FORT GREELY ALASKA: IN-DEPTH WELCOME CENTER

By Paul Mooney

Introduction

Welcome to Fort Greely, Alaska, Home of the Rugged Professional! Named for famed explorer and Medal of Honor winner Major General Adolphus Greely, this post is also a key component of America’s anti-ballistic missile defense system and location of the military’s Cold Regions Test Center. This small but vital post is essentially a city unto itself, nearly isolated in one of the coldest parts of Alaska. And the harsh weather makes it a unique place to train. The post itself is rather small, with only a few hundred personnel stationed here full-time. But it’s size is in no way a reflection of its importance. Continue reading for an in-depth guide to help aid you in your transition to living and working on Fort Greely.

Where Is Fort Greely?
Google Map View
Getting There – Directions to the Post
Entering Fort Greely and Post Amenities
Where Should I Live Near Fort Greely?
What Schools are Near Fort Greely?
What’s the Weather Like in Fort Greely?
Things to Do Near Fort Greely

Where Is Fort Greely, Alaska?

Fort Greely Welcome and Visitors Center

Bldg 556, Big Delta Avenue Fort Greely, AK 99731

Phone

: 1 (907) 873-3663

Visitor's Center Hours:

Monday through Friday
- 0730 to 1630
Federal Holidays
- Closed

Fort Greely, Alaska Map

Fort Greely Directions

Fort Greely is about as remote as a military installation in the United States can be. So getting here is nothing short of an adventure. That said, you will be able to arrive safe and sound in a variety of ways.

Driving Directions

While it’s by no means impossible, driving to Fort Greely from the continental United States is quite a trek. Sitting over 2,000 miles from the border between Washington State and Canada, the installation would take quite a while to drive to. And require a passport, as much of your drive would be through our neighbor to the north. If you are planning such a drive, the post newcomer information page has tips and advice you should read up on. But it’s more likely that you’ll be driving here from the only major airport in the area: Fairbanks International Airport, which is over a 100 miles away.

From Fairbanks International Airport

Drive northeast on Old Airport Way toward Byers Access Road
Turn left on Byers Access Road
Turn right onto Airport Way
Merge onto Robert Mitchell Expressway/AK-3 N/Interstate A3 N toward Fairbanks
Drive 4.5 miles and take the AK-2 S ramp toward North Pole/Delta Junction
Merge onto Richardson Highway
After 102 miles take a right on Denali Highway/Ak-8
In 5 miles you will arrive at Fort Greely

Alaska Railroad

There is no train service connecting Fort Greely, or any part of Alaska, with the lower 48 states. The Alaska Railroad, which operates solely within the state, the closest train stop is in Fairbanks.

Interior Alaska Bus Line

The Interior Alaska Bus Line, which runs a number of routes throughout the state, provides buses between Fairbanks and the small city of Delta Junction. That will still put you roughly 40 miles from Fort Greeley, so further transportation will be required from there. Service runs twice every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Flights to Fort Greely

Fairbanks International Airport is by far the closest airport to the installation, although that’s certainly a relative term. Though getting there will likely require the use of a personal vehicle, once there you can get flights all across the US, Canada, Asia, and even as far away as Europe.

Fort Greely Transportation Office

Bldg 601, First Street Fort Greely, AK 99731

Phone

: 1 (907) 873-3042

Hours

: Call for hours/appointments

Entering Fort Greely and Post Amenities

Those without the proper Department of Defense identification will need a visitor pass to enter the post. To do so, you’ll need to stop by the visitor center with a valid vehicle registration, proof of current vehicle insurance, valid driver's license. For more information, read up on Fort Greely’s visitor information.

Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel

When you arrive at Fort Greely, your first stop must be the Welcome and Visitors Center to sign in. If it’s after working hours, simply proceed to the main gate and you can get signed in there. From there you will be directed where to check in with your particular unit or command.

Fort Greely Visitor Center

Fort Greely Welcome and Visitors Center

Bldg 556, Big Delta Avenue Fort Greely, AK 99731

Phone

: 1 (907) 873-3663

Visitor's Center Hours

: Monday through Friday - 0730 to 1630, closed Federal holidays

Fort Greely DEERS Office

The Fort Greely DEERS office, which is located in the Visitor Center, is available by appointment only. They do not take walk-ins, even during working hours. So call ahead or book one online.

Fort Greely DEERS Office

Bldg 556, Big Delta Avenue Fort Greely, AK 99731

Phone

: 1 (907) 873-3662

Hours

: Monday through Friday - 0800 to 1100 and 1300 to 1600

Fort Greely Gate Hours

The installation only has one gate, which is open 24/7 to vehicles. For further information on accessing Fort Greely, call 1 (907) 873-3663 or 1 (907) 873-4120.

Fort Greely Main Gate
- Open 24/7

Fort Greely Commissary

Bldg 601, 1st St Fort Greely, AK 99731

Phone

: 1 (907) 873-4404

Fort Greely Commissary Hours

Monday and Saturday
- 1100 to 1900
Tuesday through Friday
- 1030 to 1900
Sunday
- Closed

Fort Greely Exchange

Fort Greely Troop Store/Eielson Exchange

Bldg. 601 Fort Greely, AK 99737

Phone

: 1 (907) 869-3293

Fort Greely Exchange Hours

Monday through Friday
- 0800 to 1700
Saturday
- 1000 to1600
Sunday
- Closed

Fort Greely Barber Shops

Fort Greely Exchange Barber Shop

Bldg. 601 Fort Greely, AK 99737

Phone

: 1 (907) 869-3293

Hours

: Monday and Wednesday - 1000 to 1700

Fort Greely Post Office

Fort Greely Post Office

Bldg. 601 Fort Greely, AK 99737

Phone

: 1 ( 907)895-4601

Fort Greely Post Office Hours

Monday through Friday
- 1030 to1400
Saturday
- 0900 to 1200
Sunday
- Closed

Fort Greely Finance Office

Located in Fort Greely’s Army Community Service Center, the finance office is here to assist you with any financial matters or problems military personnel or family members are going through. Please call for hours and appointments.

Fort Greely Finance Office

Building 661, Arctic Ave Fort Greely, AK 99731

Phone

: 1 (907) 873-2479

Fort Greely Finance Office Hours

Call for hours and appointments

Fort Greely Legal Office

The Fort Greely Legal Assistance Office readily provides advice and aid to all military personnel, family members, and retirees. They’re here to help in all legal matters, from admin issues to child custody procedures. They’re open for appointment only, so please call before stopping by.

Fort Greely Legal Office

Bldg. 501, Big Delta Ave. Fort Greely, AK 99731

Phone

: 1 (907) 873-0420

Fort Greely Legal Office Hours

Monday through Friday
- 0830 to 1200 and 1300 to 1630

Fort Greely Library

There is no on-post library at Fort Greely.

Fort Greely, Alaska Hotels

Given its isolated location, it won’t surprise you that there aren’t too many places for visitors to stay near Fort Greely. But there are a few, mostly in the nearby town of Delta Junction. So if you do need to recommend a place for a visitor to stay, they won’t be left out in the cold.

Diamond Willow Inn

2485 Alaska Hwy Delta Junction, AK 99737

Phone

: 1 (907) 895-7400

Trophy Lodge

1420 Alaska Hwy Delta Junction, AK 99737

Phone

: 1 (907) 895-4685

Kelly's Alaska Country Inn

1616 Richardson Highway Delta Junction, AK 99731

Phone

: 1 (907) 895-4667

Buffalo Rentals: The Bunk House

1555 Richardson Ave Delta Junction, AK 99737

Phone

: 1 (907) 895-5422

Where Should I Live Near Fort Greely?

If you’re considering living on post, check out the available on-post housing options. Otherwise, read on to find out more about living off post.

Major Cities Near Fort Greely

As we’ve said, Fort Greely is about as isolated as a military post in the US can get. So chances are you’ll be living on-post while stationed here. However, the small city of Delta Junction sits right along the northern edge of the post and offers potential housing. So if you do wish to live outside the confines of post, you do have options.

Best Places to Live Near Fort Greely

Delta Junction

With a population of fewer than 1,000 people, Delta Junction is a lovely little city surrounded by vast, beautiful Alaskan scenery. As the last town on the Alaska Highway, it’s the last stop for many people taking adventurous trips into the stunning wilderness. Much of the business and commerce in the town centers on these outdoor activities as well as nearby Fort Greely.

Fort Greely Schools

There are no DoD schools on Fort Greely, so any families with school-aged children will need to send them to an institution off-post. The Delta Greely School District includes an elementary school, a junior high, a high school, and a smaller all-grades school covering the extremely rural areas of the district. Alaska Homeschool is also an option for all families in the area.

Fort Greely Weather

If you’re moving to Fort Greely, you’ll need to stock up on heavy jackets and thick boots because you’re in for a very cold stay. October through March typically sees high temperatures below freezing, with lows going all the way down to -50 degrees. Spring and summer weather never gets much higher than the low 60’s with lows averaging in the 40s and 50’s. The region is a fairly dry one, so precipitation is usually pretty minimal. To find out more in-depth information on the weather in the area, visit Fort Greely Weather: What To Expect When Moving Here.

Things to Do In Fort Greely, Alaska

While the weather can sound forbidding and the isolation of the region limits the variety of things to do around Fort Greely, what is here is pretty spectacular. The breathtaking scenery makes for great hiking and outdoor adventures during the warmer months. If you’re the type who likes the great outdoors, you’ll be delighted to live in a place that truly encapsulates the phrase. Check out 20 of the Best Things to Do Near Fort Greely for even more places to explore.

Conclusion

Your time stationed at Fort Greely will be a truly unique experience. So get excited to live in a true slice American wilderness unlike anywhere else in the world.

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

Last Updated:

9/30/2021

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