Wainwright has a public transit system. Alak School provides education from pre-school to grade 12 and offers adult basic education and vocational education. The school has a swimming pool and gymnasium, which are used by the public. Olgoonik Corporation, Wainwright's village corporation, runs the Native store and sells groceries, clothing, first-aid supplies, hardware, camera film, and sporting goods. Fuel in town includes marine gas, diesel, propane, unleaded, regular and supreme.
City law prohibits the possession, sale and importation of alcohol.
Visitors to Wainwright will find a hotel and restaurant, and several recreational activities. In the spring, the community gathers for Nalukataq, the feast after a successful whaling season. At this festival and on the other occasions, Eskimo dances are performed by the villagers. Other activities include boating, snowmobiling, and smelt fishing in the spring. Transportation to Wainwright is available by scheduled and chartered air service from Barrow.