Chatanika Lodge

The feel

This is a rustic roadhouse bar, restaurant and motel 28 miles north of Fairbanks on the Steese Highway, family owned since 1974. Nearly all the walls and ceilings of the restaurant are covered with signed dollar bills, and guests can sign one to be posted up. Taxidermy fills out the walls, and the lodge has a full kitchen.

The building was rebuilt after a 1975 fire and reopened by the Fourth of July. Outside, a 1918 sleigh sits out front, and inside there is a wall of John Wayne memorabilia and about 36,000 colored Christmas bulbs. The setting has 360-degree views and very little light pollution.

What to expect

Setting

A rustic roadhouse with a bar, a restaurant and a motel, covered in signed dollar bills and taxidermy.

Hours

The bar and restaurant are open year round. No daily hours are published, so call (907) 389-2164 before you drive out.

Food and drink

A full kitchen serving typical bar food at Alaska prices.

Music and events

Seasonal events include Chatanika Days, with outhouse races and human bowling, and an Outhouse Race.

Season and access

Open year round, 28 miles north of Fairbanks on the Steese Highway.

Mingo says

The views are wide and the sky is dark, so the lodge works well for watching the aurora. Time your visit for Chatanika Days if you want the outhouse races.

Before you go

• Call (907) 389-2164 to confirm hours, since none are published.
• Bring a dollar bill to sign and post on the wall or ceiling.
• Plan for a drive of 28 miles north of Fairbanks on the Steese Highway.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.