History: Homesteaded in the 1940s, North Pole earned its name when a local resident selling land hoped to attract a toy manufacturer who could advertise products as being made in North Pole. The name stuck and although a toy factory never materialized, Santa Claus House eventually came into existence.
North Pole proclaims itself the town “Where the Spirit of Christmas Lives All Year Long.” Visitors can enjoy holiday decorations and trimmings regardless of the season. The United States Postal Service delivers hundreds of thousands of letters to the town each Christmas and North Pole, in keeping with their motto, answers each one.
Population: 1,595
Location: North Pole is located 14 miles southeast of Fairbanks on the Richardson Highway. It is 386 miles north of Anchorage. North Pole is located between two military bases, Eielson Air Force Base to the south, and Fort Wainwright (U.S. Army) to the North.
Access: By road via the Richardson Highway.
Accommodations: Besides the novelty of seeing Santa, North Pole is a great place to stay when visiting the Fairbanks area. Nearby Chena Lake Recreation Area is just down the road and offers a great way to spend a day. The park area has 80 campsites and the town of North Pole has three full-service campgrounds as well as tent sites located in North Pole Public Park, one motel, bed and breakfasts and restaurants.
Information compiled and edited by Robert M. Braley Jr., Photographer Ref. 25
