Murphy Dome, located about twenty miles outside of Fairbanks, Alaska, was once home to the Murphy Dome Air Force Station. This military base housed a dozen buildings and accommodated up to 250 personnel. Its primary purpose was to provide early warning of potential Soviet Union attacks on Alaska during the Cold War. The station operated radar systems and served as a Ground-Control Intercept (GCI). Today, most of the site has been cleared, but one facility remains—the Long-Range Radar Station. This station detects military air threats from a distance, allowing for interception if necessary. Murphy Dome is now a recreational area popular with ATV riders and hikers. The road leading to the dome offers scenic views as it winds through lowland forests and climbs toward the summit. Visitors can enjoy sunsets in the summer and fall, and during winter, it’s a great spot to observe the northern lights.
July 31, 2024
