BLM Arctic Circle Monument Sign
BLM Arctic Circle Monument Sign
4.5
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4.5
120 reviews
Excellent
72
Very good
25
Average
17
Poor
2
Terrible
4
steven o
Riverside, CA87 contributions
May 2022
Slower you drive the easier it is on the tires. Take some birdseed and just hold your hand out, and you'll have instant friends. I did this trip solo, with a roof top tent. It's just under 10000 miles round trip from Southern California, took me 26 days but I didn't take the most direct route, made a few side trips, and stayed a couple of places a couple of days. Depending on the time of year be ready for hoards of mosquitos.
Written 28 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa
Pelham, AL29 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
Getting there was half the battle. Being there was super cool but uneventful, it a sign in an area most people never go. We took a motor coach with 22 other people as part of a tour. It was a 16 hour round trip journey and a rough road to get there but I’d say it was worth it to do once in a lifetime.
There were some really friendly animals there and the tour company gave us a cool certificate for crossing the line. Wear bug spray if you’re there in summer or fall! Mosquitos and flys were killer.
There were some really friendly animals there and the tour company gave us a cool certificate for crossing the line. Wear bug spray if you’re there in summer or fall! Mosquitos and flys were killer.
Written 13 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JMcD202003
Fishers, IN26 contributions
Feb 2022
We visited this sign as part of an all day tour from North Pole, AK to the Arctic Circle. The tour was provided by Alaska Wildlife Guide. Our Guide was "Frank" and he was excellent. The Dalton Highway is paved in some areas and not in others. With the amount of recent snow, it requires someone driving who knows the area and roadway. Frank gave us information all along the way, including periodic stops. We followed the pipeline and stopped at a few places to check it out up close. We stopped at the Dalton Highway sign (with information about Mr. Dalton and the development of the highway and north slope). We also stopped at (and walked on) the Yukon River. On the way back to North Pole, the weather cleared and Frank pulled off on a safe siding and we witnessed the Aurora Borealis - it was quite a display. I highly recommend this trip and provider.
Written 22 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RC K
Grants Pass, OR257 contributions
Jul 2020
There really isn't much here, but if you must say that you have visited the Arctic Circle, then drive up this rock filled dusty road and have your picture taken with this sign. Be prepared to wash your vehicle and maybe replace a tire. A large flat sharp rock literally cut my tire off of the rim of my truck like a flying saw.
Written 5 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marciabsmith
Crestview, FL43 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We made this day trip as a family in August 2023. We left the North Pole area around 7 am and arrived at the Arctic Circle by noon, in spite of making two stops at the Yukon River and Finger Rock (for a quick hike) along the way. There was also a good bit of construction, and we had to stop to wait for pilot cars a couple times.
We had packed a picnic, and at the suggestion of a previous reviewer we brought birdseed. The birds were more interested in our lunch than the birdseed, but we very much enjoyed their company while we ate! We stayed for about an hour before heading back to North Pole. We did not stop on the way back (except for construction), and we back within 4 1/2 hours.
Just a tip: if you want souvenirs, there is a small store just north of the Yukon River. They sell a good assortment of postcards, shirts, hoodies, magnets, and mugs to commemorate your visit to the circumpolar north. They also have a gas pump if you prefer to top off your tank. Gas was $7.50 a gallon. They also have a restaurant and lodging available.
Second tip: there are metal grills set up by the picnic areas at the Arctic Circle picnic sites, so you could bring charcoal and matches and make yourself quite a feast! Or pack sandwiches like we did.
We had packed a picnic, and at the suggestion of a previous reviewer we brought birdseed. The birds were more interested in our lunch than the birdseed, but we very much enjoyed their company while we ate! We stayed for about an hour before heading back to North Pole. We did not stop on the way back (except for construction), and we back within 4 1/2 hours.
Just a tip: if you want souvenirs, there is a small store just north of the Yukon River. They sell a good assortment of postcards, shirts, hoodies, magnets, and mugs to commemorate your visit to the circumpolar north. They also have a gas pump if you prefer to top off your tank. Gas was $7.50 a gallon. They also have a restaurant and lodging available.
Second tip: there are metal grills set up by the picnic areas at the Arctic Circle picnic sites, so you could bring charcoal and matches and make yourself quite a feast! Or pack sandwiches like we did.
Written 15 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert R
Houston, TX156 contributions
May 2021
We made the drive in our rental. Of course we not supposed to, but that was half the fun. We had to cross the artic circle, so it was worth it. No flats and a lot of the drive is paved, but still make sure you have a spare and plenty of gas. The drive is the best part. It will take about 6 hours rt from Fairbanks. Great views of the pipeline. There is a middle finger rock formation along the way. Did not see much wildlife if any which was surprising. The sign itself is just that, a sign. That is not what it is all about though. It making it there. Once there better have mosquito spray in the summer as they swarm you. It is worth the drive to make sure you do it. Probably take a tour van in the winter, but summer was fine to drive on your own, but still a risk for tires.
Written 29 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael S
19 contributions
Aug 2023
A sign, a viewpoint, and a bathroom. There is no context as to where the Arctic Circle actually is--at the sign? if you don't go beyond the sign did you really get there? After 6 hours of driving I was hoping for a little more than just a sign. Realize it is BLM and not National Park Service so maybe that explains it.
Written 21 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian D
Denver, CO2,388 contributions
Aug 2020
This was the highlight of my two+ weeks in Alaska. Standing at the point of the Arctic Circle was awesome! Matched only by standing at the equator or the antarctic circle, this is a stop to not be missed if given the opportunity. There is a sign on the Dalton Highway (a very historic highway, worth the trip in and of itself) that directs you to the point of the Arctic Circle. The Dalton Highway with its semi-trucks and gravel road takes you to this stop. You will travel a long distance on a slow highway, passing the Yukon River (the only bridge over the Yukon River in Alaska). You'll see the Alaska Pipeline all along the way, with some great views of the pipeline. At the Arctic Circle viewpoint, there is an overlook and a few small trails to a picnic area. A great place to take a break along the Dalton. A great day, with amazing views and historic value.
Written 20 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cap Chastain
Anchorage, AK17,429 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
I am not sure who originated this attraction BUT, the above Milepost (MP) information is incorrect. The BLM Arctic Circle Monument Sign is NOT on the Elliott Highway. NO. It is at Milepost 115.5 of the James Dalton Highway, also known as The Haul Road that is used to carry supplies and materials to the North Slope Oil Fields, in Deadhorse, Alaska, and environs.
If you decide to make this drive, I advise you to consider having two, good, heavy duty, quality, spare tires. Actually, I don't think it is a very good idea to even make the drive if you don't have a good, heavy duty, vehicle. I myself have a 3/4-ton, 2500 Series, Chevrolet Suburban. And in the back, I have a full length twin bed. This way I have a good place-to-sleep, no matter the time of day or night or the weather. Also, I suggest that you have-with-you a copy of THE MILEPOST, a guide to Alaska's roads and highways.
Having forewarned anyone thinking of making the drive up to the Arctic Circle Monument, I have been up here a number of times having a residence in Manley Hot Springs, it is a fun thing to see for oneself. You also see some Dalton Highway attractions such as the Yukon River Camp / Bridge at Milepost 56 as well as other fun things such as the Hot Spot Cafe at Milepost 60.3 for PHENOMENAL HAMBURGERS.
In addition to a photo of the Arctic Circle Sign, I am posting several other scenic photos showing how beautiful Northern Alaska is.
OK, don't let me talk-you-out-of-the-drive. But be forewarned, it is not to be taken lightly.
If you decide to make this drive, I advise you to consider having two, good, heavy duty, quality, spare tires. Actually, I don't think it is a very good idea to even make the drive if you don't have a good, heavy duty, vehicle. I myself have a 3/4-ton, 2500 Series, Chevrolet Suburban. And in the back, I have a full length twin bed. This way I have a good place-to-sleep, no matter the time of day or night or the weather. Also, I suggest that you have-with-you a copy of THE MILEPOST, a guide to Alaska's roads and highways.
Having forewarned anyone thinking of making the drive up to the Arctic Circle Monument, I have been up here a number of times having a residence in Manley Hot Springs, it is a fun thing to see for oneself. You also see some Dalton Highway attractions such as the Yukon River Camp / Bridge at Milepost 56 as well as other fun things such as the Hot Spot Cafe at Milepost 60.3 for PHENOMENAL HAMBURGERS.
In addition to a photo of the Arctic Circle Sign, I am posting several other scenic photos showing how beautiful Northern Alaska is.
OK, don't let me talk-you-out-of-the-drive. But be forewarned, it is not to be taken lightly.
Written 2 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mfreeze1958
Charlotte, NC25 contributions
Jul 2017 • Solo
In June 2017 arrived just minutes before the Summer Solstice ie the Midnight Sun. BLM will be there during the day hours to hand out signed certificates for crossing it. I got 2, one for each direction. They are more than happy to take your picture in front of the sign - a historical moment too.
Written 19 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Praneeth A
Las Vegas, Nevada
Can you drive to Arctic Circle sign from Fairbanks in a regular Rental Car during Summer?
Written 4 September 2022
egorslife
Boston, Massachusetts
I want to know your experience with you car as it’s not a conventional car to drive. Will be interesting to know how you did it and any flat tires or something. I’ll be taking my GT this July so it would be great if you could give some tips.
Thank you
Written 27 May 2018
This answer may be late for you but I just saw your question. The car we rented was unlike cars we drive around in cities. The wheels seemed to raise the car higher off the ground because there are potholes and all sorts of problem spots on the permafrost surface. It is not a well drained roadway, so you will encounter big puddles(it rains frequently) and splashes from the supply trucks and other vehicles. We had no flat tire but the car did come with a spare tire and tools. Only thing that was shocking was the high price of gas in the only gas station on the route. I think it was a quite a scenic drive.
Written 6 December 2018
How long did it take you to drive from Fairbanks to Arctic Circle?
Written 9 October 2017
We drove up in the summer so the road was a little rough but not too bad. We stopped along the way for pictures but it took us 6 hours to get to the sign, (we stopped at Hot Spot Cafe for lunch), then we continued on to Coldfoot which took another 2 1/2 hours. We spent the night further up at Marion Creek Campground just north of Coldfoot and the drive back to Fairbanks the next day was 7 hours.
Written 10 October 2017
Is it worth to see the sign and sit in the car for 6 hours? Is it a scenery drive in the winter?
Written 6 February 2017
It is definitely scenic but dangerous to drive in the summer so the winter must be frightful. Leave it to a professional who do not drive their own vehicles on that road. They rent from a limited supply since many firms will not rent vehicles to use on that road.
That should tell you something.
Written 7 February 2017
How safe is the drive from Fairbanks to the monument the first week in November?
Written 5 October 2016
Rental cars will not allow you to drive the Dalton highway any time of the year. Most of the tour companies stop the end of September. There are few service stops (160 miles +) and they don't always have fuel. The large trucks have the right of way. Unless you're an " Ice Road Trucker" I would not do it.
Written 5 October 2016
How safe is this drive from Fairbanks the first week in November?
Written 5 October 2016
We used a tour company, 1stalaskaoutdoor, and had a great trip. There were just the two of us so it was like having a private guide. Randy was great and i thought the day was worth it for the scenery and the site of the pipeline the whole way.
Written 19 October 2016
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