Welcome to Rika's Roadhouse at Big Delta State Historical Park, a gathering place for Alaskan travelers since 1904. Click here to experience a little of the peaceful setting and inspiring history of this State Historical Park.

The roadhouse was restored in the late 1970's by the state of Alaska and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Rebuilt with original timbers on a new foundation, it is still a welcome retreat from the dusty road.

Front Entrance of the Roadhouse

Back view of the Roadhouse

East side of the Roadhouse

View of the Roadhouse from the river.

Evening light on the west side of the Roadhouse

The Historic Roadhouse

The Valdez-to-Fairbanks trail brought travelers to the banks of the Tanana River, where they crossed by ferry. John Hajdukovich, Yugoslavian entrepreneur, envisioned a business opportunity here, and bought the land along with a fur trading post in 1909. The two-story roadhouse, built of logs that were floated down river, became a year-round oasis for hunters, trappers, prospectors and travelers as well as local Athabascans and homesteaders. However, John had many other interests, including the responsibility of US Game Commissioner. Sitting still and running a roadhouse did not appeal to him very much so he simply asked guests to make themselves at home and leave some money on the table. He ran it in this way until 1918, when finally a dependable, hard-working Swede named Rika Wallen was hired to take over.

Roadhouse Interior

Rika's kitchen, bedroom and parlor areas are appointed with antiques and memorabilia. When Rika acquired the roadhouse, it had dirt floors and rough walls. To upgrade the decor, she collected mismatched bargin wallpaper and improvised a hardwood parquet floor with wooden kerosene crates collected from the teamsters and steamship captains who used her landing. This parquet floor can be seen in the parlor.