On September 30, 1894, the first Deadwood Creek Miner's Meeting was held. Mining has been an important part of the area's economy ever since. Arctic Circle Hot Springs is part of the largest gold mining district in Alaska, the Circle Mining District, that was formed in 1983. If you have a hankerin' to do a little panning, the hotel will supply you with bottles to carry your treasures home. Arrangements can be made for a tour of a working gold mine.

Arctic Circle Hot Springs Hotel was built in 1930 by Frank and Emma Leach. Much of the original material for the lodge came down the Yukon river to Circle City and then, over land 60 miles by wagon to the hot springs. Today you can relax in the splendor of this past era. The rooms have been furnished to reflect the early 1900's. Throughout the years, the hotel has always been privately owned. It is currently operated by Robert "Bobby" Miller who purchased the resort in 1980.

This is a friendly presence, though, and the ghost is harmless to all. She has appeared in the kitchen,a shapeless form like a hologram, with no well-defined facial features.

A graveyard overlooks the wood-frame hotel and the surrounding log cabins. About 15 white crosses, mostly inclined, stick out of the snow.

Just ask Bob Harrison about "Mrs. Leach". It seems that Bob was trying to nail a picture to the wall, but it kept falling to the floor repeatedly. When he used Superglue AND a nail to put it up, yet it still fell, he concluded that "Mrs. Leach must not have wanted it there." When you come for your visit, ask the staff to show you the picture and to recount the story.