About Arctic Interagency Visitor Center
First opened in 2004, the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center is a partnership between three federal agencies that manage the public lands in northern Alaska: the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Alaska Geographic Association, our not-for-profit cooperating association partner, operates a bookstore here. The Visitor Center is located off Dalton Highway near the Coldfoot Camp truck stop, at mile 174.8. The Center is typically open late May through early September each year. For a complete list of activities and events, travel tips, FAQs, and information about the natural and cultural history of Arctic Alaska, see the full website.Activities and EventsThe Visitor Center always offers a variety of exhibits, options for audiovisual programs, and a ranger talk each night at 8 p.m. Also offered:Agents of Discovery virtual Junior Ranger ProgramsWalking trails through the boreal forest, visit https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2023-04/AK_BLM_DaltonHighwayCampgrounds.pdf for more information. Staff are on hand to answer questions about road conditions, weather, trip planning, and the natural and cultural history of the Arctic.All events are open to the public and free of charge.Contact InformationSummerArctic Interagency Visitor Center P.O. Box 9079 Coldfoot, AK 99701 Phone: 907-678-5209 or 678-2015 WinterBureau of Land Management 222 University Avenue Fairbanks, AK 99701 Phone: 907-474-2200 or toll-free 1-800-437-7021
How to Get There
From Fairbanks, travel north a total of 84 miles on the Steese (AK-6) and Elliott (AK-2) Highways to the Dalton Highway Junction and turn right onto the Dalton (AK-11). Continue to milepost 175 and turn left (west of the highway) into the parking area.It is about 260 miles from Fairbanks to Coldfoot, and the trip can take from 6 to 8 hours depending on weather, road conditions, and how often you stop along the way.The visitor center entrance is on the west side of the highway (left as you head north) opposite the entrance to the cafe and truck stop. Coldfoot is not much more than a wide spot in the road. If you cross the bridge over Slate Creek, you’ve gone too far!
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Arctic Interagency Visitor Center
Heading to Arctic Interagency Visitor Center? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Arctic Interagency Visitor Center?
No central reservation system listed for Arctic Interagency Visitor Center. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/14911) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Arctic Interagency Visitor Center?
From Fairbanks, travel north a total of 84 miles on the Steese (AK-6) and Elliott (AK-2) Highways to the Dalton Highway Junction and turn right onto the Dalton (AK-11). Continue to milepost 175 and turn left (west of the highway) into the parking area.It is about 260 miles from Fairbanks to Coldfoot, and the trip can take from 6 to 8 hours depending on weather, road conditions, and how often you s…
How do I contact Arctic Interagency Visitor Center?
You can reach the park at phone: 907-474-2200 or email: CentralYukon@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources