9 Things To Do In Fairbanks Alaska

Fairbanks Offers Summer Visitors Warmer Temperatures And Midnight Sun Fun

The gold rush city of Fairbanks, Alaska is a winter wonderland about five months of the year. But during the summer, there are lots of wonderful things to do in Fairbanks. We visited for a few days in June and the weather was beautiful, the people were friendly, and the scenery is beyond spectacular.

Our visit was pretty low on the adventure scale. However, Fairbanks is a great location for a basecamp for Arctic Circle expeditions, if you are into extreme adventures.

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1. Running Reindeer Ranch, Fairbanks

If cavorting with impish forest beasts is on your bucket list, then Running Reindeer Ranch is the spot for you. It was so much fun to spend a few hours learning about reindeer, the boreal forest, and life at Reindeer Ranch.

Walking through the forest as part of the reindeer herd was a highlight of our Fairbanks trip.

2. Abundant Wildlife

When you are off to explore Fairbanks, the Alaska wilderness is rich with wildlife. Even driving along the highway, you can encounter moose, bears, migratory birds, and a variety of wild animals enjoying hiking paths, river banks, and the open road.

3. Trans Alaska Pipeline System

The Trans Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) is an 800-mile long pipeline that runs through Fairbanks. It has a capacity of moving over 2 million barrels of oil per day. While it doesn’t reach capacity in general, if the flow is too low or stops the pipeline could freeze.

Although the pipeline is not a big tourist attraction, it is worth the drive out of downtown Fairbanks just to take a look.

4. Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center

The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center is the best spot to begin your Fairbanks adventure. All the local information you need for a wonderful Fairbanks trip along with exhibits depicting early Alaska natives lives.

The Cultural and Visitors Center is open year round and is free to explore.

5. University Of Alaska Museum Of The North, Fairbanks

The modern Museum of the North brings Alaska native history to life. Hand carved and crafted artifacts of Alaska native cultures are on display. Weathering the frigid less than 200 miles from the Arctic Circle takes fortitude and a strong will to survive.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks campus is a thriving center for Arctic Circle research. It is a lovely spot for an afternoon stroll exploring the campus.

6. Chena River, Fairbanks

The beautiful Chena River and the Tanana River provided early residents with access to water and fishing. Today, the rivers offer visitors year round fishing opportunities. Anglers can find King Salmon, Northern Pike, and other river delicacies.

If you have limited time, the Fairbanks City Highlights Tour is an easy way to see the top spots in the city, including the Museum of the North and the Morris Thompson Cultural Center, The Trans Alaska Pipeline, and a visit to the Santa Claus House.

7. Aurora Borealis

An Aurora Borealis Viewing Adventure should be on your Alaska to do list. Sadly, we didn’t see the Northern lights when we visited. Chasing the Aurora Borealis is a hit or miss type of adventure. The best time to see the Northern Lights is late August to late April, when the land of the midnight sun is past the summer solstice.

The night sky, in general, is so bright due to the lack of light pollution. It is fun just to gaze at the stars twinkling over Alaska’s interior region

8. Dog Sledding

Everyone should experience dog sledding at least once. The crisp cool air, the energetic Alaska sled dogs, and the winter wonderland scenery come together in a magical combination of frenetic fun. There are lots of great dog mushing and dog sledding tours available like this dog sled tour in North Pole, Alaska. When you are gliding along the snow covered trails of the alpine tundra, behind a team of dog mushing power, it is a thrilling experience.

Of course, one of the best parts of an Alaska dog sled adventure is playing with the sled dog puppies! When a large little of these cuties are jumping all over you, it’s pretty much pure joy.

9. Chena Hot Springs, Fairbanks

The Chena Hot Springs geothermal system comes from underground water that comes through the surface cracks in the rock underneath the hot springs area. You can visit for the day or stay at the Chena Hot Springs Resort for a longer visit.

Be sure to stop in the Aurora Ice Museum for a cool time!

Best Time To Visit Fairbanks

The best time to visit Fairbanks is summer, mid-May to late July. We were there in June and there was still snow on some of the hiking trails in Denali. The Tanana Valley is lush and green during the summer, it is a wonderful time to explore the area’s natural beauty.

Denali National Park and Preserve

You can’t miss a visit to Denali National Park and Preserve when you are so close to Fairbanks. We had a fantastic time visiting Denali. I highly recommend driving from Fairbanks to Denali, is is just over a two hour drive and the scenery is spectacular. Of course, visiting the scenery in the park is beyond breathtaking.

Visit my article on Denali National Park and Preserve for more information and some trip planning ideas. I go over hiking, bus tours, and other outdoor adventures in this Alaska range wonderland.

Where To Dine In Fairbanks

We had a wonderful dinner at The Pump House Restaurant and Saloon along the Chena River. If you want to experience fresh, expertly crafted Alaska seafood, this is the best spot in town. Of course, the Grilled Alaska Salmon is devine. The King Crab Dinner is a must try for crab aficionados. The Alaskan Fish and Chips is a fun play on the classic English dish with deep-fried, Alaskan Amber beer-battered Alaskan halibut as the star of the plate. Don’t forget to sample the reindeer sausage.

Where To Stay In Fairbanks

Situated on the Chena River is Pike’s Waterfront Lodge. The casual and rustic decor reflects the history of Fairbanks. It is a wonderful spot for a getaway stay, centrally located to everything you want to see and do in Fairbanks.

The rooms are equipped with a microwave and mini fridge for mini meals and snacks. Some rooms are dog friendly, many have fireplaces, and some offer pretty river views.

Interior Alaska, Fairbanks Beauty

When you are planning your visit to Alaska, consider spending a few days in Fairbanks. Chase the Northern Lights, explore Alaska native culture, soak in soothing hot springs, and revel in a visit to the Ice Museum. Whether you are venturing out to the Arctic Circle or simply enjoying the beauty of the land of the midnight sun, you will love exploring the area. There are lots of fun and interesting things to do in Fairbanks as you head off to your next Alaska bucket list adventure.

Happy Bucket List Adventures

Sandi

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The information provided here is an overview of adventures available. Travel With Sandi does not endorse certain tours or adventures — each individual should choose based on their personal taste and physical abilities. As always, be safe, aware of your surroundings, tread carefully, and keep your valuables hidden.