Fairbanks is the second largest city in Alaska and serves as a popular destination for those wanting to experience the natural beauty and Gold Rush history of the state’s interior region.
With a milder climate than other parts of Alaska, summers in Fairbanks are warm and sunny—an ideal time for exploring the many attractions the city has to offer. Whether you enjoy the outdoors, cultural activities, or learning about Alaska’s heritage, here are 12 top things to see and do in Fairbanks.
Chena River State Recreation Area
This expansive park along the Chena River is a gorgeous place to spend the day getting fresh air and enjoying nature. Go fishing, swimming, camping, hiking, biking or boating on the river. In winter, glide across miles of scenic trails on cross-country skis or snowshoes. You may spot bald eagles, moose, gray wolves and other wildlife while soaking in the serenity of the forest landscape.
Pioneer Park
step back in time at this living history museum showcasing life in early Fairbanks. Wander through two dozen gold rush-era buildings that have been relocated to the park, including shops, a dentist’s office and a church. Watch blacksmithing and woodcarving demonstrations, pan for gold or chat with folks in period clothing. Be sure to ride the narrow gauge steam train for scenic views of the Chena River and surrounding boreal forest.
University of Alaska Museum of the North
Learn about Alaska’s natural history and indigenous cultures at this renowned Smithsonian-affiliated museum. Permanent exhibits feature dioramas of Arctic and sub-Arctic ecosystems, a hall of Alaskan artists and galleries spotlighting artifacts from Inupiat, Athabascan and Aleut communities.
Don’t miss the theater for nature documentaries and a glass-walled arctic exhibit with live muskoxen. Temporary shows bring intriguing new perspectives on life in the Far North.
Dog Mushing
Sled dog racing is hugely popular in Fairbanks, and mushing tours are a top wintertime activity. Take a beginner’s sled dog class to learn the basics of driving a team. For a more spirited ride, book a multi-dog wilderness tour into the surrounding Chena River State Recreation Area or Tanana Flats.
You’ll gain a new appreciation for both the athletic prowess of sled dogs and the historic role of mushing in exploring Alaska.
Santa Claus House
This quirky Christmas-themed attraction operates year-round. It began as the home of “Santa Claus, Alaska” founder Charles W. Jones, whose seasonal residence brought holiday cheer and tourists to Fairbanks starting in the 1950s. Today it displays Christmas memorabilia and offers messages from Santa. Kids can write letters to the big guy and have their photo taken on his lap. Don’t leave without browsing the gift shop for novelty Alaska souvenirs.
Fairbanks Gold Mine Adventure
Experience life as a gold prospector at this award-winning museum and mine tour. The facility has fully operational gold crushing and separation equipment, as well as exhibits on mining camps and indigenous cultures. Your tour takes you 80 feet underground, where you can pan for real gold and learn about hard rock mining. It’s an immersive slice of Alaska’s rugged, prospector-driven heritage that helped shape the early frontier town.
Fountainhead Auto Museum
Car buffs will love this unique museum housing more than 100 vintage and antique vehicles, including rare collector cars. Many have fascinating backstories involving influential Alaskans, while others highlight engineering feats required to traverse the state’s rough terrain.
Non-car folks can still appreciate the history and craftsmanship. Check the event calendar as the museum also hosts celebrations, gatherings and educational programs throughout the summer.
Parks, Gardens and Trails
When you need a break from museums, Fairbanks has several urban green spaces perfect for leisurely walks or picnics. Creamer’s Field features miles of trails through wetlands teeming with migratory birds.
In large city parks like Pike’s Landing and Sanchez you’ll find gardens, playgrounds and scenic river views. For a wilderness escape, the Chena Lakes National Recreation Trail System offers hiking and skiing through boreal forest just east of town.
Fairbanks Ice Museum
Learn how ice carving evolved from a competitive Scandinavian tradition to an iconicAlaskan art form. The museum displays intricate and whimsical ice sculptures created by world-class carvers during annual winter competitions.
Exhibits highlight modern carving techniques as well as the cultural history behind frozen ice legend Tom Lundberg. Watch carvers at work transforming blocks into delicate floral arrangements, geometric shapes and larger-than-life scenes.
Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center
Operated by the University of Alaska Museum of the North, this modern facility serves as a one-stop hub for trip planning. Interactive exhibits on the Chena River, gold mining era and Native cultures enlighten visitors.
Qualified staff offer guided tours of Fairbanks, help book activities and recommend local cuisine. Borrowing ethnographic objects like fur parkas or birch bark baskets allows hands-on discovery of Alaska Native traditions
Whether enjoying museums or scenic wilderness, Fairbanks offers a diverse array of attractions that showcase the region’s natural splendor and rich history. Plan to spend a few days exploring to fully appreciate all this northern city has to offer travelers interested in outdoor adventure, cultural enrichment and digging into the Gold Rush past of America’s Last Frontier State.