Eielson Air Force Base is an active United States Air Force installation in Interior Alaska. It is about 23 to 26 miles south or southeast of Fairbanks and about nine miles from North Pole. This guide covers access, housing, schools, child care, medical services, and recreation.

Base Overview

Official name Eielson Air Force Base
Military branch United States Air Force
Base status Active
Street address 4464 West Loop, Building 3126, Eielson AFB, AK 99702-1720
Visitor Center phone 907-377-3807
Official website Eielson Air Force Base official website

Location and Directions

Eielson is in the Fairbanks North Star Borough in Interior Alaska. Official base information places it about 23 miles south of Fairbanks, while another unit page places it 26 miles southeast of Fairbanks. North Pole is about nine miles away. Visitors should go to the Visitor Control Center at Hursey Gate, 2070 Central Avenue, for passes and current access directions.

Visitor Information

The Visitor Control Center at Hursey Gate is open Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is closed on weekends and federal holidays. Visitors age 18 and older need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card to get a visitor pass. Contact the center at 907-377-3807 before traveling because hours, gate access, and requirements can change, including because of weather.

Housing and Lodging

Service Contact or location Useful details
Military Housing Office 907-377-1840
2310 Central Avenue		 Provides housing referrals, lease help, and other housing support.
On-base housing Mayroad Privatized housing operated by Mayroad.
Gold Rush Inn 907-377-1844 Temporary lodging on the installation.

Military personnel should report to the Military Housing Office within two duty days of arrival, even if they plan to live off base. Unaccompanied personnel in grades E-1 through E-4 are generally assigned to Airmen dormitories and should work with their sponsor and the housing office.

Facilities and Services

The Military and Family Readiness Center provides relocation, employment, financial, family, transition, voting, and referral help. It also supports the Exceptional Family Member Program and Air Force Aid Society programs. The center is at 4464 West Loop, Building 3126, and can be reached at 907-377-2178.

Service Phone
Base Exchange 907-213-6486
Commissary 907-377-5134
Education and Training Center 907-377-5106
DEERS Office 907-377-2400
Chaplain 907-377-2130
Emergency or security forces contact 907-377-5130

Schools and Childcare

The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District operates the schools serving Eielson. Children living off base may request an on-base school placement case by case if space is available and their parents provide transportation.

Grades School
Kindergarten through grade 5 Anderson-Crawford Elementary School
Grades 6 through 8 North Pole Middle School
High school North Pole High School

The Child Development Center is in Building 2449 and serves children from six weeks through 11 years. It offers developmental care, preschool, drop-in care when space is available, meals, and snacks. Call 907-377-3237. School-age care is in Building 2572 for children about ages 5 through 12; call 907-377-5437. Family child care homes and youth programs are also available through the listed installation contacts.

Medical Services

The 354th Medical Group includes Byars Health Clinic and Clark Health Clinic. Services include family health, pediatrics, immunizations, mental health, laboratory work, radiology, optometry, physical therapy, dental care, pharmacy services, women's health, pregnancy care, and referrals. Eligibility, appointments, and referral rules vary by patient status and clinic, so use the current TRICARE clinic information before seeking care.

Recreation and Amenities

On-base recreation includes the Baker Field House Fitness and Sports Center, ski hill, bowling center, outdoor recreation, Community Center, library, military recreation areas, and Youth Center. The Community Center at 2518 Central Avenue has an indoor playground, golf simulators, arcade games, pool and table games, event rooms, and family programs. Its phone number is 907-377-2642.

Eielson Library is at 2518 Central Avenue, Building 3310. Call 907-377-3174. The Birch Lake Recreation Area is about 35 miles south of the main installation, and the Chena River Annex campground is about 12 miles north. The Natural Resources Office can be reached at 907-377-5182.

Things to Know

  • Eielson is an active Air Force installation hosted by the 354th Fighter Wing.
  • Interior Alaska can have severe weather, with extreme temperatures from about 95 degrees Fahrenheit in summer to minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit in winter.
  • Visitor access is controlled. Bring the required identification and contact the Visitor Control Center before arrival.
  • The base is commonly linked with Fairbanks but is geographically closer to North Pole.
  • Housing, child care, medical care, and recreation services may require eligibility checks, referrals, appointments, or reservations.
  • Access details and operating information can change because of weather, holidays, exercises, or security conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Eielson Air Force Base?

It is in Interior Alaska, about 23 to 26 miles south or southeast of Fairbanks and about nine miles from North Pole.

What phone number should visitors use?

Call the Visitor Control Center at 907-377-3807.

What identification do adult visitors need?

Visitors age 18 and older need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card to get a visitor pass.

Does Eielson have on-base housing?

Yes. On-base housing is privatized and operated by Mayroad.

Which school district serves Eielson?

The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District operates the schools serving the installation.