Brooks Range Supply

When you’re in the oil fields of Alaska, going shopping can be a bit tricky. You either have to fly, which can be expensive and dangerous; drive on the only road that goes to the Arctic Circle but has no services for over 240 miles; dogsled; or wait for a boat to arrive.

Fortunately, there’s Brook Range Supply, located in Prudhoe Bay at the end of the Dalton Highway. Founded in 1982 as part of the Colville Company, Brooks Range Supply offers pretty much everything a person living and working in Prudhoe Bay needs, except for groceries for the most part.

The blue corrugated steel building can easily be mistaken for another warehouse or equipment storage shed, or something that isn’t a store. In fact, it’s more than just one store. It’s a veritable “mall” of stores, as well as the post office for the area. There is a NAPA Parts/True Value/Post Office along with an industrial supply and welding company. Upstairs is the Prudhoe Bay General Store, which sells clothes, coffee beans (including Alaska roasted beans), sundries, snacks, souvenirs, Alaska native arts and crafts, and an assortment of adult men’s magazines.

Outside the building is a sign reading “Welcome to Deadhorse, Alaska, end of the Dalton Highway” that’s covered in stickers from visitors over the years. The staff is friendly and helpful and it’s one of the few places a tourist can visit in Prudhoe Bay.