Fort Wainwright? What can you tell me about the area?

University of Fairbanks is a great way to spend the day without going broke. They have a good collection of WWII memorabilia recovered from the Aleutians. But their crown jewel is the room where you experience the northern lights and "hear" them. Feel your body slip into a peaceful trance. It is just soothing. Then take the kids around the campus and see all the caribou, elk, reindeer, etc.

North Pole has Santa's workshop and reindeer. Have a camera!

Denali National Park is great. Outside the park is GORGEOUS! There are very inexpensive museums and animal exhibits. They have a train that I never rode, but it is picturesque.

Spend every day outside doing stuff while you can. I envy you. It is a great experience. Get your vehicle ready for winter. I'm sure you already got told that.

From my perspective, this is one of the best places to be stationed.....especially if you are outdoorsy. If you like to hunt, fish, hike, kayak, etc. then this is the place for you. Wainwright does have so challenges and issues. As does any installation. I have been stationed at Hood and Bliss, so the small installation is right up our alley. There is no large crowds anywhere. Fairbanks is a small military friendly community where no one is in a hurry to do anything. There is not a lot to do in town. No mall, no major chain restaurants, no teenager friendly places to go. Especially during the winter where temps can get down to -50 or even colder. That being said, it is by far my favorite duty station in 20 years. My best advise is to get out and enjoy Alaska regardless of how warm or cold it may get. And it will get Warm and Cold. Drive to Anchorage on a long weekend, go to the Kenai Peninsula, get out and see the Northern Lights, the Hot Springs, and all the other stuff to do out doors. Good luck and have a safe trip up.

6 years and 2 combat tours here.. Loved every minute.