I spent three days in Barrow in Aug '97. We had free tickets on AS and decided to go for the farthest and most expensive ticket. I have been to Dutch Harbor many times as has my partner and well, its not that exciting.

Anyways, it was nice and warm (40-50 degrees) and dry. We stayed at the Airport Inn and the Top of the world hotel. Its not cheap, the rooms are spartan and are the price of a hilton. The food is okay, we found lattes and mexican food. We did quite a bit of walking around looking at settlement patterns. The best part was that we were there for the Annual Polar Bear swim. We did the swim (really a dunk) with about 60 Barrowites. It was good fun and neat to see the community come out.

I think Alaska does a one day tour, but you don't really get to see Barrow. I would just make arrangements to stay at least two nights and one day. The weather can be dicey so you may not necessarily get in or out on time.

It was fun, would I go again? Perhaps, but probably more for work than for pleasure.

lala