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City in Alaska, United States
Photo: Beeblebrox, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
North Pole is a city of 2,100 people (2019) near Fairbanks in Interior Alaska. The city is a summertime attraction for tourists visiting nearby Fairbanks and, due to its location on the Richardson Highway, those traveling to and from the Alaska Highway and Valdez.
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The most obvious sight in the city is the "Santa Claus House," a Christmas-themed gift shop with live reindeer next door and appearances by Santa himself. You can also arrange for anyone you wish to receive a letter from Santa just before Christmas! There is a sweet shop inside and the "World's Largest Santa" statue outside.
Meet and feed Santa's reindeer.
Another gift shop you say? Well, yes and no. It is a gift shop, and has some sculptures made of burled and knotty wood, hence the name. However the real attraction here is the "wildlife museum" in the back room. It is one of the most over-the-rop displays of taxidermy you will ever see. Whoever made it has basically shot at least one of every animal in Alaska and had it mounted, and they are all on display on an indoor "mountainside." If you like finding weird tourist stuff, this is a must-stop.
In summer it is a nice place to stop for ice cream as well.
Chinese restaurant. Opened in 1990, it was featured on Diners, Drive-ins & Dives.
Chinese restaurant.
A small cafe inside the Santa Claus House. Has coffee, fudge and other desserts.
Was featured on Diners, Drive-ins & Dives.
Motel suites with full kitchen and apartments for extended stay.
Extended-stay hotel beside North Pole Plaza mall. Wi-fi and continental breakfast included. Meeting and banquet facilities.
By car
North Pole is on Alaska State Highway 2, about 14 miles east of Fairbanks.
By air
Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) is the closest airport with scheduled service.
By taxi
Taxis are available locally from North Pole Taxi (+1 907 488-7433) or King Cab (+1 907 488-8888).
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Fairbanks · Regional · FAI
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