Chena Pump House, Historic mining pump station in Fairbanks, Alaska
The Chena Pump House sits along the Chena River as a two-story structure housing original industrial equipment and a restaurant on its premises. The building integrates its riverside location with dining spaces that overlook the water while preserving the machinery that once served the local mining industry.
The Fairbanks Exploration Company built this pumping station in 1933 to deliver water for gold mining at Cripple Creek and ran it for 25 years. After mining operations ended, the structure remained standing as a reminder of the region's resource extraction past.
The dining establishment here tells the story of Alaska's gold mining days through equipment left behind, while guests enjoy local fish and game caught in the region.
The site is open throughout the year with dining available on premises along Chena Pump Road. Booking ahead is a good idea because seating fills up regularly, especially during peak tourist months.
Some of the original pumping equipment from the 1930s remains partly functional and visible to diners inside the building. This blend of actual working machinery from a century ago alongside a restaurant operation creates an unusual experience.
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