Fairbanks has incredible tourist attractions and natural wonders that draw in hundreds of thousands of visitors from all corners of the world each year. The city is within 200 miles (321 km) of the Arctic Circle, and it is also the home to the University of Alaska Fairbanks which hosts a plethora of museums and cultural attractions. State parks, untouched wilderness, and magnificent attractions are not in any shortage, and as such, Fairbanks has something to offer, irrespective of your tastes and preference. For accommodation, knowing where to stay in Fairbanks wouldn’t be a chore as guests are spoilt with options. Even RV rentals are available here. If this is the next destination on your radar, have a look at some of the top things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska.
1. Ruble through the countryside in a side-by-side (from USD 450.0)
Rumbling through the countryside in a side-by-side vehicle in Fairbanks, Alaska, is an exhilarating and off-road adventure that lets you explore the rugged wilderness of the Last Frontier. Side-by-sides, or UTVs (Utility Terrain Vehicles), are designed for rugged terrains and are popular for exploring Alaska’s vast and diverse landscapes.
Guided tours take you on thrilling trails through picturesque forests, rocky terrain, and scenic riverbanks. You’ll have the chance to spot wildlife, admire stunning mountain views, and experience the unspoiled beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.
Side by Side Morning Tour
Duration: 5 hours
2. Experience dog sledding and mushing (from USD 455.0)
Experiencing dog sledding and mushing in Fairbanks, Alaska, is a truly iconic and unforgettable activity that immerses you in the rich tradition of dog-powered transportation in the Arctic. Fairbanks is a hub for dog sledding adventures, and visitors can embark on thrilling rides led by skilled mushers and their teams of enthusiastic sled dogs.
Whether you’re gliding through snowy forests or across frozen landscapes, dog sledding offers a unique and intimate connection with the stunning Alaskan wilderness. In addition to the exhilarating rides, many dog sledding tours in Fairbanks, Alaska, provide opportunities to meet friendly canines, learn about mushing techniques, and gain insight into the history and culture of dog sledding.
Fairbanks Alaska Small-Group Dog Sledding and Mushing Tour
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
3. Explore the heritage exhibits of Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum (from USD 140.0)
A step into the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum will take you on an amazing journey to a time in history when human transportation was at its rudimentary stages. You will have an exciting chance to see and experience the earlier forms of road transportation and appreciate the strides we have made so far, as far as road transportation is concerned. What you find in this museum are exhibits of vintage automobiles from the Victorian age right through to the Art Deco period. You will also have a rare chance to see over 95 pre-World War II automobiles, streamers, horseless carriages, midget racers, and a variety of classics.
Fairbanks City Tour
Duration: 5.5 hour
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4. Tour the beautiful terrains of Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge
Historic Creamer's Dairy Barns and Farmhouse, front east Waterfowl viewing field, Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, State of Alaska Refuge in Fairbanks, Alaska
Posted by Friends of Creamer's Field on Tuesday, 16 April 2019
This is a sanctuary that sits on a 2,200-acre (890 ha) piece of land, and it is dedicated to rescuing and preserving endangered waterfowl. The vast lands comprise fields, wetlands, and forests, and the most admirable thing about the refuge is that there is a peaceful coexistence between the people and the birds.
In addition to being the home and the refuge of the waterfowl, the sanctuary is also the home to several migratory bird species, and rich flora and fauna. As visiting this site is a great thing to do in Fairbanks, Alaska, during the summer, guests will find several picnic areas, designated spots for bird and animal viewing, and several centers for nature education.
Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge Tour
Address: 1300 College Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99701, USA
Website: Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
5. Watch a live show at Palace Theatre
Posted by The Palace Theater on Sunday, 4 September 2016
If you love live performances and you appreciate the diversity in cultures as demonstrated through art, then you have every reason to visit the Palace Theatre in Fairbanks for a live show. This is one of the most frequented attractions in summer due to the lots of exciting performances that are usually lined up. You can expect to enjoy shows of comedy, traditional dances, hilarious musical performances, and much more. The theatre is fondly known as The Golden Heart of the City, and it is an extremely warm place for spending lazy summer weekends.
Palace Theatre Live Shows
Address: 2300 Airport Way 99701 Fairbanks, Alaska
Website: Palace Theatre
Opening hours: 8:15pm (daily)
Price: USD 24.95
6. Learn about life in interior Alaska at Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitor’s Center (from USD 140.0)
It is always fascinating to learn the histories of the places you visit, and for Alaska, the best place to get the history would be at the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitor’s Center. This is where you get to delve into how life started in the region, and how the ancient people managed to survive in one of the coldest places in the world. You will see lots of exhibits from the ancient days to better help you understand their lifestyle and also to appreciate the strides that we have made as mankind through the years. This is also where you will get right into the core and understand Alaska’s natural beauty and rich heritage.
Alaskan Heritage and Sightseeing Tour in Fairbanks
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
7. Hike the scenic Angel Rocks Hiking Trail
Angel Rock Hiking Trail is a 3.5-mile (5.6-km) loop that starts on even ground near the banks of Chena River and sharply climbs up to 900 feet (274 m) into the sky. With the sharp granite outcrops on the hillside, the journey towards the peak will be pretty terrifying, but one that every adrenaline junkie will love. However, it is not just the thrill you will enjoy, but also you will be mesmerized by the beautiful valleys below.
If you happen to visit when it is not snowing, then you will behold the most beautiful valleys surrounding this scenic spot in Fairbanks.
Angel Rocks Hiking Trail
Address: Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712, USA
Website: Angel Rocks Hiking Trail
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
8. Discover the world’s largest year-round ice environment at Aurora Ice Museum
Posted by Jennifer Lynch Howard on Friday, 19 July 2019
The Aurora Ice Museum is one of the most unique museums you will ever visit in Fairbanks. The ice never melts inside this place. You will have a chance to see mind-blowing carvings and exciting fantasy ice scenes that stand tall all-year-round. The museum is the largest year-round ice environment in the world. It houses a winter wonderland of ice sculptors that depicts a variety of crazy scenes that you can only find in the polar region. They include scenes of igloos, scenes of full-size pair of knights, a giant chess set, and many others. The entire museum is lit up with ice chandeliers that display the beautiful colors of the Northern Lights, and this makes it even more beautiful.
Aurora Ice Museum Tour
Address: 17600 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712, USA
Website: Aurora Ice Museum
Opening hours: 11am - 7pm (daily)
Price: 15 USD
9. Tour the incredible Running Reindeer Ranch
Posted by Running Reindeer Ranch on Friday, 24 May 2019
How about spending time with the reindeer in their natural habitat? Have you ever imagined being very close to these beautiful creatures such that you can even take selfies with them? And would you love to see them run, hop, and bound among the woods? Well, this is the kind of experience that awaits you at the Running Reindeer Ranch. You will not just enjoy spending time and taking photos with them but also you will have a chance to learn more about these animals and how they can survive the extreme temperatures. Should you feel that you need more time, you can book one of the lodgings in the ranch so that you see and experience more of these graceful creatures.
Running Reindeer Ranch
Address: 1470 Ivans Alley, Fairbanks, AK 99709, USA
Website: Running Reindeer Ranch
Price: From 70 USD
10. Learn about early Alaska at Pioneer Park
Today, 7/11/2019 at 10 am the AQI(Air Quality Index) was at 249 around the Park. Pioneer Park will not be running Train Engine 67 today and you may see vendors closed for the day due to air quality.
Posted by Fairbanks North Star Borough Pioneer Park on Thursday, 11 July 2019
For history enthusiasts, a visit to Fairbanks will not be complete if you don’t pass by the Pioneer Park to increase or refresh your knowledge on the history of Alaska. The park is on a 44 acre (109 ha) piece of land and it features a conglomerate of historical displays and museums that offer more insights into the region’s history. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn as much as you possibly can about the early days of life in Alaska and appreciate the ingenuity that the people of Alaska had to come up with to survive in the Polar Regions. You will also see the kind of strides made in areas such as road and rail transportation, complete with exhibits for the very first forms of transport in the region.
Pioneer Park Tour
Address: 2300 Airport Way, 99701 Fairbanks, Alaska
Website: Pioneer Park
Opening hours: 7am - 12am (daily)
Price: Free admission; exhibits vary
11. Go snowmobiling in the snowy terrains of Fairbanks (from USD 97.0)
There are several snowmobile tours in Alaska and this is one of the best ways to light up gloomy afternoons during winter. The Fairbanks landscapes during winter are absolute beauties, and it is so much fun to speed through them using the snowmobile. This is your only chance to cross the frozen lakes, river, and the hiking trails. While you speed your way through the snow, you will also enjoy beautiful sightings of wildlife such as snowshoe hare, foxes, and moose. You can compare this to an enchanting ride through a winter wonderland in Fairbanks.
Fairbanks Snowmobile Adventure from North Pole
Duration: 1 hour
12. Appreciate the flora at Georgeson Botanical Garden
The Georgeson Botanical Garden is adjacent to the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus and it normally turns into a beautiful little paradise when it stops snowing. The 5-acre (2 ha) tourist attraction in Fairbanks is home to a rich flora and it hosts several plant species which are used for both research and educational programs.
Most of the studies and the research revolve around subarctic horticulture but you don’t have to be a student or a researcher to visit the garden.
Georgeson Botanical Garden
Address: 2178 W Tanana Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99709, USA
Website: [Georgeson Botanical Garden]http://www.georgesonbotanicalgarden.org/)
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 5 USD
13. Take iconic snapshots at the Antler Arch
The Moose Antler Arch in Fairbanks may not be that attractive when you are approaching from far, but at a closer look, you will realize you’re standing in front of something that you have probably never seen in your life. The construction of the arch featured more than 100 antlers that were naturally collected from several places within Alaska. The original goal of constructing the arch was to encourage people to take the short 4-mile (6.4 km) walk between the Golden Heart Park and the Morris Thompson Center. Currently, the arch is a tourist attraction where thousands of visitors to take photos and you shouldn’t miss it when you visit.
Antler Arch
Address: Fairbanks, AK 99701, USA
Website: Antler Arch
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
14. Savour Alaskan berry fudge at The Fudge Pot
It would be very unfair of you to visit Fairbanks and fail to have a taste of one of their specialities – the Alaskan berry fudge. Find your way to The Fudge Pot on 515 1st Avenue and try out some of the best quality fudge in Alaska. The fudge at this joint is made from the finest ingredients, including butter and cream. What you will find in this place is a selection of the most pleasing sweets and treats in entire Alaska. If you’re travelling with kids, this will be a sweet paradise for them. Don’t forget their dental hygiene, though!
The Fudge Pot
Address: 515 1st Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701, USA
Website: The Fudge Pot
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 5pm; Sat: 11am - 5am (closed on Sun)
15. Witness a stretch of the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline (from USD 290.0)
The Trans-Alaskan Pipeline System is one of the largest pipeline systems in the world. The system is more than 800 miles (1287km) long, and it is used to transport oil from Prudhoe Bay all the way to Valdez in Alaska. The system has a total of 11 pump stations, hundreds of feeder lines, and several terminals. It may not be possible to go on a full tour of the pipeline, but there are sections within Fairbanks that are open to the public where you can go and learn more about the system and also marvel at its construction.
Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Tour from Fairbanks
Duration: 12 to 14 hours
16. Visit the Signatory Arctic Circle Monument Sign
The Arctic Circle Monument Sign is located in the Arctic Circle Wayside at Milepost, off the Dalton Highway. It is just a simple wooden sign with a map of the globe facing down from the North Pole. This is the only place where, the moment you cross the line, you will officially be in the polar region.
Signatory Arctic Circle Monument Sign Tour
Address: Milepost, off the Dalton Highway.
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
17. See the temporary artworks at Two Street Gallery
Posted by 2 Street Gallery on Friday, 26 September 2014
Two Street Gallery is in downtown Fairbanks and it showcases fine art by various Alaskan artists. You will find on display a variety of artworks featuring textiles, sculptors, photography, paintings, ceramics, collage, jewelry, and mixed media among others. If you happen to visit on the first Friday of every month, you will have a chance to find fresh displays brought in by the artists. In addition to admiring the pieces of art, you will also be treated to tasty refreshments while you enjoy the tour.
Two Street Gallery
Address: 535 2nd Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701, USA
Website: Two Street Gallery
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 10am - 5pm
18. Set sail on a scenic cruise on Riverboat Discovery
Riverboat Discovery is one single cruise that will take you deep into the heart of Alaska and teach you more about this one family that decided to turn the rivers of Alaska into their livelihood for five generations. You will see the boat, complete with the bush floatplane on-site, the kennels of the dogs, and the entire home of the family. You will also have a chance to learn about the ancient Athabascan Indian culture when you tour the Chena Indian Village while experiencing the Alaskan life as told by the Binkley family riverboat business.
Riverboat Discovery
Address: 1975 Discovery Dr 99709 Fairbanks, Alaska
Website: Riverboat Discovery
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
19. Indulge in Alaskan eats at Lavelle’s Bistro
Posted by Lavelle's Bistro on Sunday, 21 January 2018
There is always a written code that you must try out the native foods of the places you travel to, and if you want to experience what Alaska has to offer, then a visit to Lavelle’s Bistro is a must. This is one of the most famous restaurants in Fairbanks, and it is where you are guaranteed to experience a nice sampling of the Fairbanks fine dining experience. Expect to treat your taste buds to mouthwatering salads, tasty soups, and a variety of seasonal entrees. If you are like most people and you have been wondering what kinds of foods the people up north eat due to the weather, then this will be your chance to find your answers.
Lavelle’s Bistro Food
Address: 575 1st Ave. 99701 Fairbanks, Alaska
Website: Lavelle’s Bistro
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 4:30pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 4:30pm - 11pm; Sun - Mon: 4:30pm - 9pm
20. Enjoy a night out at Midnite Mine
It is always a good idea to sample what the night has to offer in the places you travel to, and in Fairbanks, Midnite Mine is where you should get the experience. This is one of the few good bars in Fairbanks, and they have a “No Military Policy.” The bar is dimly lit but is fairly lively and active–definitely more than what you see from the outside. It is a great place to meet locals, enjoy your drinks, and play foosball, darts, or pool as you get deep into the cold nights.
Midnite Mine
Address: 308 Wendell Ave 99701-4838 Fairbanks, Alaska
Website: Midnite Mine
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 2am; Fri - Sat: 10am - 3am; Sun: 9am - 2am
21. Explore the Alaskan wilderness in Chena Hot Springs (from USD 179.0)
A visit to the Chena Hot Springs will thrust you right into the splendor of the Alaskan wilderness with the opportunity to soak in the steaming geothermal hot springs. A visit to this place is always a challenge to many people due to the limited light but the few who manage to make the trip are never disappointed. If you happen to visit in winter, you will not just enjoy the warm baths from the springs, but you may also be lucky enough to witness the northern lights right above your head while you enjoy the contrast between the warm spring water and the cold weather.
Chena Hot Springs Aurora Tour
Duration: 7 to 10 hours
22. Take the Northern Lights off your bucket list (from USD 245.0)
Millions of people around the world remain fascinated by the Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, and visiting Fairbanks is your chance to take off this from your bucket list. This happens when there is a collision between electrically charged particles from the sun when they enter the earth’s atmosphere and they are only visible when you are in the northernmost parts of the earth such as in Fairbanks. The illumination is normally witnessed at night, and it is nothing but a magical display of beautiful colors that light up the night sky. Be sure to carry your camera because you will be taking shots of a lifetime.
Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour
Duration: 8 hours
23. Experience the thrills of dog sledding (from USD 209.0)
How about crisscrossing the scenic landscapes on a dog sled? Well, this is another common attraction in Fairbanks and you will be doing yourself a great injustice if you don’t check it out. You have probably seen it on movies and books, and this is going to be your chance to experience. There are several expert guides on dog sledding, and you can rest assured that it a trip that will take you through very beautiful sceneries in winter.
Sled Dog Day Tour
Duration: 1 hour
24. Discover the exciting variety of animals at the Large Animal Research Station (from USD 123.0)
The Large Animal Research Station is located at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and it is one of the little known gems that most of the visitors to the city are unaware of. The station is located in Yankovich homestead, and it is the home to a variety of large animals, which are purposely kept to maintain a healthy colony of the species for behavioral, physiological, and nutritional research. The common faces you will find here include muskoxen and reindeer.
Fairbanks Alaska City Tour
Duration: 5 hours
25. Travel back in time at Gold Dredge No. 8 National Historic District (from USD 43.0)
The Gold Rush was a period that will forever be etched in the annals of world history. When you are in Fairbanks, a visit to the Gold Dredge No. 8 is where you will get a glimpse of the Alaskan experience of the rush. This is the home to Alaska’s gold mining history and it takes you through the journey of when the first miners set foot on the land, what they did, and how they did it, including a display of the rudimentary technology they used for mining the gold.
Gold Dredge 8 Tour
26. Admire the breathtaking architecture of Museum of the North (from USD 140.0)
Different regions are known to have distinctive architectures that set them apart from the rest. Whenever you visit any city, you will not fail to see an iconic building or structure that easily identifies it from the rest. In Fairbanks, the Museum of the North is one such piece of the city’s treasure. The architecture is unique by all means and the design is in such a manner that the complete building forms what looks like the letter N. It painted white, and with the green grass around it, it will make an exciting background for your Fairbanks photos.
Fairbanks Autumn/Winter City Tour
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
Make some great memories in Fairbanks, Alaska
With so many things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska, you have no reason to spend gloomy days during your visit. The museums, natural attractions, and the historical and cultural sites should be sufficient to satisfy your curiosity about this region, and also to give you a new perspective about life near the North Pole.
Frequently asked questions about the top things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska
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