Antler Academy - North Pole, Alaska

Scott M

This place was a great experience. We all had such a great time interacting with the reindeer. You get to feed and touch them, and they are not shy!

Culinary Slut

It was a fun experience, but we probably wouldn't go way out of our way for it. But if you're looking to kill some time, this is a nice way to do it.

The Antler Academy welcomes guests into the pen with the reindeer caretakers. A quick safety tour covers details like "Don't grab onto their antlers," and other common sense pointers

The staff are very well informed and are happy to hare their wealth of knowledge - if you ask. For the most part they stand back and let you enjoy the close encounter, but if you engage them you'll find they are most pleased to teach you about these interesting animals.

We learned that a reindeer's four-toed feet have dewclaws, and that the entire hoof has evolved to spread out to distribute the animal's weight like snowshoes. They're also well adapted for digging in the snow.

Staff will provide you with a little cup of food pebbles for the reindeer to nosh on. Much like us anywhere we go, the reindeer are there for the food. No judgement.

They eagerly come up and start reaching for the cup and we just pour it into their mouths. They're very accustomed to doing this and it goes quite smoothly.

The 3 B. Lockwins

These friendly reindeer were AWESOME because they want the treats that they know you have to feed them. Note they will come right up and get in your face for the treats and if you are timid or scared being swarmed by big reindeer would probably make it an unpleasant thing.....but we love animals and thoroughly enjoyed kissing and petting these super friendly "piggy" reindeer. Well worth the low cost of admission to have a great reindeer experience! Very knowledgeable staff.

Lorena S

What beautiful animals in North Pole, Alaska. I didn’t know what to expect but was greeted by the nicest guy and very knowledgeable which was very useful given that I didn’t know much about the rain deer until that day. We went mid September and were amazed by these beautiful creatures, would definitely stop by if I’m ever in the area.

Samantha Spellman-Bales

This was the best animal Encounter experience I've had in a very long time. The reindeer are so much fun and the handlers are knowledgeable. You get a good amount of time with the reindeer so plenty of time to take photos and then just be in the moment with these awesome and funny animals! Where else can you hang out with Santa's Reindeer! Well worth the cost. If I ever find my self in North Pole again I will do this experience again!

Laura Edwards

ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT! This was our first stop from the airport. Delayed flights had started our trip off rough so we were looking for something close and distinctly Alaskan. Reindeer checked that box! We were able to meet them, pet them, feed them and ask questions from the staff. Because we were the last group of the day there were only 5 of us.

Olga Neumann-Ziaja

the reindeer are in very poor condition, they limp and have very little space to walk. Very sad picture.

Jordyn Alli

This was a fun little activity to do while we stopped in North Pole, AK back in August! The reindeer are all super cute with this own unique personalities. The woman who worked there was friendly and very knowledgeable, answering any questions the group had. It was an exciting experience standing in pen with the reindeer and getting to feed them! I recommend if you have the opportunity to take the time out to stop here.