NORTH POLE CITY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Under the Radar: Chasing the Aurora from Murphy Dome
A 4½-hour, late-night outing to Murphy Dome—an old USAF radar summit northwest of Fairbanks—designed for panoramic Northern Lights viewing and photography.
Under the Radar: Chasing the Aurora from Murphy Dome.
Join a focused night run to one of the region’s best aurora vantage points: Murphy Dome, north‑northwest of Fairbanks. The site itself sits at an Air Force era radar installation (now closed as an active station) and offers an elevated, dark-sky perch; guests ride out of the city in spacious vans so comfort is preserved as the lights of Fairbanks fall away.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A short run to a Cold War summit
The tour travels to Murphy Dome, about 20 miles west‑northwest of Fairbanks, placing you beyond city glare where aurora hunting is most productive.
Murphy Dome at 2,930 feet
Murphy Dome rises to 2,930 feet (880 meters) above sea level; the site is the former Murphy Dome Air Force Station, a General Surveillance Radar facility now closed but still a landmark.
A full 360-degree aurora theater
From the dome you get sweeping, 360-degree opportunities to watch and photograph the Northern Lights as they unfold across the night sky.
What the day feels like
What the night feels like
The outing is a focused, late‑night field trip: guests depart by van, leave Fairbanks’ glow, and settle at Murphy Dome to watch the aurora sweep the skyline. The vans preserve comfort on the road, while the dome’s elevation and open horizon transform the aurora into an immersive, photographic spectacle.
THE ROUTE
A short run to a Cold War summit
The tour travels to Murphy Dome, about 20 miles west‑northwest of Fairbanks, placing you beyond city glare where aurora hunting is most productive.
THE SUMMIT
Murphy Dome at 2,930 feet
Murphy Dome rises to 2,930 feet (880 meters) above sea level; the site is the former Murphy Dome Air Force Station, a General Surveillance Radar facility now closed but still a landmark.
THE AURORA
A full 360-degree aurora theater
From the dome you get sweeping, 360-degree opportunities to watch and photograph the Northern Lights as they unfold across the night sky.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Duration is approximately 4½ hours with departure at 10:00 PM and return at 3:00 AM.
The meeting location is Murphy Dome.
The outing offers dedicated opportunities to photograph the Northern Lights from a wide, 360-degree vantage at Murphy Dome.
Murphy Dome is a former Air Force General Surveillance Radar station, located at 2,930 feet elevation.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4½ hours.
When does the tour depart and return?
Departure is at 10:00 PM and the tour returns at 3:00 AM.
Where do we meet?
The meeting location is Murphy Dome.
What will we see at Murphy Dome?
Visitors have the opportunity to view the Northern Lights across a 360-degree panorama from Murphy Dome, which rises to 2,930 feet.
Can I photograph the aurora on this tour?
Yes — the itinerary highlights dedicated opportunities to photograph the Northern Lights from the dome’s expansive viewpoints.