Best things to do in Fairbanks
Find out more about those top places in Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska: The Ultimate Travel Guide to an Arctic Wonderland
Nestled deep in the heart of Alaska, Fairbanks is a city where the unexpected happens, and it’s all part of the charm. If you're imagining a bustling metropolis—think again. This rugged little city, the second-largest in the state, was actually founded by happy accident in 1901, when a steamship ran aground on the Chena River, and passengers, hoping to salvage something from the disaster, struck gold. Literally. And thus, Fairbanks was born.
Now, more than a century later, this wilderness haven has evolved into a quirky, picturesque town that’s perfect for adventurous travelers seeking a slice of Alaska’s true spirit. With vintage neon signs, art-deco cinemas, and clapboard houses, the historic downtown Fairbanks is the kind of place where you can snap a photo every few steps. But don't let the charming, old-school vibes fool you—Fairbanks has way more to offer than just its past.
Top Attractions in Fairbanks: Nature at Its Wildest
While the downtown area is certainly a delight, the real magic of Fairbanks lies in its stunning natural surroundings. This is Alaska, after all, where the wild beauty seems endless. And if you’re wondering about things to do, buckle up because there’s no shortage of top attractions here.
Denali National Park: A Giant in the Wilderness
A short jaunt south of Fairbanks will take you to Denali National Park, home to Denali Mountain, the tallest peak in North America. Standing at an awe-inspiring 20,310 feet (6,190 meters), Denali is a true giant—bigger than Mount Everest when you consider its vertical rise from base to summit. It’s so massive, it’s practically its own weather system. Whether you’re into hiking, wildlife watching, or simply marveling at the colossal mountains, Denali National Park is one of the top places to visit in Alaska. You can also sightsee from the comfort of a guided tour, or, if you’re feeling bold, take a flightseeing tour for a bird’s-eye view of the beast of Denali.
Northern Lights: The Best Light Show on Earth
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the Northern Lights, Fairbanks is your place. In the winter months, this city is considered one of the best spots in the world for spotting the mesmerizing, elusive aurora borealis. Imagine standing beneath a sky filled with dancing ribbons of green, purple, and pink—a nature’s light show you won’t soon forget. As the aurora lights up the Alaskan sky, you’ll be captivated by the beauty of the natural world, and perhaps feel like you’ve stepped into a dream. So, if Northern Lights sightseeing is high on your list of things to do, Fairbanks is one of the top attractions you can’t miss.
Chena Hot Springs: A Warm Welcome in the Cold
After a chilly day of exploring, what could be better than soaking in a hot spring? Just a short drive from downtown Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs is the perfect place to unwind. The hot springs are nestled in a snowy landscape, offering a relaxing contrast to the winter cold. Whether you’re coming to relax after a day of sightseeing or taking a dip under the stars (with a chance of seeing the aurora, of course), Chena Hot Springs is an unforgettable way to experience Alaska’s wild side.
A Taste of History: Fairbanks' Old-School Charm
Fairbanks may be all about nature and adventure, but there’s a lot to love about its historic downtown as well. Wander through its quaint streets, where vintage neon signs and art-deco cinemas transport you to a different era. The city’s historic houses and preserved architecture tell the tale of the gold rush era that made Fairbanks what it is today. And don’t forget to check out the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center for a deeper dive into the city’s heritage and its connection to the land.
Fun Winter Activities: Embrace the Cold
Fairbanks doesn’t just shine in summer—its winter months are just as exciting. If you’re into snow sports, dog sledding, or even just sledding down hills, Fairbanks has something for everyone. The fairy-tale snow-covered landscape is a perfect backdrop for all your cold-weather fun, and if you’re into winter sports, you’ll find plenty of options for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and more. Plus, you can always indulge in snowmobiling or take a dog-sledding tour for that authentic Alaskan experience.
Fairbanks: Alaska’s Best Kept Secret
Fairbanks may be tucked away in Alaska’s interior, but it’s definitely a destination that will surprise and delight you. Whether you're hiking through Denali, relaxing in Chena Hot Springs, or watching the Northern Lights, this little city has a big adventure waiting for you. So, pack your bags, layer up, and prepare to explore one of the world’s last true wildernesses.
In short, Fairbanks is the perfect blend of old-town charm, nature’s wonders, and a dash of Alaskan adventure. It might be remote, but that's what makes it even more special. Don’t forget your camera—Fairbanks is the kind of place that makes you want to capture every magical moment.
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Museum of the North
Located in Fairbanks, the Museum features arts, science, and history from Alaska. Similarly, the Museum of the North is concerned with the development and use of geological, botanical, cultural and zoological collections to better investigate issues pertaining to the past and present of the North as well as the future.
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Northern Lights Tour
Being as close as it is to the north pole, one can get to see natural occurrences that occur only at the north pole at this place. Out of many of such occurrences is Aurora Borealis. What’s more interesting is that this Aurora Borealis does not just happen in winter at the north pole, it happens almost all the time.
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Snowmobile Tour
A tour around the Chena Lakes Recreation Area is a surprise package of many things. The place has beautiful trails, rivers, and lakes and is suitable for riding. Part of the surprise package is also the feeling of adventure that accompanies the touring of the place.
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Chena Hot Springs
Chena Hot Springs Resort offers you to see one of the many wonders of nature and it was discovered in 1905. The Resort is also famous for its ice museum and the number of greenhouses that are there.
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Fairbanks Ice Museum
The museum features ice sculptures that were locally made and was built by a thousand tons of ice and snow that is always at -7C. For summer, the museum opens up in May and is totally dedicated to anything that has got to do with snow.
