Access to Nikolai is by air or water. A state-owned gravel airstrip is available. Barges used to supply fuel and heavy equipment but the river is now too low and everything is flown in by air. Boats, ATVs, and snow machines are used for recreation and subsistence activities. Local road traffic includes ATVSs, trucks, and heavy equipment owned by city, state, and federal entities. A winter trail is marked to McGrath (50 mi). Nikolai is a checkpoint for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race held in March and the Iron Dog snow machine race in February.