Alaska's haunted giant

Exploring Alaska’s Haunted Giant – The Buckner Building in Whittier

Alaska is famous for its towering mountains, pristine wilderness, and endless outdoors adventure, but tucked away in the small seaside town of Whittier stands something very different — and far more eerie. The Buckner Building, a massive abandoned military complex, is often called the most haunted building in Alaska. For curious travelers and those who love a mix of travel, history, and spine-tingling mystery, visiting this decaying relic is an unforgettable part of any roadtrip through exploring Alaska.

Whittier itself is an adventure to reach. Located on Prince William Sound, it’s only accessible by boat, ferry, or through a single-lane tunnel that cuts directly through the mountains. Driving there is an experience in itself — narrow roads wind past glaciers, waterfalls, and jagged peaks. Emerging from the tunnel, you’re met with the sight of a small harbor town surrounded by breathtaking scenery… and in the distance, the hulking shadow of the Buckner Building.

Built in 1953 by the U.S. military, the Buckner Building was once the largest structure in Alaska. Designed to be self-sufficient, it housed barracks, kitchens, a hospital, bowling alley, and even a movie theater — all under one roof. It was meant to withstand the harsh Alaskan winters and serve as a hub for military operations during the Cold War. But when the army pulled out in the 1960s, the building was abandoned to the elements.

Over the decades, storms, earthquakes, and relentless coastal weather have stripped it bare. Now, the Buckner stands like a concrete skeleton, its windows shattered, walls cracked, and corridors choked with debris. Graffiti covers many of the walls, while nature slowly creeps back inside. It’s easy to see why ghost stories cling to this place — wandering its empty halls, you feel like the past is watching you.

Locals and visitors alike tell tales of strange happenings inside. Muffled footsteps echo in empty hallways, doors slam without warning, and shadowy figures flicker at the edge of vision. Some claim to hear voices, others speak of an unsettling feeling of being followed. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the atmosphere inside is thick with the weight of history. Every peeling wall and rusted door seems to hold a story.

Exploring the Buckner is not for the faint of heart. The building is officially off-limits due to safety hazards — collapsing floors, exposed rebar, and unstable walls — so most visitors admire it from the outside. Even without stepping inside, the sheer size of the place is haunting. Standing in its shadow, surrounded by Alaska’s wild beauty, you can’t help but feel the contrast between the raw natural world and this decaying man-made fortress.

For photographers, it’s a dream. The building’s stark, industrial lines stand against a backdrop of snow-dusted mountains and deep blue waters. On foggy days, the Buckner seems to vanish into the mist, only to reappear like a ghost when the wind shifts. On sunny afternoons, light streams through broken windows, highlighting the building’s weathered textures.

Visiting Whittier and the Buckner Building can be part of a larger roadtrip through Alaska’s coastal and mountain regions. Many travelers combine the trip with glacier cruises, kayaking in Prince William Sound, or hiking the surrounding trails. It’s the perfect mix — mornings filled with wild outdoors adventure and afternoons spent exploring the haunted remnants of history.

For those drawn to haunted places, the Buckner offers a rare experience in Alaska. Unlike many ghost stories tied to old houses or small cabins, this is a sprawling, fortress-like ruin — a place where entire communities once lived and worked, now left in silence. The idea that so many footsteps once echoed here, only to be replaced by decades of emptiness, is enough to send chills down anyone’s spine.

If you visit, remember that safety comes first. Admire from a distance, respect local warnings, and take your time soaking in the atmosphere. The Buckner is more than just a haunted building — it’s a monument to Alaska’s Cold War history, a reminder of how quickly human ambition can fade, and how nature always reclaims what we leave behind.

When you leave Whittier, driving back through the long tunnel into the daylight, the Buckner lingers in your mind. You’ll remember the smell of salt air mixed with rust, the sound of gulls crying overhead, and the way the wind seemed to whisper through the broken windows. In a state known for its wild beauty and endless adventure, it’s the haunted heart of Whittier that just might follow you home.