31 Fun & Best Things to Do in Fairbanks, Alaska

If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable Alaskan experience, look no further than Fairbanks. From dogsledding through the forests to a scenic flight over the city, it features a wide range of options to satisfy multiple desires in this charming northern town. Here are our top picks for the best things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Fairbanks is a city that’s as big as outdoor adventures and culture. With its location in the middle of Alaska, Fairbanks provides plenty of opportunities for people to explore nature’s wonders.

You’ll find everything from ice caves to glaciers and even a natural hot spring where you can soak your bones after a long hike through the wilderness.

If you’re chasing such an ideal vacation in Alaska, start planning your trip, book a flight, and hope this guide will help you plan an excellent travel itinerary in interior Alaska. Let’s get into Fairbanks, Alaska’s top attractions and things to do.

Things to Do in Fairbanks, Alaska

1. Museum of the North

Address: 1962 Yukon Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99775, United States

Fairbanks has great destinations to explore, including the Museum of the North. It is a fascinating museum on the University of Alaska – Fairbanks campus.

The museum has fantastic remarkable architecture and wonderful must see-exhibits that make the museum a great destination and one of the best tourist attractions of the town.

It is a beautiful home to over 2.5 million artifacts, displays, and specimens. The Museum of the North exhibits features fascinating Alaska Native cultures, the beautiful, diverse wildlife, and the picturesque sceneries of the town.

The exhibits highlight Alaska art, Rose Berry Alaska art, virtual presentations, artifacts, the World War II Aleut evacuation exhibit, and the state’s Largest Public Display of Gold.

The Arctic dinosaurs’ relics are a highlight and great exhibit features in this fantastic campus museum. History and art buffs will enjoy touring around and checking out each incredible display the museum showcases.

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2. See the Northern Lights

There are few things more magical than seeing the Northern Lights. The natural phenomenon is caused by the solar wind interacting with Earth’s magnetic field, visible from Alaska, Canada, and Europe.

The best time to see the Northern Lights is in winter (October through April). The Fairbanks area is one of the best places in North America for viewing the Northern Lights.

Several Northern Lights tours will take you into the Alaskan wilderness, where you can experience all things aurora in the heart of interior Alaska.

3. Visit Denali National Park and Preserve

Address: Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK, United States

Denali National Park is Alaska’s best-known attraction, and it should be on your list of things to do in Fairbanks. Denali National Park and Preserve encompass a large swath of land around Mount Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), the tallest peak in North America at 20,320 feet above sea level.

While you can’t climb up to the top of Denali on your own (it requires proper training and equipment), you don’t have to go all the way up there to have an incredible experience: hiking trails abound throughout Denali National Park, so packing your hiking gear is a must.

Plenty of other activities are available for travelers who want something more than nature; one option is taking an excursion into nearby Talkeetna by taking the Alaska Railroad and the “Denali Star” passenger service.

The Alaska Railroad departs from Fairbanks each day at 7 pm. It stops in Anchorage before arriving at its final destination in downtown Talkeetna by midnight—just enough time for fun after dinner. You can take a helicopter tour of Denali from Talkeetna, an unbelievable experience.

If this sounds like a good time, but you’re concerned about getting back home afterward, fret not: there’s also an option where passengers can get picked up at 4 am by bus instead (and vice versa).

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4. Riverboat Discovery

Address: 1975 Discovery Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99709, United States

Looking for an ideal destination to experience fun and do an array of great outdoor activities in Fairbanks is within reach in Riverboat Discovery. It is an excellent must-do activity that provides a fantastic adventure for families.

The Riverboat Discovery tour features various activities, from discovering the Chena Indian Village Living Museum to witnessing Bush Pilot Demonstration, learning the Trail Breaker Kennel, and exploring the Steamboat Landing.

A lovely place for a family to bond, learn about the fascinating ancient Athabascan Indian culture and see incredible champion sled dogs of Iditarod winner Susan Butcher in action.

Learning culture, appreciating nature’s beauty, discovering Alaska, and knowing what makes it different from the other states are some things to behold when visiting Riverboat Discovery. Cruising is also one of the highlights of exploring this incredible tourist attraction.

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5. Take a day trip to the North Pole

Few places are as remote and exciting as the North Pole, Alaska. A tiny town of just over 2,000 people, North Pole, is located about 20 minutes south of Fairbanks on the Richardson Highway and is home to Santa Claus House—the official gift shop for the real Santa Claus.

Join a snowmobile tour to explore the North Pole. The town has a small-town feel but offers plenty of entertainment for visitors looking for more than just shopping at Santa’s house.

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6. World Ice Art Championships – Ice Alaska

Address: 1800 College Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709, United States

Visiting Fairbanks won’t let every visitor down, for it has many great attractions to see, and the World Ice Art Championship is one of the great spots not to miss in town.

It is a great place to see outstanding and world-class ice sculptures. Ice-Alaska, a nonprofit organization, produced this fantastic contest that started in 1989, continuously running today, showcasing mesmerizing ice sculptures.

Over a hundred sculptures participated in the World Ice Art Championships from 30 countries annually. The sculptures in the competition are showcased to the public to see and enjoy incredible ice work. It is secured at the center of Alaska, where the most prestigious and remarkable ice competition is held, where each artwork is admired, loved, and presented.

It is ideal for every art enthusiast and tourist looking for a unique travel destination to see the wonders of nature and the snow, witness talent, and behold various masterpieces.

7. Aurora Ice Museum

Address: 17600 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712, United States

The Aurora Ice Museum is a slice of Alaska you won’t want to miss. The Chena Hot Springs Resort museum in Fairbanks, Alaska, has been open since May 1st and will remain open until September 30th.

The museum features three ice sculptures that depict Alaska’s history, culture, and wildlife. These sculptures are illuminated by blue lighting during the day and red lights at night—both synced with music played throughout the museum.

Aurora Ice Museum also has an indoor ice maze you can walk through while listening to stories about Alaska’s history. You’ll find yourself immersed in facts about dog sledding and glaciers while walking through this maze.

8. Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum

Address: 212 Wedgewood Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99701, United States

History and automobile lovers will enjoy the lovely museum in Fairbanks, Alaska, for Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum provides an array of exciting stories and displays of interesting historic cars.

It is a beautiful museum that houses pre-World War II automobiles. Antique Auto Museum has over 95 historic cars, and 65 to 75 of its collection was rare. This Alaska museum offers an entertaining guided tour wherein each piece of the historic automobile provides exciting facts and background.

The exhibit does not showcase antique autos but accompanies it with accessories, vintage photographs, and videos, making the tour more enjoyable.

A variety of world-class collections of classic and vintage cars within the museum is a sight to behold. Some collections in Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum were the 1898 Hay Motor Vehicle and the rare auto of 1906. Get your admission ticket and tour the museum.

9. See the Midnight Sun

The midnight sun is a phenomenon that occurs in the summer months and lasts for about a month. The sun never fully sets during this time but hovers just below the horizon. This gives you plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors with friends, family, and loved ones in a beautiful setting.

Taking advantage of the midnight sun can mean many different things! You can go camping under the stars or fish on a lake frozen over at other times during the summer months.

If you’re more adventurous, you could even go hiking or biking through some beautiful landscapes that belong exclusively to Alaska.

10. Alaska Pipeline Viewing Point

Address: 1671 Steese Hwy, Fairbanks, AK 99712, United States

One of the great tourist attractions to see in Fairbanks and Alaska is the Alaska Pipeline Viewing Point. The state is known to have the world’s finest and most skilled engineers, and the pipeline viewpoint of Alaska is excellent proof of this.

It is an extensive massive pipeline in Alaska that reaches over 800 miles, passing mountains, wildness, and some state cities. It has become one of the most fantastic attractions in Alaska due to its lights, vastness, and contribution to the state.

Its history of overtaking 70,000 construction workers and a significant investment to build makes the pipe more interesting. The Alaska Pipeline Viewing Point provides a great view of the extensive above-ground pipe display.

The sceneries of the pipe and the fascinating backdrop of Alaska’s beauty add to why it is one of the great attractions not to miss in town and Alaska.

Outdoor Things to Do in Fairbanks, Alaska

11. Moose Antler Arch

Address: Fairbanks, AK 99701, United States

In the lovely town of Fairbanks in Alaska, a magnificent arch can be found, the Moose Antler Arch. Based on its name, it is an arch made from a collection of Moose antlers. It is situated in the northern part of the Chena River. Over 100 types of antlers are dangling and remarkably decorated in the arch, where the centerpiece is a skull.

It is one of the best attractions not to miss when booking a flight to Alaska and visiting this excellent state. The Moose Antler Arch represents the culture in Alaska and the rich history of game hunting. Most of the antlers decorated into the arch are from donations from farmers and hunters across the town and Alaska.

The arch is made to represent the culture and history of Fairbanks but also to bring attention. As the Moose Antler Arch is perched within the area of Chena River, it has a beautiful backdrop of nature. The ideal location of the arch makes it more attractive to tourists, locals, and lovers looking for a unique place to exchange vows.

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12. Pioneer Park

Address: 2300 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99701, United States

Looking for an incredible spot to visit and enjoy? It has much to offer in Fairbanks, Alaska, and Pioneer Park. It is a must-see park, museum, and historical spot in town.

This lovely Historical theme park is a great place to learn, have fun, do various recreational activities, and indulge in a fascinating walk in the experience.

Pioneer Park has a land area of 44 acres, housing a variety of exciting things, attractions, and Alaska’s historical pieces from 100 years ago to discover. As a part of the ’67 Centennial Exposition of Alaska, the park opened its doors to the public in 1967.

It has rides, museums, displays, and a zoo to enjoy. Pioneer Park is a one-stop-shop, for, in one place, it has lots to offer, from sceneries, fascinating history, activities, and exciting rides.

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13. Go hiking and camping in the Chena River State Recreation Area

Address: 3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709, United States

Chena River State Recreation Area is a great place to hike and camp. Chena River flows into the Tanana River, eventually joining the Yukon River. The Chena River State Recreation Area is a recreational area that covers 397 square miles along the Chena River.

The recreational area attracts over 150,000 visitors annually and is home to numerous species of wild animals, such as wolves. Catch/release fishing is permitted on the river at three lakes, while walking and climbing can occur near Granite Tors.

Dog sledding, skiing, and snowmaking are everyday winter activities, while there are many options for boating and swimming in the summertime. Chena Hot Springs Resort is located within the recreation area and offers cabins, RV sites, a mineral pool, and a day spa.

Additionally, Chena Lakes Recreation Area is a man-made lake that offers fishing, canoeing, and picnicking opportunities. Many interpretive trails provide information about the history and culture of Fairbanks.

14. Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary

Address: 212 Wedgewood Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99701, United States

Looking for a serene, lovely, and picturesque place to visit in the beautiful town of Fairbanks in Alaska is achievable in the Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a beautiful nature preserve owned by the Wedgewood Resort that houses scenic landscapes and is home to the remarkably diverse wildlife in Alaska.

This wildlife sanctuary is situated in an ideal place where it is following and connected to the Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge. The Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary provides excellent natural scenery, a variety of reactional activities, and wildlife viewing. From an ideal location, the sanctuary offers a perfect opportunity to hike, bike, or stroll within the matured beauty due to its excellent trails.

The wildlife to spot and record in this fascinating sanctuary is over 120 remarkable bird species and mammals of over 15 kinds. An extensive number of insects, fishes, and one enthralling amphibian were also exciting wildlife to see in the sanctuary.

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15. Friends of Creamers Field at Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge

Address: 1300 College Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99701, United States

Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge is a tranquil, peaceful, and charming site in the delightful town of Fairbanks, Alaska. It is a migratory wildlife refuge in Fairbanks, Alaska.

The refuge is a nonprofit organization that offers great family programs and educational opportunities about the wildlife that can be spotted in this exciting place. It has a set of significant wetlands, pastures, and woodlands within the refuge’s 2,200 acres.

It becomes home to a variety of migratory birds. It is lovely for those seeking outdoor activities, visiting the bird sanctuary, and exploring Alaska’s countryside.

Aside from being a lovely sanctuary, it is also a dairy farm that provides an excellent opportunity to explore nature and spot different kinds of birds from bird watching.

The place also educates visitors about nature, its conservation, awareness, and the wildlife in Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge.

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16. Georgeson Botanical Garden

Address: 2180 W Tanana Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99709, United States

One of the beautiful places to check out in Fairbanks is the Georgeson Botanical Garden. It is a public place and garden on the great University of Alaska – Fairbanks campus.

An ideal place to enjoy a peaceful and lovely walk in the town where the beauty of nature encircles and is within reach.

The garden was first researched and used for educational purposes in a university program in 1987. Later on, it became one of the town’s top tourist destinations. Georgeson Botanical Garden is known to be Fairbanks’ oasis.

This charming oasis has an astonishing collection of some of Alaska’s 3,000 flowers. Different flowers, trees, vegetables, and plants like herbs and bushes can be seen in the beautiful garden.

This botanic garden is a nationally recognized garden due to the plant collection, culture, and conservation it does. It is also a part of the network of educational and research institutions for plants.

Free Things to Do in Fairbanks, Alaska

17. Golden Heart Plaza

Address: 516 1st Ave #500, Fairbanks, AK 99701, United States

Fairbanks is a beautiful town in Alaska, for it holds many great must-see destinations and attractions, including the Golden Heart Plaza.

It is a fascinating downtown park in the town built from the Fairbanks community’s donations and completed in 1987. The park provides a variety of excellent and engaging recreational activities for families to enjoy and for individuals looking for an ideal place to have fun.

It is also perfect for a peaceful, delightful walk with incredible scenery. Golden Heart Plaza features a fantastic natural view, a fascinating clock tower, a statue, and a space for hosting events. During summer, the chance of seeing bands playing live or artists performing in the park is high.

In winter, it is wrapped in snow and has a lot of sparkling white lights. A large enough park was created for the community to enjoy and used as a community event place for almost Fairbanks downtown celebrations.

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18. Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center

Address: 101 Dunkel St, Fairbanks, AK 99701, United States

Visiting Alaska to see its fantastic sceneries is excellent, but it is ideal to see its beautiful sights and learn about its land, culture, and more.

Morris Thompson Cultural Center & Visitors Center, what a tourist needs to know is presented here. It is known as the visitor center and an excellent museum in Fairbanks, Alaska.

When you visit Fairbanks, don’t forget to visit this free-of-charge Visitor Center, which is not to be missed. This visitor center is popular with history enthusiasts and people interested in other cultures.

The history, information, and culture of Native Alaska are presented here. An educational place great for family and friends, it offers displays and fun, engaging activities to experience and cultural events.

The cultural center is named after Morris Thompson, an Athabascan tribal leader who was instrumental in developing tourism in the state and was born in Fairbanks in 1937.

To be a lively gathering space for people of all cultures is what Morris Thompson Cultural Center & Visitors Center aims for, as well as to learn, appreciate, and respect one another.

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19. Explore Fairbanks

Address: 101 Dunkel St #111, Fairbanks, AK 99701, United States

The lovely town of Fairbanks in Alaska is remarkably full of exciting things to do, from great outdoor activities to fun indoor activities. One of the great indoor activities in towns is visiting and checking out Explore Fairbanks.

It is an excellent visitor center that provides great information about the city and an ideal place to seek knowledge and learn about Fairbanks in one town.

Explore Fairbanks provides extensive travel information about the town, from Fairbanks’s history to the culture and the attraction to see and expect.

Visiting the center is like touring the whole city, and its interests for everything about Fairbanks are here.

The center is like an extensive travel directory and itinerary of the town where travel information is given from the best time to visit, what time and where to see the midnight sun or the Aurora Borealis, and the best place to tour in town.

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Fun Things to Do in Fairbanks, Alaska

20. Relax at Chena Hot Springs

Address: Chena Hot Springs Road, Fairbanks, Alaska, 99711

Located just outside Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs is the perfect way to relax and unwind after a long day. The resort offers an array of amenities, including various pools, spas, saunas, and even an on-site restaurant.

While this may sound like any other spa in America, Chena Hot Springs offers something different: a natural hot spring that flows directly into the resort’s pools. If you want more comfort, guests have multiple options, including private cabins, tent camping sites, and RV hookups.

The resort also features private rooms with en suite bathrooms if you’re traveling with your partner or family members who don’t want to share one large bathroom with strangers (or friends).

Chena Hot Springs is open 24 hours per day from May through September, allowing guests plenty of time during daylight hours to enjoy all their activities without needing flashlights or lanterns!

In addition to swimming, there are hiking trails nearby, so bring extra layers if you plan on strolling around while enjoying nature at its finest.

21. Things to do with Kids: Fairbanks Children’s Museum

Address: 302 Cushman St Suite 101, Fairbanks, AK 99701, United States

Outdoor activity is not the only experience to have fun in Fairbanks, Alaska, but also engaging indoor activities for families to enjoy. Such activities were offered in the charming spot of Fairbanks Children’s Museum.

It is a great family attraction where kids can have fun all day. Adults can also see many impressive displays, for the museum offers various engaging activities and exhibits.

Fairbanks Children’s Museum features interactive play equipment and displays for kids not only to have but also to learn and practice problem-solving and strengthen their creativity through play.

It has a climber where kids can improve motor skills, a unique table for improving sensory, a lab for building and creativity, and more.

Even though it is a museum for children and adults, and all the community can also enjoy the museums, it has a museum of all its features for free. The museum aims for children to have a fun play experience and simultaneously learn and improve skills.

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22. Go dog sledding or learn about the history

Dog sledding is a must-do activity when visiting Fairbanks in the winter. A guided dog sledding tour with experienced mushers will take you through the beautiful winter scenery, and you’ll get to meet the friendly dogs who love to Mush.

Black Spruce dog sledding runs 45 minutes from downtown Fairbanks and provides tour lengths from one to three hours.

During the season, the dogs will even drive your four-person vehicle onto utility terrain. You can also walk scenic paths in winter through thick black pine forests. So get on the road and ride your bike – dog sledding is an experience you won’t want to miss.

23. Arctic Tours and Polar Bear Viewing

If you enjoy being out on the water but want more action and excitement than simply fishing or boating, try Arctic Tours and Polar Bear Viewing. These tours of the Arctic Circle are great for people who want to get up close and personal with wild animals while staying safe.

Arctic Tours takes you out on the water searching for whales and other marine life directly on the Arctic Circle. If you’re lucky enough to see any whales, especially visible during springtime), your guide will give you plenty of time to admire their beauty before continuing your tour.

The tour lasts about three hours, so if there aren’t any whales around at first glance, don’t worry—there will be plenty of time left for them.

This is the tour for those looking for something more adventurous than just watching from above as nature goes about its daily business (although that’s still pretty cool).

In addition to seeing whales up close, Arctic Tours also allows guests access to their underwater viewing rooms to watch orcas swim freely through ice slicks or even swim underneath boats like ours were doing.

We could see several orcas during our excursion; some large adult males were even seen fighting off smaller juveniles who tried stealing fish away from them!

24. Fun Things to Do in Fairbanks with Kids: Running Reindeer Ranch

Address: 1470 Ivans Alley, Fairbanks, AK 99709, United States

Running Reindeer Ranch is the perfect place to get up close and personal with some of Alaska’s most iconic animals. The family-run farm offers a variety of tour packages that allow visitors to interact with the resident reindeer, learn about their care and habits, and even enjoy a ride through the stunning boreal forest.

Led by an expert guide, the tours of Running Reindeer Ranch offer a unique opportunity to see the amazingly diverse wildlife of the region and even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

For those looking for a truly immersive experience, the ranch also offers seasonal tours that include stays in cozy cabins, all-natural meals made with vegetables from their organic garden, and plenty of opportunities to stargaze and enjoy the tranquility of the Alaskan wilderness.

25. 1st Alaska Outdoor School

Address: 2240 Hanson Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709, United States

Those seeking a great outdoor activity will enjoy the 1st Alaska Outdoor School. It’s one of the grand tours in Fairbanks, Alaska. A mild to action-filled kind of adventure is offered here. Where a variety of fun outdoor activities in the snow can be achieved.

Different tourist destinations are included in this tour that matches a great outdoor adventure, such as experiencing a racing kennel and learning about the background, history, and culture of these sports.

What makes 1st Alaska Outdoor School different from the others is that racing kennels, taking training trails, and enjoying the night’s trip under the beautiful aurora are memorable.

It showcases and proves that traveling in Alaska is worth it, where the craving to come back again will be there. 1st Alaska Outdoor School, as its name says, offers outdoor activities and teachings on different outdoor Alaskan activities, especially on how to do such activities while encircled by the beauty of the wilderness.

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26. Aurora Pointe

Address: 570 Funk Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712, United States

The great spot of Aurora Pointe in Fairbanks, Alaska, is one of the top destinations to visit in town. It is a local event; the community and tourists can enjoy and behold Alaska’s beauty and breathe aurora borealis.

This lovely destination is ideal for couples looking for a perfect place to exchange vows and for families to celebrate beautiful occasions. Aurora Pointe is private land with about 280 acres, suitable for a scenic and classic experience. It is an intimate destination for a romantic dinner or a simple stroll engulfed by Alaska’s mesmerizing beauty.

The winter season is the best time to visit this lovely destination with the incredible views of picturesque sceneries if highlighted. At this time, the aurora borealis is up close and fascinatingly a beautiful sight to remember. A great spot not to miss when visiting Fairbanks and Alaska.

27. Northern Alaska Tour Company

Address: 3820 University Ave S, Fairbanks, AK 99709, United States

When not decided or having difficulty preparing an excellent travel itinerary in Fairbanks, Alaska, the Northern Alaska Tour Company is ready to help. It is a tour agency willing to help travelers plan a great trip in town.

Highlights of the Northern Alaska Tour Company are traveling and exploring the beauty of Alaska’s Arctic Circle. There are choices of length of excursion a trip can take in this company. It could be a one-day or a multi-day Alaska Arctic excursion. It is ideal for travelers who love outdoor activities and exploring destinations out in the wilderness.

Take on an adventure to see the aurora borealis (Northern Lights), Arctic Circle, Denali National Park, ice fishing, and more to discover. Some tours can come across and mix, but some don’t.

Nevertheless, the guided tour provided a great adventure and safety; it has been running since 1986.

28. Castner Glacier Ice Caves

Address: Milepost 217.3, Richardson Hwy, Delta Junction, AK 99737, United States

The Castner Glacier Ice Caves are in the Chugach Mountains, just south of Anchorage. The caves are a popular destination for hikers and climbers, offering a unique opportunity to explore an ice cave up close.

The caves were formed when a glacier receded, leaving behind a series of caves and tunnels. They are a great way to see the incredible Alaska range and the impact glaciers can have on our natural resources and environment.

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29. Eat Alaskan smoked salmon and Alaskan king crab

You can’t visit Alaska without trying some famous salmon and king crab. While Alaska’s interior is not where you’ll find fish markets with freshly caught fish, you can get both in Fairbanks at the “World Famous” Lady of the Lake restaurant (located in North Pole, Alaska). The restaurant is an old-school bus converted into a restaurant on wheels.

The salmon and king crab are served as whole, filleted, or smoked cuts. You can also get it as an appetizer or part of a sandwich if you’re not up for preparing your meal at home.

It’s recommended that you ask your server how to prepare the Alaskan salmon before cooking; this way, you’ll know whether or not there’s enough oil left over to season it properly once it comes out of your oven.

30. Go on a brewery crawl

Fairbanks, Alaska: a city called “the Golden Heart of Alaska.” It’s a quaint and gorgeous town that feels like a throwback to the best parts of the Midwest and West Coast all at once. But how does one treat oneself in such an ideal spot?

One of the most fun things to do in Fairbanks is to visit the excellent craft breweries. It’s not just any brewery – these places are world-renowned. There are so many different kinds of beer here; they’re all delicious. Hoodoo Brewing Company is one of the most well-known breweries in the area.

If you want something different, check out the Midnight Sun Brewing Company and Midnite Mine Brewing Company. They’ve got some of the most unique beers you’ll ever try, and they’re all brewed right here in Fairbanks.

If you want more information on each brewery’s offerings and location, we’ve compiled a complete guide on the best breweries in Fairbanks to visit.

31. Go gold panning at Gold Daughters Claim 5 and Homestead Village Museum

Alaska is well-known for its gold rush history, and Fairbanks is the perfect place to learn more about it. The Gold Daughters Claim 5 and Homestead Village Museum are a must-visit for anyone interested in gold panning.

You can try panning for gold in their creek, stream, or pool, and the museum offers helpful guides to get you started. And for a truly unique experience, don’t miss the Gold Dredge 8. This massive mechanical device “walked” across the land collecting pay dirt during the gold rush.

Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction where you can ride in an open-air train car and learn about the legends of Fairbanks’ gold rush history.

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Fairbanks, Alaska Map

Let’s look at a map of Fairbanks and the greater metropolitan area to help you get oriented.

Best Time to Visit Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks is a great place to visit any time of year. However, the best time to visit Fairbanks is in the summer when the weather is warm and sunny. This is also the busiest time of year in Fairbanks, so book your hotel room or rental property in advance. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting Fairbanks in late summer or early fall.

Although many people view Alaska as a destination for thrill-seekers, it offers much to those who prefer to stay indoors. Subscribe to our free travel newsletter to get the latest information on fun things to do in Alaska and the rest of the world.

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