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Elmendorf Field

Elmendorf Field Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Anchorage Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Elmendorf Field, now integrated into Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson (JBER) in Anchorage, Alaska, stands as a powerful intersection of Indigenous heritage, U.S. military history, and ongoing community engagement. Established in 1940, this installation has played pivotal roles from World War II through the Cold War, and remains a strategic hub for U.S. defense in the Asia-Pacific. The land itself has been home to Indigenous peoples for millennia, as highlighted by archaeological finds such as a nearly 1,000-year-old Dene food cache (KNBA; Stars and Stripes).

Although Elmendorf Field is an active military base with restricted general access, it offers limited opportunities for public engagement through special events, guided tours, and recreational facilities. Anchorage, the surrounding city, adds depth to any visit with a variety of historical and cultural attractions, such as the Alaska Veterans Museum and the Alaska Aviation Museum (jber.jb.mil, anchorage.net). This guide presents everything you need to know about visiting hours, ticketing, access protocols, travel tips, and nearby points of interest, ensuring you are well-prepared to explore the region’s unique heritage (military-history.fandom.com; jberlife.com).

57th Fighter-Interceptor Group aircraft at Elmendorf Air Force Base Alaska 1951

Scaffolding erected for exterior repairs on a damaged building at Elmendorf Air Force Base after an earthquake

8-plex housing units at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage

AIM-7E/F Sparrow air-to-air missile on bomb loader beside a USAF F-4E Phantom II aircraft

Airman First Class Craig Bowman singing the National Anthem at Elmendorf Air Force Base

Large snow blowing truck clearing snow and ice off a main runway at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska

Weapon Systems Officer position inside a US Air Force F-15D Eagle aircraft taking off at Elmendorf Air Force Base

View of base entrance during joint service exercise Brim Frost '89 at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska

US Air Force volunteer Staff Sergeant Timothy Hunt of the 611 Air Intelligence Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base Alaska

F-15 Eagle fighter jet flying in clear sky

Scenic view of Anchorage, Alaska with mountains in the background

American airman repairs pipe under bathroom sink near Sultan Saqi Shrine in Iraq

F-22 Raptor fighter jet performing high speed pass with bomb bay door open during Arctic Thunder Open House 2016

US Air Force pilot Brett Vongroven giving F-22 Raptor squadron sticker to fan at 2011 Australia International Airshow in Geelong

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Brett Vongroven showing squadron shirt to fan beside F-22 Raptor jet at Australia International Airshow 2011

U.S. Air Force Captain Graham Stewart speaking to airplane enthusiasts at the 2011 Australia International Airshow in Geelong

Athabascan Village Elder Bertha Ross watching U.S. Air Force 517th Airlift Squadron preparing a C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft at Elmendorf AFB Alaska

Blue Angels Navy Flight Demonstration Team performing Double Farvel maneuver at Elmendorf Air Force Base Alaska

Lt. Col. Gary Gottschall preflight inspection of C-130 Hercules at Elmendorf Air Force Base Alaska March 23

AN/FLR-9 Wullenweber antenna known as Elephant Cage at Elmendorf Air Force Base Alaska for radio direction finding

Senior Airman Robert Aten distributing soccer balls to Iraqi families during free cleft lip and palate surgeries

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. directing F-15 Eagles during Exercise William Tell 2004 at Tyndall Air Force Base

Maj. Tom Knolmayer driving a team of sled dogs in a snowy landscape during training for the 2005 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman refueling F-22A Raptor from KC-135R Stratotanker during flight

U.S. Air Force airmen pushing tool chests through snow on flight line at Elmendorf Air Force Base

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Thomas Knolmayer fitting shoes on Afghan girl at Parwan Refugee Camp

F-22 Raptor receiving fuel from KC-135 Stratotanker over Pacific Ocean

U.S. Air Force air crew member practicing parachute water survival training at Elmendorf Air Force Base

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Carl Wesley reviewing aircraft ramp opening procedures during Red Flag-Alaska 09

US Air Force crew chiefs performing maintenance on F-22 Raptor hydraulic pump

U.S. Air Force airmen performing maintenance on F-15 Eagle fighter jet during Northern Edge 2009 exercise

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. marshaling a Humvee into a C-17 Globemaster III during engine running on/off competition

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brenton Phillips and Staff Sgt. Norm Metz unloading medical supplies from a C-17 Globemaster III in Padang, Indonesia

U.S. Air Force Maj. Shannon Faber checking patient's blood pressure at mobile field hospital in Padang Indonesia 2009

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates speaking to servicemembers at Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Greely, Alaska in 2009

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates speaking to servicemembers at Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Greely Alaska June 2009

Service members at Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Greely Alaska listening to US Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates on June 1, 2009

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates sitting on the flight deck of a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates speaking to servicemembers at Elmendorf Air Force Base Alaska June 1 2009

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and wife Becky greeted by Air Force Lt. Gen. Dana T. Atkins at Elmendorf Air Force Base Alaska 2009

Servicemembers at Elmendorf Air Force Base listening to U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates on June 1, 2009

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Dana T. Atkins thanking U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates at Elmendorf Air Force Base

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates receiving a momento at Elmendorf Air Force Base Alaska

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Ashley Cope conducting ear exam on East Timorese woman in clinic

U.S. Navy Lieutenants Lori 'Wrench' Melling and Laura 'Moose' Mason posing in front of EA-7L Corsair II aircraft at Elmendorf Air Force Base in 1987

Diagram of Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska

Overhead view of AN/FLR-9 antenna array at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska

Orthophoto of Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska showing layout and surrounding area

F-15 fighter jets parked at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska

Indigenous and Archaeological Significance
Historical Overview
Visiting Elmendorf Field: Practical Information
Recreation and Community Activities
Nearby Anchorage Attractions and Historical Sites
Environmental Stewardship and Preservation
Notable Incidents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Plan Your Visit and Explore More

Indigenous and Archaeological Significance

Elmendorf Field is located on land stewarded by Indigenous peoples, notably the Dena’ina and Ahtna, for thousands of years. Recent archaeological discoveries, including a 1,000-year-old birch bark-lined food cache, confirm the area’s deep cultural roots (KNBA; Stars and Stripes; The Archaeologist). Dena’ina oral histories and archaeological evidence detail ancient seasonal camps, houses, and food storage sites, revealing sustainable land use practices that enabled survival through challenging conditions.

Cultural resource management today is governed by federal law, requiring archaeological surveys before any ground-disturbing activity. Collaborative research with tribal elders ensures that Indigenous knowledge informs stewardship and preservation efforts.

Historical Overview

Early Foundations and World War II

Construction of Elmendorf Field began in June 1940, as the U.S. recognized Alaska’s strategic importance (military-history.fandom.com). The airfield was named for Captain Hugh M. Elmendorf, a test pilot who died in 1933. During World War II, Elmendorf Field became a critical logistics and operations hub, supporting the Aleutian Campaign and air defense in the North Pacific.

Cold War to Modern Day

Postwar, Elmendorf Field was renamed Elmendorf Air Force Base, hosting key air defense assets including fighter squadrons and AWACS aircraft. In 2010, it merged with Fort Richardson to form JBER, reinforcing its strategic role for U.S. operations in the Asia-Pacific (Wikipedia). Today, JBER supports more than 32,000 service members and civilians, and continues to adapt to evolving defense needs (Military History Fandom).

Visiting Elmendorf Field: Practical Information

Access Requirements and Visiting Hours

Elmendorf Field and JBER are secure military installations. Public access is generally limited to authorized personnel, DoD ID cardholders, and their sponsored guests. Occasional public events such as air shows and open houses offer rare opportunities for broader community engagement (jber.jb.mil). All visitors must present valid government-issued photo ID and may be subject to background checks and vehicle inspections.

Visitor Control Center: Open Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM; check JBER Life for updates.
Civilian Access: Requires sponsorship by a DoD ID cardholder.
Recreation Permits: Non-affiliated visitors can access designated JBER-Richardson Training Areas with a JBER Recreation Permit (JBER iSportsman).

Tickets and Guided Tours

ITT Office: The Information, Tickets & Travel (ITT) Office provides tickets for tours and recreational facilities to eligible patrons (JBER Life).
Guided Tours: Occasionally available during special events; advance reservations recommended.
Events: Schedules are published on the JBER official site.

Accessibility

Many historical sites and tour routes are wheelchair accessible. Contact the ITT Office for specific accommodations.

Travel Tips

Best time to visit: June–August for milder weather and most events.
Transportation: Rental cars, taxis (notably The Yellow Cab Co: 907-222-2222), and personal vehicles with proper documentation.
Entry Requirements: Always carry photo ID and relevant permits.
Dress: Prepare for variable weather; dress in layers.

Recreation and Community Activities

Polar Bowl

A family-friendly bowling center with 40 lanes, arcade games, and the Igloo Lounge for refreshments. Special events and monthly promotions are frequent highlights (JBER Life).

Eagleglen Golf Course

A scenic 18-hole course, open to the public with a pass. Tee times and equipment rentals are available; reservations are advised (bellsalaska.com).

Outdoor Recreation

JBER provides extensive opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The Outdoor Adventure Program offers equipment rentals and organizes group activities. Otter Lake is popular for boating and picnicking.

Community Events

Seasonal celebrations, fitness classes, youth programs, and cultural events are held throughout the year. Event schedules are listed in JBER Life Magazine.

Nearby Anchorage Attractions and Historical Sites

Alaska Veterans Museum: Honors military service and features exhibits on Elmendorf Field (anchorage.net).
Alaska Aviation Museum: Explores the history of aviation in Alaska, including military aviation.
Anchorage Museum: A premier destination for learning about Alaska’s art, culture, and history.
Alaska Native Heritage Center: Offers immersive experiences in Indigenous cultures.
Earthquake Park: Commemorates the 1964 earthquake; scenic trails and views.
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail: Ideal for biking and wildlife viewing (Treksplorer).

Environmental Stewardship and Preservation

JBER manages significant cultural and natural resources. Preservation efforts protect archaeological sites, historic buildings, and natural habitats while supporting military operations (Stars and Stripes). All development is preceded by archaeological surveys, and environmental stewardship is a core value, balancing mission readiness and conservation.

Notable Incidents

Elmendorf Field has experienced aviation accidents, most notably the 2010 C-17 Globemaster III and F-22 Raptor crashes. These incidents highlight the challenging environment and the importance of safety training at the installation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I visit Elmendorf Field without a sponsor?
A: Access to the main base is generally restricted to DoD ID cardholders and their guests. Some recreational training areas are open to the public with a permit.

Q: How do I arrange a tour or get tickets?
A: Contact the ITT Office or check the JBER Life website for information on guided tours, tickets, and event schedules.

Q: What are the typical visiting hours?
A: The Visitor Control Center is generally open weekdays 7:00 AM–5:00 PM. Tour and event hours vary.

Q: Are there family-friendly facilities?
A: Yes, the Polar Bowl, Eagleglen Golf Course, playgrounds, and youth programs are available for families.

Q: What should I bring for my visit?
A: Valid government-issued ID, recreation permits (if needed), weather-appropriate clothing, and any necessary personal items.

Q: What should I do in case of emergency?
A: Dial 911; base security coordinates emergency responses.

Plan Your Visit and Explore More

Map and Directions: Access maps and visual resources on the JBER website.
Contact Information:
- Base Operator: (907) 552-1110
- Visitor Control Center: See JBER Life
- North Star Inn (Lodging): 907-552-2454
- Polar Bowl: See JBER Life
Stay Updated: Download the Audiala app for news, multimedia tours, and real-time visitor updates.

Visual and Internal Link Suggestions

Include images of Elmendorf Field, the Polar Bowl, Eagleglen Golf Course, and nearby attractions with alt tags for accessibility.
Add maps showing JBER’s location in relation to Anchorage.
Link to relevant articles on Anchorage tourism and Alaska military history to support deeper exploration.

Summary

Elmendorf Field is a landmark of military and Indigenous heritage, blending historical significance with modern-day recreation and community life. While base access is limited, visitors can explore the broader story through authorized tours, recreational facilities, and Anchorage’s rich array of museums and cultural centers. Advance planning, knowledge of access protocols, and engagement with local attractions will enrich your experience. For the latest updates and travel resources, consult official JBER channels and download the Audiala app.