The historic community of Wiseman, situated on the Middle fork of the Koyukuk River.
We are located in the small village of Wiseman, situated in Northern Alaska, approximately 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle and 270 miles from Fairbanks. Flanked by the Brooks mountain range and near the Gates of the Arctic National Park. You can reach Wiseman via the Dalton Highway, which connects Fairbanks to Deadhorse and the Arctic Ocean. The Dalton Highway (Haul Road) is a well-maintained road of pavement and some sections of gravel. Winter road conditions vary based on the road maintenance response time and the extent of winter storm conditions. You may choose to drive yourself, fly to the Coldfoot Airport, or take the Dalton Highway Express shuttle.
Getting to Wiseman
VEHICLE
Drive on your own
- Fairbanks to Wiseman – 6 Hours in normal conditions
- Distance: 270 miles
- Gas stations: Fairbanks, Hilltop, Yukon River and Coldfoot
Weather and road construction can affect travel times. If you plan to rent a car, please inquire with your rental car company to ensure that they allow travel on the Dalton Highway.
AIR
Fairbanks to Coldfoot
The nearest commercially serviced airport is 17 miles south of Wiseman in Coldfoot. A few Fairbanks-based companies offer small plane service to this airport on a limited basis, depending on the weather.
Please ask if we can arrange a shuttle from Coldfoot airport to Wiseman.
SHUTTLE
Dalton Highway Express
If you do not want to drive yourself, you can make arrangements with the Dalton Highway Express (a small 15-passenger-van shuttle service) often, they can drop our guests directly in our yard!
Please check out their website for current schedules and prices. They generally operate June-August, with north and southbound departures a few days of the week.
The Community of wiseman
If you drive to Wiseman, the Wiseman spur road is located 14 miles north of Coldfoot. A small sign will direct you to turn left for a three-mile drive from the Dalton Highway to Wiseman.
Continue along the Wiseman road. Once you reach the Wiseman, follow the main road winding through the village over a green metal bridge. Our driveway is right at the bottom of the bridge. Turn right into it. Park, come up to the house with the “Arctic Getaway” sign, and ring the doorbell. We will come out to greet you. (The house might appear dark but we will be there expecting you.)
Take the first right after crossing the bridge over Wiseman Creek.
Take a left from the Dalton Highway onto the Road to Wiseman.
Traveling farther north
We recommend driving an additional 100 miles through the Brooks Range, over Atigun Pass.
James Dalton Highway at the Chandalar Shelf, Arctic, Alaska.
During your stay with us, we recommend making a day trip driving an additional 100 miles through the Brooks Range, over Atigun pass (the highest road pass in Alaska, 4,800 ft.), and out onto the open tundra of the Arctic North Slope and coastal plains. The spectacular scenery will reward the extra effort. You may see moose, wolves, grizzly bears, Dall sheep, musk oxen, birds, and other wildlife along the way. If you plan to go all the way to Deadhorse and the Arctic Ocean, we recommend spending a night there.