Your Essential Guide to Riding the Alaska Railroad in Winter

Onboard storytelling

Winter riders get continuous storytelling from the crew: the dramatic birth story of how the railroad was built, Indigenous history, gold-rush lore, wildlife behavior, and geography. It’s like having a personal tour of Alaska built into the price of your train ticket.

The flagstop service

This is one of the last operational flagstop trains in the US. Between Talkeetna and Hurricane, residents can stand near the tracks and wave the train down! (There are no train depots or platforms in the bush.) Local passengers move in and out of communities with no road access to get supplies, see doctors, etc. Watching this unfold in real time is a highlight of the winter journey.

Marvel at the changing landscapes

Nenana River Valley: Narrow canyons, frozen curves, and stark spruce forests.

Denali Region: On clear days, Denali’s silhouette appears far to the west; even without it, the Alaska Range dominates the skyline.

Mat-Su Valley: Open farmland, wide skies, and a golden winter sunset that fades straight into blue dusk.

Before or after your train journey:

• Run, reindeer, run:

At Running Reindeer Ranch, you can spend 3–4 hours getting to know everything about reindeer. After the safety briefing, you’ll meet a small herd of reindeer and actually walk the reindeer’s “run” through old-growth forest. It doesn’t get more Alaska than that.

• Northern Lights tour

A clear, windless winter night in Fairbanks is the perfect setup for aurora viewing. Most outings will take you to darker, higher elevations away from city glow, where the sky opens up and the lights can ripple, arc, or curtain overhead.

• Chena Hot Springs

The springs are located about an hour outside Fairbanks, and the contrast between subzero air and 100-degree mineral water is a quintessential Alaskan experience.

• Museum of the North

Set on a hill above the University of Alaska Fairbanks, you’ll find exhibits on Indigenous cultures, Arctic science, gold-rush history, and a surprisingly moving collection of contemporary Alaskan art.

• Anchorage Museum

Anchorage’s flagship museum pairs world-class design with a wide range of Alaska stories. It’s one of the few museums where Indigenous culture, Arctic science, contemporary art, and hands-on exploration all carry equal weight. It’s beautifully curated and deeply informative.

• Simon & Seafort’s Saloon & Grill: A longtime Anchorage classic with big-picture views over Cook Inlet. The menu leans into Alaska seafood, steaks, and comfort dishes, and the old-school saloon vibe makes it a favorite for sunset dinners.

• Crush Wine Bar, Anchorage: A cozy, modern spot downtown known for its thoughtful wine list, small plates, and seasonal menu.

• The Pump House, Fairbanks: A gold-rush–era waterfront restaurant that serves hearty Alaska fare—think salmon, reindeer, and prime rib with a healthy dose of historic charm.

• Snow City Cafe, Anchorage: Anchorage’s go-to breakfast and brunch hub. Expect big portions, fresh ingredients, and a steady line out the door. The stuffed French toast and benedicts have a loyal following.

• 49th State Brewing, Anchorage: A lively brewpub with rooftop views, crowd-pleasing comfort food, and a rotating lineup of Alaska-made beer. It’s casual, reliable, and one of the best places in town for early dinners or bigger groups.