Interior Community: Galena
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Galena is an Alaska bush community, generally meaning inaccessible by road, located on the north bank of the Yukon River in the interior of the state. It is about 270 air miles west of Fairbanks. Galena was founded as a supply point for nearby galena prospects in 1919. Koyukon Athabascans comprise most of the town’s population and traditional subsistence hunting and fishing support the residents.
Galena serves as a regional transport center for surrounding villages including Ruby, Koyukuk, Kaltag and Nulato. The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race has a checkpoint in Galena each March when the race is held and the Iron Dog race stops here as well. Galena is also the turnaround point for the Yukon 800 boat race from Fairbanks each June.
Galena is the staging community for trips into the Koyukuk, Nowitna and Upper Innoko National Wildlife Refuges. The three refuges are part of the vast roadless region that makes up much of northern and western Alaska. Commuter aircraft provide regularly scheduled air transportation from Fairbanks and Anchorage to Galena, where Refuge headquarters is located. Visitors can charter small aircraft for travel to the refuge from Galena.
Details
A float plane glides over a landscape green with trees
Population: 654
Location: Galena is located on the north bank of the Yukon River, 270 air miles west of Fairbanks.
Access: Charter plane from Anchorage or Fairbanks; boat or barge service from Nenana on the Yukon River.
Accommodations: Arranged through the village corporation – contact Khotol Services Inc., PO Box 38, Galena, AK 99741 – (907) 656-1606.
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