As an established year round destination, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Fairbanks Alaska.
Buffeted by two gigantic mountain ranges, Fairbanks activities embrace nature, native heritage, boating and more.
Whether you are looking for active, fun or cheap things to do, Fairbanks offers endless options for every visitor. The city also provides a perfect base to explore the Interior and Arctic regions of Alaska.
Let’s explore the main draws for visitors and locals alike.
- TOP THINGS TO DO IN FAIRBANKS, ALASKA
- 1. MORRIS THOMPSON CULTURAL AND VISITORS CENTER
- 2. UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA MUSEUM OF THE NORTH
- 3. RIVERBOAT DISCOVERY
- 4. GEORGESON BOTANICAL GARDEN
- 5. SAMPLE CRAFT BEER AT HOODOO BREWING COMPANY
- 6. PIONEER PARK
- 7. FOUNTAINHEAD ANTIQUE AUTO MUSEUM
- 8. GOLD DREDGE 8
- 9. TAKE A NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR
- 10. HIKING IN CHENA RIVER STATE RECREATION AREA
- 11. CREAMER'S FIELD MIGRATORY WATERFOWL REFUGE
- 12. RUNNING REINDEER RANCH
- 13. VIEW THE TRANS ALASKAN PIPELINE
- 14. DOG SLEDDING
- THINGS TO DO NEAR FAIRBANKS ALASKA
- HOW TO GET TO FAIRBANKS
- BEST TIME TO VISIT FAIRBANKS ALASKA
TOP THINGS TO DO IN FAIRBANKS, ALASKA
1. MORRIS THOMPSON CULTURAL AND VISITORS CENTER
One of the first things to do in Fairbanks is to make a stop at this incredible visitor center. Located in Downtown, friendly staff will help you decide what to do in Fairbanks during your stay.
Pick up maps, brochures and friendly local advice before learning about Alaskan culture and history. The beautifully designed interior houses interesting and educational exhibits, showcasing Interior Alaska’s people, wildlife and how they live through the seasons.
A visit here is one of the best free things to do in Fairbanks.
Explore the grounds which house a one-hundred-year-old log cabin and colourful mosaic tile walkways. And don’t forget the obligatory photo under the moose antler arch, symbolizing Alaska’s hunting traditions.
WHERE: 101 Dunkel Street | COST: Free | Toilets and free parking available
2. UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA MUSEUM OF THE NORTH
Housed within a quirky abstract modern building, is a wealth of artifacts on Alaskan culture and traditions.
Marvel at the 43 foot Bowhead Whale Skeleton suspended from the first floor ceiling, part of a special exhibition. History, geology, ivory carvings, Alaskan art and paintings are all included in the extensive exhibits.
Greeted by a 1250lb stuffed bear at the entrance, the museum is well laid out, plus affords great views from the first floor.
WHERE: 1962 Yukon Drive | HOURS AND COST: | Café, Toilets and payable parking
3. RIVERBOAT DISCOVERY
One of the top Fairbanks tourist attractions is a cruise along Chena River aboard an authentic sternwheeler. The Riverboat Discovery tour is unmissable, educational and great fun.
During your three-and-a-half hour tour you will see an Alaskan bush pilot take off and land beside the boat. There are stops at a replica Chena Indian Village where you are shown typical village life, and meet reindeers.
You will hear first-hand from four-times Iditarod Champion Susan Butcher’s husband about Trail Breaker Kennels. Watch an exhilarating dog mushing demonstration and discover how these dogs are trained.
Riverboat Discovery is a family-run business that has provided visitors with one of the top things to do in Fairbanks for many years.
WHERE: 1975 Discovery Drive | COST AND TOUR TIMES
4. GEORGESON BOTANICAL GARDEN
Attractions in Fairbanks for horticultural lovers don’t come better than a trip to these botanical gardens. Abundant colourful wildflowers make a picturesque backdrop for a perfect picnic.
Beautiful herbs, plants and vegetables are also on display. With a suggested donation of $7, the gardens are one of the quieter things to do in Fairbanks in Summer.
WHERE: 2180 W Tanana Drive | HOURS: 8am-8pm Memorial Day – Labor Day
5. SAMPLE CRAFT BEER AT HOODOO BREWING COMPANY
With a thriving brewing scene it’s safe to say that Alaskans love their beer. There are multiple tours available for sampling fresh tap beer. While Anchorage is the state’s biggest city for beer, there are some great places to check out in Fairbanks.
Head to HooDoo Brewing Company for a tour of the taproom, a vision realised by local Bobby Wilken. Located in the middle of town, it’s open layout means you can see the brewing process first hand while enjoying a beer.
Outside the friendly atmosphere in the Biergarten beckons you to sit with a cold glass of beer while enjoying culinary delights from local food trucks.
If you are looking for things to do in Fairbanks at night, check out this venue!
WHERE: 1951 Fox Ave | TOURS: Free brewery tours by appointment on Thursdays at 4pm. Ring to reserve your spot | HOURS: Closed Mondays
6. PIONEER PARK
This 44-acre historical themed park is one of a number of Fairbanks attractions favoured by locals.
Slightly faded at the edges which adds to its charm, the restored buildings and museums celebrate early Alaskan history.
Ride around the park on the Crooked Creek Railway and view the faded SS Nenana which once graced the Yukon River.
Of particular interest are the vintage planes housed in the Pioneer Air Transportation Museum (small fee). The park is one of the best free activities in Fairbanks for all the family.
Don’t forget to add the nightly Alaska Salmon Bake onto your Fairbanks to do list! Plus if you are travelling in an RV, you can dry-camp overnight in the carpark for just $12 per night.
WHERE: Airport Way and Peger Road | COST: Free admission | HOURS: Memorial Day – Labor Day
7. FOUNTAINHEAD ANTIQUE AUTO MUSEUM
A visit to the antique auto museum is one of the best things to do in Fairbanks for car lovers.
Take a ride back in history as you explore over 95 pre-World War II automobiles. The expansive collection includes cyclecars, speedsters, horseless carriages, electric cars, steamers, electric cars, midget racers and 30s classics.
There are also photos and videos to peruse, together with a large vintage fashion collection. It’s easy to see why the museum is one of the top attractions in Fairbanks Alaska.
WHERE: 212 Wedgewood Drive | HOURS AND COST
8. GOLD DREDGE 8
Looking for unique things to do in Fairbanks? Hop aboard a narrow-guage train and take a 2-hour tour to Gold Dredge 8 in the Tanana Valley.
Tours like this one offer a chance to learn about gold rushers and their drive to become rich.
After an introduction to the history of the mine, a train ride takes you to the mine sight where you are given a panning demonstration. Explore the workings of this historic dredge and try your hand at panning for gold which is great fun.
Whatever you find is weighed and yours to keep. We panned $18 between us!
A visit here is definitely one of the top things to do in Fairbanks for every age. Wander around the old mining site, read artifacts and view old photos before tucking into coffee and cookies.
WHERE: 1803 Old Steese Hwy N | COST AND TOUR TIMES
9. TAKE A NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR
During the Midnight Sun Season the sun shines up to 24 hours a day for 70 days straight. There’s something energising about having so much sunlight.
But one of the best places to see the northern lights is in Fairbanks.
Aurora in Fairbanks can be seen across the sky nine months of the year. In fact seeing the magical northern lights is one of visitors top things to do in Fairbanks in winter.
Aurora season is from the end of August to the end of April. The best time to see the northern lights in Fairbanks is when the sky is relatively dark and clear.
Seeing the vivid colours dancing across the skies is truly magical. While there are no guarantees, if you are in Fairbanks Alaska during the winter you could be lucky!
Check here for 3-day forecasts.
10. HIKING IN CHENA RIVER STATE RECREATION AREA
From a short stroll along the Chena River to more energetic hiking, Fairbanks has trails of varying length and difficulty.
A popular hike in nearby Chena River State Recreation Area, is the Angel Rocks Trail. Located about an hours drive from Fairbanks, the 3.5 mile loop has an elevation gain of 1,750ft at its highest point.
The trail is clearly marked from the parking lot. Continue to the Chena Hot Springs Resort for a dip in the springs, followed by a tour of Aurora Ice Museum. Over 1000 tons of ice and snow go towards creating intricate sculptures, kept at 25 degrees year-round.
Round your trip off with a cocktail served in an ice-carved martini glass!
If you are looking for things to do near Fairbanks Alaska, look no further than Chena River!
WHERE: Chena Hot Springs Road
11. CREAMER’S FIELD MIGRATORY WATERFOWL REFUGE
Located on the north side of town, this refuge covers 2,000 acres of forest, wetlands and open fields.
During Fairbanks Summer, migrating birds can be viewed from observation platforms.
Come and see the sandhill cranes before looking for wildlife along the short trails. The Farmhouse visitor center has details on the refuge plus guided nature walks.
Don’t forget mosquito spray or your visit won’t be one of the fun things to do in Fairbanks!
WHERE: 1300 College Road
12. RUNNING REINDEER RANCH
How does a guided forest walk with reindeers sound? Learn how these adorable creatures adapt to Arctic living as you guide them through boreal forest. This family-run operation raises their reindeer like family pets and their love for them shines through.
After the hour-long walk, continue discovering more interesting reindeer and forest facts over drinks and homemade cookies.
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska, definitely check out Running Reindeer Ranch. Be sure to include on your Fairbanks winter activities list too!
13. VIEW THE TRANS ALASKAN PIPELINE
This is no ordinary pipeline, this is a marvel of engineering. The Trans-Alaska Pipeline carries crude oil from Prudhoe Bay on the Arctic Ocean, to its terminus at Valdez 800 miles away.
That’s more than a million dollars of oil flowing through the pipeline every hour. The famous pipe snakes its way over Alaskan wilderness, crosses mountain ranges, rivers and permafrost.
Information displays explain how the pipeline was built by 70,000 construction workers at a cost of $8 billion. The inside of the pipeline is inspected and cleaned by a pig, an example of which is on display.
More than half the pipeline is elevated to enable animal crossings, while some sections are buried in areas where thawing of the ground would not cause soil instability.
You can easily pull into the layby before or after visiting Gold Dredge 8 which is close by.
14. DOG SLEDDING
Whether you are riding in a wheeled cart in the summer or gliding over snow in the winter, dog sledding is a thrilling and fun activity anytime of the year.
An Alaskan tradition and much loved pastime, it is celebrated every March with the Iditarod Sled Dog Race which is 1,150 miles long.
Take a tour and be pulled by these powerful and much loved dogs through forest and snow. Meet the racers and their dogs and hear first hand just what is involved in owning your own kennel.
Experience year-round tours in Fairbanks and near the North Pole, and in winter take an exclusive aurora dog sledding trip.
THINGS TO DO NEAR FAIRBANKS ALASKA
Ideally you should spend a couple of days in Fairbanks but if you have more time to spare, there are some great tours and national parks to explore.
1. ARCTIC CIRCLE TOUR
If you are looking for non-touristy things to do Fairbanks is the gateway to the Arctic and the vast wilderness north of the Arctic Circle. Why not take an Arctic Circle tour from Fairbanks? You could even drive yourself up the famous Dalton Highway.
Car rental in Fairbanks is easy to arrange.
- Arctic Outfitters are Dalton highway car rental experts
- Northern Alaska Tour Company offers several tours from one-day adventures across the Arctic Circle, to overnight tours to the Arctic Ocean.
2. VISIT DENALI NATIONAL PARK
One of the most popular day trips with an overnight stay is a visit to Denali National Park. Although a 2-3 hours drive from Fairbanks, the scenic journey is worthwhile.
Leave Fairbanks early and you will be able to take one of the shuttles which drive through the park. The best time of year is summer from June to September when facilities are open.
HOW TO GET TO FAIRBANKS
The distance from Anchorage to Fairbanks is 360 miles along scenic highways with plenty of highlights along the way. Anchorage to Fairbanks drive time is 7-8 hours.
Another option is to ride the Anchorage train to Fairbanks aboard Denali Star. This epic ride stops at Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali before reaching Fairbanks. Alaska Railroad is an epic way to travel.
BEST TIME TO VISIT FAIRBANKS ALASKA
Locals would say anytime of year is great to visit Fairbanks. However it depends on what activities you want to experience.
- Midnight Sun Season – summer activities, hiking, wildlife spotting, Denali, outdoor activities.
- Aurora Season – Mid-September to April with December through March being the coldest and clearest.
- Winter Season – During darkest days its light from about 11am to 4pm. Snowshoeing, dogsledding, northern light tours, ice-fishing, curling, skiing and visits to North Pole to see Santa.
Now you’ve read our top things to do in Fairbanks AK, which will be high on your list? We really enjoyed our time in Fairbanks and hope you will too. If you have any questions please leave in the comments below.
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