other. Birch Lake is perfect for camping, swimming, fishing, jet skiing, and water skiing. In the spring, fish from the shore and in summer, head out in a boat. Kids will be excited to learn that Birch Lake is stocked with rainbow trout, king and silver salmon, grayling, Arctic char, and northern pike. Birch Lake is at Milepost 305.5 of the Richardson Highway, 57 miles southeast of Fairbanks.

Delta Clearwater River provides excellent fishing opportunities for Arctic Grayling, whitefish, and salmon. I have heard a boat or kayak is preferred, there really isn't a way to fish from the bank.

Lost Lake (Fishing): Lost Lake is an excellent spot for anglers, as the Alaska Department of Fish and Game stocks it each year with 40 brood stock and 1,000 catchable-size rainbow trout. Fishing tends to be best from the dock or a canoe. The daily bag and possession limit is 10 fish total, with only one allowed to exceed 18 inches. Always consult the latest fishing regulations for details.

Quartz Lake State Recreation Area: Quartz Lake has some of the best road accessible fishing in Interior Alaska. Each year more than 34,000 fish are harvested. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game stocks Quartz Lake annually with over 300,000 fingerling rainbow trout, and coho salmon. Mile 277.8 Richardson Highway.

Shaw Pond: Accessible from the Richardson Highway with a gravel parking area. Stocked by ADF&G with arctic char and rainbow trout.

Tips: Always supervise near the water and ensure kids wear life jackets if they’re close to deep water or an inexperienced swimmer. Use easy-to-handle gear, like a lightweight spinning rod or a push-button reel. Choose simple setups, like a bobber with bait or a small lure.

Hiking

Castner Glacier:  Spanning 2.6 miles round trip, the hike to the Castner Glacier ice cave is easy to follow and travels across mostly level ground. There is no maintained or marked trail leading to Castner Glacier, and there are no signs indicating where to begin. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the route in advance and be prepared for potential hiking challenges.

Between June and early October, hiking trails run on both sides of Castner Creek. Although these paths are rough and rocky, they are generally manageable for experienced hikers. Many visitors head to the glacier’s front to see the large ice cave. Identifying the glacier itself can be tricky, as it’s covered with rocks—about 1.25 miles from the highway, you’ll come upon steep, rocky slopes (or snowy inclines in winter) that actually form the glacier. In some of the steepest spots where the rocks have slid away, exposed ice may be visible, but to the untrained eye, it can easily appear as ordinary hilly terrain. A few things you should know about going to Castner Ice Cave [YouTube Video].

Quartz Lake State Recreation Area:  There are five hiking trails in the park for visitors to experience and enjoy. Mile 277.8 Richardson Highway.

Tips: Wear layers and sturdy, comfortable shoes. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, and a first aid kit. Stay on marked trails, keep kids within sight, and teach basic wildlife safety. Focus on fun and exploration, not the distance or speed.

Picnicking

Delta Junction Picnic Gazebo: 1702 Salcha Ave, Delta Junction, AK 99737 (no pets in the park)

Delta State Recreation Site: Known for its scenic campground and picnic areas near the Delta River. Visitors can take advantage of 25 developed campsites, a picnic area, a covered picnic shelter, as well as available water and toilets.

Tips: Incorporate local treats like smoked salmon, reindeer sausage, or fresh berries. Stop by Delta Meat and Sausage, Inc and get a local snack. Store food in sealed containers to avoid attracting animals. Never leave food unattended, and pack out all trash. Pack layers and a windproof jacket, as weather can change quickly. Avoid spots too close to water in mosquito-heavy areas.

Swimming

Quartz Lake State Recreation Area has a swimming area, beach volleyball court, and boat launches. It's located 10 miles north of Delta Junction. Mile 277.8 Richardson Highway.

Lost Lake Trail Campground has swimming, water skiing, and volleyball. Take note, previous parents have mentioned kids getting swimmers itch.

Tips from the locals: Big D ponds end of Spengler Rd across from Rikas Roadhouse. Location - 64°08'01"N 145°49'37"W Spangler Road Gravel Pits.

Mosquitoes are more active near water at dawn and dusk—plan swimming during mid-day to avoid bites. Watch for Swimmer's Itch: Rinse off immediately after swimming, especially in shallow, warm water. Have anti-itch cream or hydrocortisone on hand for swimmer’s itch, just in case. Use life jackets for younger swimmers or those who aren’t confident in the water. Use water shoes to prevent cuts from sharp rocks or debris.

Other Activities

Dog sled rides:  Check out Drakes Haven Adventures LLC for dog sled rides and introductory lessons to learn to mush.

Playgrounds:

• Delta Junction Elementary School. 2659 Nistler Rd, Delta Junction, AK 99737

• Delta Junction Playground. 1702 Salcha Ave, Delta Junction, AK 99737. (outside signage says no pets in the park)

• Community Park: Spacious lawns, baseball and soccer fields, and a large and small playground provide plenty of space for fun. However, the gravel pathways connecting different areas of the park can be challenging to navigate with strollers or wheelchairs. Location: 27WC+88 Delta Junction, Alaska (Code Plus).

Geocaching: There are a few locations in and around Delta Junction. Learn more https://www.geocaching.com/play/search. (we have not personally done any of these yet).

Farming & Agricultural Fun

What to Do: Delta Junction is one of the few places in Alaska with expansive agriculture.

Alaska Range Dairy: Family owned and operated dairy farm, processing milk for retail sales. Visitors and tourists welcome! Their milk is delicious and it’s fun for the kids to see the cows. If the owner is around he might even invite you in to see the babies. >> Read more about them here.

Berry Picking: Try the following locations shared by a few locals - 1/ Coal miner road under the pipeline! 2/ Blueberry hill (Delta drop zone area) on backside of Fort Greely, Alaska. 3/ Donnelly Flats be sure to get a permit first, 4/ Tangle lakes, 5/ Denali highway at Clearwater creek.

Along the pipeline roads you can tend to find strawberries.

Highways End Farmers Market: Throughout the summer, the area behind the Sullivan Roadhouse transforms into a bustling Farmer’s Market, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Wednesday and Saturday. Coordinates - Latitude: 64.037876 & Longitude: -145.730473.

Kid Appeal: Some farms might offer tours or U-pick opportunities, letting children get hands-on with plants, vegetables, and local farming practices.

Wildlife Watching (Especially Bison)

Clearwater Lake a spring-fed lake known for freezing late and thawing early. It serves as a vital resting point for migrating birds and supports nesting waterfowl, eagles, and osprey. Moose frequently roam its shores, where various songbirds also make their homes. Labor Day weekend tends to be the busiest time, as river traffic increases and the salmon run begins. By contrast, earlier in the summer—before the Coho run—the region sees much lighter human activity.

Delta Bison Range spot wild herds of plains bison (particularly in the summer and early fall months).  The bison range lies on the south side of the Alaska Highway, beginning around milepost 1408 and continuing eastward to the Little Gerstle River.

Donnelly Dome: Donnelly Dome stands about 20 miles south of Delta along the Richardson Highway, rising around 2,500 feet above Donnelly Flats and the Delta River. Formed by a split glacier from the Alaska Range, its sides were carved away to create the dome we see today. A public military road leads visitors closer to the area, with trails ascending to the summit. Although the route can be steep, it’s not overly difficult—bring warm layers, a windproof jacket, and binoculars, and plan on half a day for the trip. At Mile 248, turn west onto the gravel road, continue past the second sharp bend, and park 300 yards beyond in the pull-off on your left. An unmarked yet well-worn trail leads toward the Dome’s north ridge, passing through alder and willow before opening up to panoramic views of the Tanana Valley and the Alaska Range.

Late April through early June sees free-ranging bison calving along the Delta River’s gravel bars, and these herds often stay through the summer. The surrounding countryside is also home to the smaller Macomb caribou herd, rutting moose in the fall, as well as plentiful grouse, ptarmigan, and other birdlife. Grizzly bears occasionally roam Donnelly Flats, part of the Fort Wainwright Military Reservation, south of Delta Junction. Because this area is within Fort Wainwright lands, anyone 16 or older must register for a free Recreation Access Permit (RAP) and sign in to the USARTRAK system prior to visiting.

Quartz Lake sits at the edge of Shaw Creek Flats. This lake, along with two smaller adjacent ponds and the surrounding recreation area, offers ample opportunities to spot beavers, moose, and waterfowl. Occasional black bear sightings are possible, too. Several nature trails provide access to the land west of the lake, and both Clearwater and Quartz Lakes are known for their loon populations.

Kid Tip: Bring binoculars, pack some snacks, a jacket, and some rain boots (just in case) and turn it into a mini wildlife safari.

Winter Sports (Seasonal)

Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing

In winter, many local trails are groomed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing—perfect for energetic kids who love the snow. 

The River Walk Park and Liewer Trail ski trails (map) from October through April, depending on snowfall are groomed for cross-country skiing. Both skiers and walkers are welcome, but please avoid stepping on tracks set aside for classic skiing. No warming hut or restrooms are available at these locations, so plan to dress for the weather or use your vehicle for shelter.

Check out Delta Junction Trails Association for more information and trail status (Facebook link).

Ice Fishing

With proper safety measures and local advice, families can try ice fishing on nearby lakes. 

Quartz Lake (also mentioned above) has Ice Huts available for rent.

Birch Lake, between November and April, has rental ice-fishing huts, built by the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, so everyone can stay cozy while reeling in a catch.

Local Ice Rink & Skating

Check  Liewer Olmstead Ice Arena for open-skate nights. Delta Skating Association provides our local youth hockey program.

Fireworks

The Delta Sportsman’s typically puts on a firework show on New Years Eve. Come down Nome Trail off of Clearwater and you will see them on the right hand side.