“The town of CHICKEN, Alaska has a population of about 17, with no phone service and no electricity.”

5,000 Awesome Facts, National Geographic Kids

The town Chicken, Alaska is located in South East Fairbanks and is the only place between Tok and Dawson where you can refuel. The town was initially going to be called Ptarmigan, which is the state’s bird, but people were worried about the spelling and pronunciation and figured Chicken would be a lot easier to remember.

The town of 115.95 sq mi was established in late 19th century by gold miners, and is today one of the last remaining gold rush towns. In 2020 the population rose from 7 to 12 according to a census report. However, the population does go to 17 people in the summer time when the mining is good and the weather is fine. However, in the summer they can get a flux of tourists up to 100.

Over 100,000 ounces of placer gold has been mined on Chicken Creek in the past century. There are mining fees start as little as $25 a day for gold panning and metal detecting.

It has a saloon, a gift shop, a R.V. park, a post office and a small hotel and a gas station. No bathroom though, but they do have an outhouse. Yay!

Gold can still be found in Chicken, Alaska! Sounds like a quaint little town to visit if I ever go to Alaska. And, I might strike it big!