Lake Hood Seaplane Base

The feel

Lake Hood is a state-owned seaplane base 3 nautical miles southwest of downtown Anchorage, right next to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.

The Deck at Lake Hood serves Alaska seafood and gourmet burgers with local brews, and for chilly evenings the Fancy Moose is the inside bar, with pub-style fare, craft beers, several televisions and music nightly. In winter the frozen lake surface is maintained for ski-equipped airplanes.

What to expect

Crowds and best time

Nearly 200 floatplane landings per day in summer; the base averages 190 flights per day.

Parking

Free parking for guests of the Lakefront Anchorage hotel on Lake Spenard.

Season and access

Open to the public and operating continuously. The Deck at Lake Hood is seasonal and has covered seating for variable weather. The deck is at 4801 Spenard Rd, Anchorage.

Mingo says

Come in summer for the busiest viewing, when nearly 200 landings a day cross the lake. Pick a chilly evening if you want the Fancy Moose bar indoors.

Before you go

• Call the base at (907) 266-2410 for questions about the airfield.
• Head to 4801 Spenard Rd for The Deck at Lake Hood.
• Know that the Fancy Moose Lounge serves from midday to late.

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