The Frozen Underground Tunnel in Alaska That You Have to See to Believe

This incredibly unique place known as the "Permafrost Tunnel" is one of the rarest attractions in the last frontier in Whittier, Alaska. From 1963–1969, this tunnel was evacuated for the study of permafrost, geology, and ice science. In addition, engineers and various industry workers wanted to perfect mining and construction techniques specific to the permafrost environments that are so abundant in Alaska. Fascinating features are plentiful inside this tunnel, which makes it the perfect place for scientists and engineers to study a frozen environment that is over 40,000 years old. And you can bet they have to bundle up! If you've never heard of this distinctive locale, get ready to be blown away.

The United States Army maintains and operates a unique research facility nearest to Alaska's 'Golden Heart City' of Fairbanks. This incredibly unique place is known as the CRREL Permafrost Tunnel Research Facility.

CRREL is an acronym for the U.S. Army's Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory and it is a part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center. Although there are no regular tours of this unique place available to the public, you can go online and view a virtual tunnel tour that is incredibly captivating.

You can actually see permafrost up close, learn about ice wedges and ice lenses, and see ancient bones from bison, mammoths, and even horses. For example, there is a 14,000-year-old bone sticking out of the wall that is likely the tibia of a large mammal. It really puts in perspective just how ancient our world is.

It's also mind-blowing the history that this tunnel contains. Even just using the virtual tour is revelatory.

Inside the tunnel, you'll notice fans spread out to keep the airflow moving and circulating about along with many different materials and braces that help keep the area safe, clean, and in stable condition.

As you can imagine, there are a lot of processes needed to maintain such a unique environment. The interior grating is to keep the dust down. The engineered structural support looks similar to the inside of a culvert.

As the accumulation from cold winds blow out of the tunnel, thick frost forms which looks similar to what you'll find inside a freezer. Talk about making it relatable!

You'll also find thin strips of ice below the massive brown conglomerate. As you walk around inside the tunnel, look up — you're completely surrounded by ice. You'll even notice little roots hanging from the ceiling that are crusted together with the ice. It's a pretty unusual and special experience for those who do get to take a tour.

Every direction you look will hold beautiful displays of history and geology. Ice wedge formations inside the tunnel show trapped air bubbles and the mixture of sediment which gives the ice an amber color.

The scientists working in this location are learning more every day about our geological history.

Albeit incredibly cool and interesting, you can't help but notice that the tunnel has an eerie and somewhat claustrophobic feel about it. Similar to something that you'd find in a horror movie. At the end, there is a gate where visitors are not permitted to go any further. I can't help but wonder if it continues to go down vertically. But don't worry! If there is a horror movie to be had, you certainly won't be starring in it. The tours that are given are very safe.

Have you been to the permafrost tunnel in Whittier, Alaska, or taken the online permafrost tunnel virtual tour? This is one of the most unique attractions in Alaska.

If you thought that tunnel was incredible, learn more by reading about this underground natural wonder in Alaska that's positively unique. On top of that, this natural phenomenon in Alaska that happens just once a year is absolutely spectacular and sure to give you a major dose of eye candy.

Did you know that Whitter is an Alaska town in a building? Nearly all the residents live in the Begich Towers, something I find fascinating! If you're as curious about this town as I am, embark on an Alaska Crafted Tour — Port of Whittier.