ANCHORAGE, Alaska – As the new year dawns, Alaska Railroad is preparing to mark 100 years since the completion of its 470-mile main line. It was July 15, 1923, when President Warren G. Harding drove a golden spike signaling the completion of the railroad in Nenana, Alaska (Harding would die in San Francisco while returning from the trip).
To kick off its centennial, Alaska Railroad is launching a 12-day centennial-themed package that will take passengers along the entirety of the 470-mile railroad. The new limited edition Centennial Special travel package includes destinations all along the main line, including time in Seward, Anchorage, the remote Spencer Glacier whistle stop, Denali National Park and Preserve, and Fairbanks.
Now through mid-May, the Aurora Winter Train will take passengers to Anchorage, Talkeetna, Fairbanks, and other stops. The Aurora Winter Train operates on weekends with additional midweek departures starting in February.
The railroad has also commissioned centennial-focused artwork by two artists from Alaska’s interior region, including Nenana, where the railroad was completed. The artwork is featured on official 2023 prints, posters and other merchandise available at the railroad’s gift shops and ticket windows. The public can meet artists William “Art” Chase from North Pole and Noah Nolywaika from Nenana during two sign-and-sale events on Jan. 6 at the depot in Fairbanks and Jan. 14 at the depot in Anchorage. For more information, including history and images of past prints, can be found on the Alaska Railroad website.
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