Historic mining town and artist colony west of Fairbanks
Like many towns in Interior Alaska, Ester was founded on gold. Miners first discovered it when panning in Ester Creek in 1906, and people started flocking there soon after. By the end of that decade, the town had grown to 5,000 people, and five saloons were built around the mine. Gold production, though, had started to decline, and some residents left for more prosperous operations in Fairbanks. That was until the 1920s when the Fairbanks Exploration Company started buying up parcels and building a gold camp for new miners, revitalizing the town. This prosperity continued into the midcentury, around the time when the F.E. Company converted the camp into a historic resort. While this resort is no longer operational, it’s been placed on the National Register of Historic Places, and some old-timey saloons and shops remain. The town still has three active mines, too. However, this remote area has become a haven for professors from the nearby University of Alaska Fairbanks and creatives looking for some wilderness. Nicknamed “the independent people’s republic of Ester,” the artist colony now has a studio and weekly craft vendors in the summer, and its population is around 2,400. “It’s a very tightknit community,” says Justin Heminger with Apex Realty Group, who lives in Fairbanks and has sold in the area since 2015. “The last home I listed was in Ester, and half a dozen of the neighbors were curious about it. They wanted to know who was moving in and give them tips and tricks about living there. That’s kind of the vibe up there. Everyone takes care of each other.”
Ester homes are typically secluded, thanks to tall mature trees surrounding the plots of land.
Many homes in Ester are surrounded by tall, mature trees that create a sense of privacy.
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Ester Gold Camp: historic saloons and live music
The Ester Gold Camp was the center of town back in 1906, and that’s still the case today. Centered on Main Street, this walkable district houses the post office, library, community hall and a few well-loved restaurants. Golden Eagle Saloon is one of these restaurants, a quirky dive bar that serves as the town’s hangout. Visitors can show up with hamburger meat and grill it themselves, and food is sometimes served on paper plates. Mushing dogs are often lounging inside or on the porch, and people often show up with instruments to jam. Malemute Saloon is just west on Main, and its double-swinging doors have been clanging since 1906. Inside, wooden walls are decorated with lanterns and other mining era relics, and a central stage hosts live music on the weekends. Flossie and May’s Coffee Shop is across the street near the old resort’s hotel, and it specializes in fresh-baked pastries. The Ester Volunteer Fire Department is just south on the Old Nenana Highway, and Ester Gas is across this freeway for fuel, liquor and groceries. Fairbanks is about 5 miles east with department stores and more commercial options.
Malemute Saloon in Ester is a historic establishment that offers live entertainment and drinks.
The Ester Gold Camp is the site for the Ester Community Association for various events.
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The whole town comes out for Ester events
Events are mostly coordinated by volunteers with the Ester Community Association, and they post any upcoming gatherings to the post office’s message board. This board is near what locals call the town square, a dirt parking lot outside of the Golden Eagle Saloon, and people can pack the lot during these community parties. The LiBerry Music Festival brings live music to the saloon in August when berry season is at its peak. Local bakers compete during this event’s Berry Pie Throwdown, and donations support the community library. The saloon also hosts New Year’s Eve Fireworks, the Thanksgiving potluck and other events. Starting at the community meeting hall and continuing to Ester Community Park, The Fourth of July parade is one of the most popular events of the year. It’s been livening the streets since 1990, bringing floats, fire engines, marching bands — and even Smokey the Bear. Participants compete for favor with the parade judges, who encourage bribery, and the day culminates in a pig roast and potluck. The park also hosts Ester Fest in July, when the lawn crowds with art vendors, musicians and foodies. The list goes on, as this community has more than 10 signature events and other smaller events throughout the year.
Ester Community park and miles of trails
Other than community events, Ester Community Park has a multiuse field, amphitheater and playground. It’s the only established park in town, so most people explore the Alaskan wilderness around it. Unmarked trails cut through the trees for miles, and they cater to hiking, cross-country skiing and dog mushing. Northern paths lead up to Ester Dome, a small mountain with views of the Alaska Range, and go farther to the community of Goldstream. Driving east into Fairbanks, the Charles Georgeson Botanical Garden has 10-plus acres of plant displays, and its children’s garden has one of the largest hedge mazes in the country. It’s open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Residents enjoy a bike ride through the beautiful trails and sites of Ester.
Ester residents can check out the Georgeson Botanical Garden for a variety of plants and fauna.
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Off-grid cabins and traditionals
Most properties have multiple acres and are surrounded by trees. Homes are usually energy efficient and, separated from city water and sewer, might have holding tanks and septic. Some are closer to town and state Route 3, while others are farther into the woods. “Since the land used to be a bunch of gold claims, it’s a collection of lots all over the place,” Heminger says. “It’s kind of like a jigsaw puzzle.” One story cabins start at $55,000 but might need renovations; move-in ready versions can reach $240,000. Traditional two stories have more room and siding facades. They sell from $270,000 to $510,000. Since most of the land around Ester is undeveloped, lots are available in the hills outside of town. They range from $10,000 to $150,000.
For affordable homes in Ester, you can find small wood cabins that are energy efficient.
For residents looking for more space, Ester has even larger homes for higher price points.
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Short drive to Fairbanks North Star Borough Schools
Most schools are about 5 miles east in Fairbanks proper, near the University of Alaska Fairbanks. University Park Elementary is just south of campus, for instance, and gets a B-minus from Niche. Randy Smith Middle is 3 miles farther east and gets the same grade. West Valley High is nearer the college and receives an A-minus. Its career technical education courses include video production and culinary arts.
Safety is a top priority at Randy Smith Middle School in Fairbanks.
A welcoming entrance is seen at West Valley High School in Fairbanks.
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Four-wheel drive, snowy roads in Interior Alaska
People living closer to town are within walking distance of everything, while those outside likely have a four-wheel drive car. That’s because most roads — outside of the Old Nenana Highway and some others — are dirt or gravel. These routes can be difficult to drive in winter since Ester gets about 60 inches of snow annually. Fairbanks city snowplows don’t come through this area much, but state Route 3 is marked as a priority. This is the main road west to Denali National Park and east into Fairbanks, but traffic is sparse. The Fairbanks International Airport is on the city’s south side, about 8 miles from Ester.
Written By
Matt Medl
Photography Contributed By
Ling Ge
Video By
Francesco Basti
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Dan Kiernan,
an experienced agent in this area.
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