Visiting the Refuge
Visitor Center and Interpretation
Tetlin Refuge Visitor Center has wildlife exhibits, visitor information, an Alaska Geographic bookstore, and a large observation deck with spotting scopes. Open daily 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., May 15 – September 15, Milepost 1229 Alaska Highway. See Map (pdf).
Our Visitor Center is located approximately 8 miles from the US/ Canada border. It was built in 1988 (opened in 1989) in the style of a log Trapper's Cabin (although considerably larger) with a sod roof. The Visitor Center has been well maintained, but the original exhibits were a bit worn and outdated. Therefore, we worked with an Art Director to create new exhibits which were shown for the first time in the summers of 2009 and 2010! We're quite excited about sharing these lovely new exhibits with our visitors.
For groups (small or large), interpretive tours are available at the Visitor Center. Please call and arrange a date and time (24 hour notice is preferred). Presentations by Visitor Center staff may be tailored to the needs of the group. Group leaders or guides may call 907-883-9404 to reserve a time or for further information.
New exhibits (pdf) at the log cabin visitor center near the Alaska/Canada border reveal the beauty and history of Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors "travel" through the ecosystems of the refuge, interact with the history of the area, and discover ways to appreciate wildlife within the refuge's boundaries.
Aerial view of the Tetlin Visitor Center and surrounding boreal forest.
Photo Credit: USFWS |
Summer guests read informational outdoor
panels and view panoramic scenes from
the deck before checking out the exhibits
inside the Tetlin Visitor Center.
Photo Credit: Kay Lynn Odle-Moore, USFWS |
Park Ranger, Adriana Amaya, at welcome desk in Visitor Center
Photo Credit: Kay Lynn Odle-Moore, USFWS |
Interpretive Panels along Alaska Highway
Photo Credit: Amy Wright, USFWS |
Unique cultural perspectives are shared by our local Athabascan Rangers at the daily Interpreter’s Choice Nature Talks offered at the Refuge Visitor Center.
A free interpretive auto tour tape or CD is available at the Visitor Center. The oral narrative describes wildlife and habitats on the refuge, local Athabascan history/culture, and WWII construction of the ALCAN highway. Please drop the tape or CD off at the Alaska Public Lands Information Center in Tok (MP 1314) or at the Tok Mainstreet Visitor Center.
There are seven interpretive highway pullouts located along 65 miles of the Alaska Highway that parallels the northern Refuge boundary. Interpretive panels highlight the dynamics of the natural landscape, historical events and local cultural resources. |
Photo of Refuge Information Technician, Teddy Northway, Jr. in Visitor Center with traditional drum Photo credit: Kay Lynn Odle-Moore/USFWS |
Park Ranger, Cora Demit, sharing some of her beading with visitors.
Photo Credit: Kay Lynn Odle-Moore
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Two young men (from the United Kingdom and Montana) bicycling from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska to the city of Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, enjoy hot tea and coffee in the Visitor Center while their water-logged gear has a chance to dry out a bit.
Photo Credit: Kay Lynn Odle-Moore |
Refuge Information Technician, Sylvia Pitka, shares birch bark baskets with visitors.
Photo Credit: Kay Lynn Odle-Moore
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Last updated: July 14, 2011
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