The Chena Pump House was a part of the vast system pf pumps, sluice-ways, ditches and flumes constructed by the Fairbanks Exploration Company in order to carry on its gold dredging operations in the goldfields of the Fairbanks District. The pump house began operations in 1933, pumping water from the Chena river up 400' to Chena Ridge, and through a 3-mile ditch to dredging of the Cripple Creek Valley, near Easter.
The equipment in the pump house consisted of ten, 14-in. double suction centrifugal pumps, rated at 600 gpm, connected to 400-hp motors. Mounted in series, two to each unit, the five units delivered water to the ditch through three 26 in. pipe lines against a total head of 440 ft.
At that time gold was commonly dredged, or sluiced from river beds. Gold still exists here, but it is rare to find it in the form of a nugget. Rather, it is what is called placer, (glacial) left behind by glaciers that at one time covered the area, and left behind gold in the form of dust or flakes in their deposits.
Today, the Pump House serves as a restaurant and saloon. It was reconstructed in 1978 in an attempt to recreate an 1890's "Gold Rush" motif and atmosphere which was associated with the "Rip Roaring" but still Victorian era in Fairbanks.
Relics from the era are placed throughout and the furnishings are authentic. Most are genuine antiques. The atmosphere is elegant, yet at the same time relaxed. A solid mahogany bar, pressed tin ceilings, vaulted ceilings with support beams are focal points. Service is outstanding. The Pump House offers a variety of entree's: sea food, salmon, steak, salads, ribs, wild game, chicken, exotic desserts and a full bar and premium wines.
Prices are a bit high, so my husband and I shared a Salad Nicoise, a French salad with marinated green beans, chopped egg,Yukon Gold potato, tomato, onion and kalamata olives and tossed with Balsamic vinaigrette.We also shared rib eye smoked with alder wood. If you prefer your steak on the rare side, be careful how you order it, it may come more done than you might prefer. The best part about sharing allowed room for dessert. Our patient server pointed out and described each goody on the tray and of course, I went for a double chocolate truffle. Our experience there was well enough for a return trip that I might try the Reindeer Tenderloin, or Elk Meatloaf.
The grounds at the Pump House are as elegant as the interior. Neatly groomed walkways with an abundance of flower boxes create a garden of bright yellow, orange, purple, blue, and magenta. Patio dining is available, where river activity can be observed. It's possible to see a float plane land, a river steamer pass while dining, or maybe see both, depending on luck and timing. The Riverboat Discovery passed while we were there and I managed to get a postcard style shot of it before it maneuvered down the lazy Chena River.
A short drive out Chena Pump Road will take you to this beautiful setting.
