Our community, like many other installations, is a diverse melting pot composed of incredible Service Members, civilians, veterans, and family members. However, what makes JBER so unique is its amazing location amongst magnificent mountains, beautiful hidden lakes, and an array of wildlife. JBER Life! is here to guide you towards all the resources and activities you need to enjoy life in Alaska. As a part of the 673d Force Support Squadron (FSS = MWR), we work closely with over 40 facilities to make sure you are always up to date on what is happening in the community. For more information, take a look at some of the FAQs and tools below. For additional questions or concerns, feel free send us a message on Facebook or Instagram. We are so glad you are here!

Outdoor Recreation Center

The Outdoor Recreation Center has everything you need to explore the great outdoors.

Rent anything from tents to kayak to boats and even RV’s! Plus, they are home to the one and only Outdoor Adventure Program, which offers guided trips of all kinds.

Otter Lake is a picturesque outdoor recreation area nestled amid spruce and birch trees located on the back side of JBER. The boat house offers a variety of rentals for use on the lake during the Summer.

We have two family camping areas which for the perfect staycation getaway! Both grounds include tent sites, dry and full hook-ups, showers, bath houses, laundry, and more! Visit the campgrounds page for additional information.

The Hillberg Ski Area is the perfect place to find beginner – intermediate slopes and enjoy a variety of activities, classes and more!

The Outdoor Adventure Program is the best way to explore and experience the beauty of Alaska! Find out more about available guided trips, classes, and adventures by clicking here.

Not equip with all the outdoor gear you need? No problem! You can rent anything from tents and bikes to boats and RV’s with the Outdoor Recreation Center. Check out all the available rentals here.

We have 7 RV Storage lots located throughout JBER. View all of your storage options here.

Shooting sports in Alaska provide service members and their families with a fun, healthy way to stay sharp and enjoy the outdoors together. We provide intramural and recreational leagues, youth leagues, and “fun” shoots – plus special openings for groups of ten or more! Join us at the JBER Skeet, Trap, & Archery Range.

Need a little fun? Warrior Xtreme Paintball is a great way to boost morale! Our 2.5 acre course is equip with everything you need for a thrilling game.

Fitness Centers

JBER has plenty of work out options for you to achieve your fitness goals!

Buckner Fitness Center is located on the Richardson side of base. This facility offers a massive variety of equipment, an indoor track, saunas, tanning booths, and an indoor fitness pool. It is also home to our family friend Polar Paradise Pool. 

Elmendorf Fitness Center is located on the Elmendorf side of base. This facility boats 3 indoor basketball/volleyball courts, racquetball courts, indoor and outdoor tracks, saunas, an indoor swimming pool, a variety of equipment, and massage therapists.

*Both Buckner Fitness Center and Elmendorf Fitness Center offer 24/7 Fitness Access.

Hangar 5 provides a large indoor 24/7 fitness training environment to support large unit PT, fitness assessments, and functional fitness opportunities.

The Eagleglen Fitness Park has a marked 5K and a 1.5K route for walking, running, biking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

Military Family & Readiness Center

The MFRC exists to support service members and their families! They provide assistance with anything from employment to relocation assistance. The MFRC also provides counseling, tuition assistance and volunteer opportunities for those interested. 

Relocation Assistance: Need help with your move? Find out how the MFRC can help you!

Lending Closet: Have your household goods not arrived? Borrow furniture, kitchen appliances, and other household items for FREE from the Lending Closet! 

Housing

Welcome home! There are a variety of housing and lodging options available to Service Members and family. You can find some of the best housing resources at the links below.

Food

JBER is home to two large DFAC’s and several quality eating options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Plus, a wide variety of your favorite fast-food restaurants throughout base and inside the JBER Exchange.

Plenty of options featuring five food zones to choose from. The Iditarod Dining Facility supports all diets, including vegetarian, religious, low calorie and much more with our Go for Green program!

The Wilderness Inn Dining Facility is open to all DoD Card holders, Dependents, and Contractors. It is a line style dining facility that offers a large variety of food choices including!

Take your lunch break at the Paradise Cafe! Featuring healthy lunch options, fresh ingredients, and made to order sandwiches. Our new menu features several panini options including vegetarian.

Hungry for the good stuff? Check out Ten Pin! JBER’s best burger and sandwiches. Come in weekly to check out our Limited Time Offers. Order a pizza and take it home. ESM accepted.

Information, Tickets, & Travel

ITT the best way to explore Alaska without breaking the bank! Buy tickets to all of the state’s best excursions and attractions. Looking to travel further? You can also enjoy discounts to attractions nationwide when purchasing through ITT. 

Child and Youth Services

We’re all about family! JBER is full of programs for child of all ages. From “Give Parents A Break” events to “Teen Takeovers”, there’s something fun for everyone. Find out how you can get your little ones involved by visiting the family tab.

Arctic Oasis Community Center

Arctic Oasis is a family favorite. With an indoor playground and fitness area, it’s the perfect place to take the whole family. This facility also offers classes and lessons available to kids of all ages.

GoJBER

Service Members, this one is for YOU! GoJBER was designed to provide Service Members with information on all of trips, discounts, and FREE events available to them! You can find fun things to do weekly for little to no cost. Follow us on Instagram for updates, contests, free goodies and more!

Paid ads. No federal endorsement of advertiser intended. The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Air Force of non-U.S. Government sites or the information, products, or services contained therein. Although the U.S. Air Force may or may not use these sites as additional distribution channels for Department of Defense information, it does not exercise editorial control over all of the information that you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this website.

Additional Resources

 Full Map of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson  •  United States Army Alaska (USARAK)  •  JBER Connect

 JBER Newcomers   •  JBER Official Facebook  •  JBER Life Facebook

FAQs

Q: Can I see the Northern Lights?
A: Yes, though it might take a bit of effort to do so and you’ll have to stay up late or wake up early to see the lights. One of the best locations on JBER is at 6 Mile Lake.

Q: Is it true you can see wildlife in your backyard?
A: Yes. Alaska is full of wildlife and we are just sharing the space! Moose, black bear, and eagles are some of the most commonly seen wildlife on JBER. Remember to keep your distance and make noise if you are wanting to explore Alaska. The Outdoor Adventure Program has great classes that cover wildlife safety and bear awareness.

Q: Is it dark all winter / sunny all summer?
A: On June 22, Anchorage gets just under 20 hours of sunlight, but 22 hours of functional daylight including civil twilight. On December 21, the shortest day of the year gives Anchorage 5 hours 28 minutes of sunlight.

Q: I’m traveling with my pet, what do I need?
A: Dogs, cats, and ferrets require a current rabies vaccination and an animal health certificate issued within 30 days of arriving to Alaska. Be sure to check all regulations and requirements that apply to your means of travel, as airlines vary on crate restrictions and requirements may differ for the ferry vs. driving.

Q: Can I stay in lodging with my pets?
A: Yes, in designated pet TLFs. Be sure your lodging reservation reflects you are in a pet friendly room.

Q: Where can I purchase/sell used vehicles or RVs?
A: At the FSS For Sale Lot, a big parking space near the Outdoor Recreation Center on Fighter Dr. on the Elmendorf Side. To sell your vehicle, contact Auto Skills at 552.3718 for more information.

Q: Where can I loan household goods? And what is available?
A: The MFRC Lending Closet offers pots and pans, dishes, microwaves, vacuums, irons, coffee makers, Pack’n’ Play, and more. Loans are available free to use for 30-days at a time.

Q: What is there to do/where can I eat in a walking distance from lodging?
A: From Matanuska Hall/North Star Inn
– Polar Bowl
– Outdoor Recreation Center
– Ten Pin
– Iditarod
– The Pub 

Q: What outdoor activities are available at JBER in the winter?
A: Check out some of these great facilities!
– Hillberg Ski Area: Skiing, snowboarding, and tubing
– Skeet, Trap & Archery Range: Clay shooting and archery
– Eagleglen Fitness Park: Cross country skiing with FREE rentals

Q: What extracurricular activities are available to kids on JBER?
A: There are plenty of ways to keep your little ones active all year long.
– IYP: Gymnastic, magic class, dance classes, smart start sports
– Youth Sports: Baseball, basketball, cheerleading, indoor/outdoor soccer, softball, volleyball (seasonal)
– Arctic Oasis: Private music classes, dance class, Zumba, Ketsugen, Karate, painting