Roadhouses still a way of life along Alaska’s roads

In Alaska’s early days, pioneers began building the first roads between communities, and, along with them, the roadhouse. The arrival of these bastions of comfort were much welcome to road-weary travelers (who had no RV to keep them comfy). The roadhouses offered a warm place to sleep, hot food and some much-sought-after conversation.

At the turn of the 20th century, these roadhouses were found across Alaska, often every 20 or so miles apart from one another and a manageable distance for those traveling by stagecoach, horse or dog sled. They were simple buildings, low-roofed and built of thick locally cut timbers. Most of them were log, although clapboard buildings showed up now and then, as well.

In many areas, they needed no distinction and often were simply called “The Roadhouse.” Today, many still offer room and board, while others stand as a historic reminder of the early days of transportation.

Knik Hall: This roadhouse is thought to have been constructed sometime between 1900 and 1914, and originally was used as a roadhouse, pool hall and store. The two-story, wood-framed building still stands today and is home to the Knik Museum and Sled Dog Musher’s Hall of Fame. To find it, turn south off the Parks Highway in Wasilla onto Knik Road and drive about 14 miles.

Sourdough Roadhouse: This 1906-era building is one of Alaska’s better-known roadhouses, and is billed as the longest-running original roadhouse in Alaska. Built along the then-Valdez-to-Fairbanks Trail, it today can be found at Mile 147.5 of the Richardson Highway. The roadhouse still serves Richardson Highway travelers and is a recognized National Historic Landmark.

Rika’s Roadhouse: This delightful roadhouse still operates today as a historic site at the Big Delta State Historical Park at Mile 275 of the Richardson Highway. The roadhouse was yet another Alaska Railroad project, built in 1909 and 1910. It was used a stopping point for those on the Valdez-to-Fairbanks Trail. After the Richardson Highway was built and upgraded, the roadhouse became less prominent and its owner, Swedish immigrant Rika Wallen, closed the doors. The State of Alaska upgraded the building in 1986 and it became the popular roadside diversion it is today.

Gakona Lodge and Trading Post: Built in 1905, the original roadhouse sits next to a newer two-story log counterpart built in 1929. Today’s lodge is on the National Register of Historic Places and features an excellent dinner out of the Carriage House dining room. Look for both at Mile 2 of the Tok Cutoff.

Copper Center Lodge: The lodge was built in 1897, and it still serves travelers today with basic rooms and a restaurant featuring sourdough pancakes. The roadhouse can be found past Mile 100 on the Old Richardson Highway.

Manley Roadhouse: This roadhouse, filled with antiques, is an antique itself. It was built in 1906 to serve dog mushers, gold prospectors and the occasional adventurer of the early 1900s. The roadhouse still operates today, with accommodations with shared and private baths. Look for it near Mile 150 of the Elliott Highway in Interior Alaska.