- Admission
- Free
- Hours
- Open 24/7 for exterior viewing
- Duration
- 10-15 minutes
- Parking
- Gravel turnout parking along the highway
- Access
- Easily viewable from a vehicle or the gravel roadside area; the building interior is closed to the public
This massive, four-story concrete igloo was built in the 1970s as a hotel but was never completed. Today, the derelict shell stands as one of Alaska's most iconic and bizarre roadside landmarks. Though fenced off to the public, it remains a must-see photo stop for travelers.
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Rising weirdly from the Alaskan wilderness along the Parks Highway, Igloo City is a massive, four-story concrete dome designed to look like an igloo. Originally constructed in the 1970s as a roadside hotel and restaurant, the ambitious project was never fully completed due to budget constraints and building code violations. Today, it stands as a surreal, abandoned monument to quirky roadside architecture.
While the building was never opened to the public, its weathered, graffiti-tagged exterior remains one of Alaska's most famous and photographed landmarks. Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, the bizarre white structure offers a striking contrast to the rugged natural beauty of the Denali region. It serves as a fascinating, post-apocalyptic-style pit stop for travelers journeying between Anchorage and Fairbanks.
Ratings
roadside attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Keep your camera ready for wide-angle shots that capture both the igloo and the dramatic Alaskan sky.
- ◆ Combine this stop with a visit to Denali National Park, which is located just about 30 miles to the north.
- ◆ Plan your visit during daylight hours, as there is no artificial lighting around the structure at night.
Heads Up
- ◆ The property is privately owned and fenced off; do not attempt to trespass or enter the unstable structure.
- ◆ Be cautious when pulling off the Parks Highway, as traffic can move quickly and the gravel pullout may be icy or muddy.
- ◆ There are no facilities, restrooms, or services available at this abandoned site.
Common questions
Can you go inside the Igloo City building?
No, the building is locked, boarded up, and located on private property, so entering is considered trespassing and is unsafe.
Was Igloo City ever open to the public?
No, the structure was never completed or opened for business due to construction delays and its failure to meet modern building codes in the 1970s.
Can you still see Igloo City from the highway?
Yes, the massive concrete structure is highly visible from the George Parks Highway (Alaska Route 3) near milepost 188.5.