Fort Wainwright? What can you tell me about the area?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 08:24:41 -0400

I need some info on the area from the standpoint of some people that have been in for a while. All these newer soldiers keep offering their input, which I appreciate but I'd like to hear from some people who have been around the block a time or two so to speak. Just got here a few weeks ago. The wife and I are settling in nicely. My only issue is people keep telling me to "get out there and enjoy the area." Id love too... But what are some fun things to do around here! Thanks!

Response by SFC Josh Jackson made Apr 27 at 2015 11:45 AM

SFC Josh Jackson — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 11:45:27 -0400

I spent three years at Wainwright. Buy a sun lamp, and spend your long weekends driving to Anchorage.

Kidding aside, there are a few things to do in the area, as I understand it has grown a tiny bit. If Gulliver's book store is still open, it's a neat little hangout. You can get up to Chena Hot Springs resort, drive down to Mt. McKinley, visit the pipeline (for the sake of being able to say you've seen the pipeline). If Food Factory is still open, they had decent fare. Birch Hill is good for exercise in the summer and skiing/innertubing in the winter.

Just remember that you're moving to the Seasonal Affective Disorder capital of the world. Fairbanks has about a 150 degree temperature difference from summer to winter. Don't let yourself get cooped up in the house, even if it's -50 out. Find something to do, even if it's hanging out at Fred Meyer (yes, we resorted to that). Good luck!

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2015 12:29 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 12:29:25 -0400

From my perspective, this is one of the best places to be stationed.....especially if you are outdoorsy. If you like to hunt, fish, hike, kayak, etc. then this is the place for you. Wainwright does have so challenges and issues. As does any installation. I have been stationed at Hood and Bliss, so the small installation is right up our alley. There is no large crowds anywhere. Fairbanks is a small military friendly community where no one is in a hurry to do anything. There is not a lot to do in town. No mall, no major chain restaurants, no teenager friendly places to go. Especially during the winter where temps can get down to -50 or even colder. That being said, it is by far my favorite duty station in 20 years. My best advise is to get out and enjoy Alaska regardless of how warm or cold it may get. And it will get Warm and Cold. Drive to Anchorage on a long weekend, go to the Kenai Peninsula, get out and see the Northern Lights, the Hot Springs, and all the other stuff to do out doors. Good luck and have a safe trip up.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2015 12:45 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 12:45:49 -0400

Like SGM P. said, there are tons to do here. Kayak, fish, hunt, ATV trails, hiking at Angel Rocks or at Denali, Alaska Railroad trips, fishing tours; Seward, Kenai, Kodiak Island. Ice museum, Santa Claus House(super neat in the winter with the Ice Sculptures). Birch Hill in the winter, Birch Hill in the summer(bike trails..not child friendly, steep and fast), camping; Chena Lakes, White Mountain, Denali, Black Rapids Lodge. As far as winter, I personally don't see the need for a "happy lamp." Get out, be active, dress warm, layer up.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2015 1:21 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 13:21:06 -0400

I love it here. Been here just over a year and a half. There's so much around to do. Hunt fish kayaking. There's a nice shooting range at the end of Cushman ifvtgats what you are into. Pioneer Park is a little small but has s decent sized playground for the kids. It also has a mini golf course and train station that circles the park. If you have any questions feel free to contact me. I try to find something new every once in a while and would love to share with you if you would like.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2015 3:05 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 15:05:42 -0400

I would like to extend a big thanks for everyone's input. The wife and I are making plans to get out and enjoy based on what everyone has said! Thanks again!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Apr 28 at 2015 3:16 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 15:16:38 -0400

University of Fairbanks is a great way to spend the day without going broke. They have a good collection of WWII memorabilia recovered from the Aleutians. But their crown jewel is the room where you experience the northern lights and "hear" them. Feel your body slip into a peaceful trance. It is just soothing. Then take the kids around the campus and see all the caribou, elk, reindeer, etc.

North Pole has Santa's workshop and reindeer. Have a camera!

Denali National Park is great. Outside the park is GORGEOUS! There are very inexpensive museums and animal exhibits. They have a train that I never rode, but it is picturesque.

Spend every day outside doing stuff while you can. I envy you. It is a great experience. Get your vehicle ready for winter. I'm sure you already got told that.

Response by SGT Jason Thomas made Apr 29 at 2015 12:47 PM

SGT Jason Thomas — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 12:47:45 -0400

A regret of my tour is not seeing more.

Response by LTC Dan Brant made Apr 29 at 2015 4:40 PM

LTC Dan Brant — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 16:40:49 -0400

Everyone has hit the high points - fish, hunt, hike, golf. UAF Hockey is a good way top get out of the house in the winter. Denali is an easy drive and a back country camp is great. Don't miss the Kenai and South East Alaska. Take the ferry when you leave...great 3 days traveling through the SE.

Response by SGT James Mosley made Apr 29 at 2015 6:52 PM

SGT James Mosley — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 18:52:18 -0400

6 years and 2 combat tours here.. Loved every minute.

Response by SSgt Rilene Ann made Jun 29 at 2015 12:26 AM

SSgt Rilene Ann — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 00:26:15 -0400

Depends what your in to. Camping, hunting, hiking, fishing nearby. Outdoors familyvyou willbe happy. If into shopping etc will be disappointed. I volunteer so get to know different people at diff events in community especially in the winter so get out. Photography, skiing, dog mushing races.

Response by SPC David Dupey made May 23 at 2018 10:07 PM

SPC David Dupey — Wed, 23 May 2018 22:07:12 -0400

Rock hunting. Fishing. There are national parks