Picture this: You’re standing under a sky painted with swirling green and purple lights, sled dogs howling in the distance, and the crisp Arctic air filling your lungs. Welcome to Fairbanks, Alaska – where everyday adventures feel like once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Whether you’re chasing the famous northern lights, trying your hand at gold panning, or learning about Alaska’s rich indigenous culture, Fairbanks offers something magical for every traveler. This guide covers the 23 best things to do in Fairbanks, from must-see attractions to hidden local gems that most tourists miss.
Ready to discover Alaska’s Golden Heart City? Let’s dive in!
Top Winter Activities in Fairbanks (September – April)
1. Chase the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)
Fairbanks sits directly under the “aurora oval,” making it one of the world’s best places to see the northern lights. The region is situated under the “aurora oval,” and from late September to early April, visitors flock to the region to view the spectacular light show.
Why Visit: Fairbanks has over 240 clear nights per year, giving you excellent chances to witness this natural wonder.
Best Time: Late September through early April, between 10 PM and 2 AM. Clear, dark nights with minimal moon provide the best viewing.
How to Reach:
- Drive to Cleary Summit (20 miles north)
- Book an aurora tour with local operators
- Stay at aurora-viewing lodges outside the city
Price: Free if self-driving; guided tours range from $75-$200 per person
Traveller Reviews: “Absolutely breathtaking! We saw the lights dancing for over 3 hours. The tour guide was knowledgeable and took amazing photos for us.” – Sarah M.
Pro Tip: Download aurora forecast apps like “Aurora Forecast” and dress in layers – temperatures can drop to -40°F in winter!
2. Experience Dog Sledding Adventures
Made popular by the Iditarod, Yukon Quest, and movies like “Balto,” dog mushing is more than just Alaska’s official state sport. Feel the thrill of gliding through snowy trails behind a team of enthusiastic Alaskan huskies.
Why Visit: It’s Alaska’s official state sport and offers an authentic Alaskan experience you can’t get anywhere else.
Best Time: December through March when snow conditions are ideal
How to Reach: Multiple kennels operate near Fairbanks, with free pickup from hotels
Price: $140+ winter dog mushing for basic tours; multi-day adventures start at $499
Traveller Reviews: “The dogs were so excited to run! Our musher taught us how to help steer. It was surprisingly peaceful gliding through the forest.” – Mike R.
Pro Tip: Please note we have a per person weight maximum of 250 pounds for dog sledding. Book early as popular tours sell out quickly.
3. Relax at Chena Hot Springs Resort
After a day in the freezing cold, nothing beats soaking in natural hot springs surrounded by snow. Chena Hot Springs maintains a comfortable 106°F year-round.
Why Visit: The contrast of hot springs and snowy surroundings creates a uniquely Alaskan experience, plus excellent aurora viewing opportunities.
Best Time: Open year-round, but winter visits offer the most dramatic scenery
How to Reach: 60-mile drive northeast of Fairbanks (about 1.5 hours)
Price: Day passes from $25; overnight packages available
Traveller Reviews: “Soaking in 100°F water while snow falls on your head is surreal. We saw the northern lights while in the springs!” – Lisa K.
Pro Tip: Bring a water bottle – the mineral-rich hot springs can be dehydrating. The resort also features an ice museum worth visiting.
4. Visit the World Ice Art Championships
Every March, Fairbanks hosts the world’s largest ice art competition, featuring incredible sculptures that turn the city into a frozen art gallery.
Why Visit: Witness master ice carvers from around the world create stunning temporary masterpieces
Best Time: March (competition dates vary yearly)
How to Reach: Events held at various locations around Fairbanks
Price: $15-$25 for viewing passes
Traveller Reviews: “The level of detail in these ice sculptures is incredible. Some are huge – the size of buildings!” – James D.
Pro Tip: Sculptures are lit at night, creating magical photo opportunities. Dress warmly – you’ll be outside for hours admiring the art.
Year-Round Attractions in Fairbanks
5. University of Alaska Museum of the North
This world-class museum showcases Alaska’s natural history, indigenous cultures, and arctic wildlife in a stunning architectural setting.
Why Visit: Houses the state’s largest collection of Alaskan artifacts, including a 9-foot brown bear and Blue Babe, a 36,000-year-old steppe bison mummy.
Best Time: Open year-round; perfect for any weather
How to Reach: Located on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus, 15 minutes from downtown
Price: $12 adults, $6 seniors/military, free for children under 17
Traveller Reviews: “The indigenous art collection is fantastic. Plan at least 2-3 hours to see everything properly.” – Maria S.
Pro Tip: Free parking available. Check their website for special exhibitions and planetarium shows.
6. Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum
Home to over 85 vintage automobiles, including many one-of-a-kind vehicles and Alaska’s oldest car (1898).
Why Visit: Unique collection you won’t find anywhere else, plus fascinating stories about transportation in early Alaska
Best Time: Open year-round except holidays
How to Reach: Located in downtown Fairbanks, walking distance from many hotels
Price: $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 students
Traveller Reviews: “Car enthusiast or not, this place is fascinating. The stories about driving in early Alaska are incredible.” – Tom H.
Pro Tip: Ask about guided tours – the staff knows amazing stories about each vehicle’s history in Alaska.
7. Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center
Your one-stop introduction to Fairbanks, featuring exhibits on local culture, wildlife viewing opportunities, and helpful trip planning resources.
Why Visit: Free admission, excellent starting point for planning your Fairbanks adventure, and beautiful indigenous art displays
Best Time: Open year-round; great first stop when you arrive
How to Reach: Downtown Fairbanks, easy walking access
Price: Free admission
Traveller Reviews: “The staff was incredibly helpful planning our itinerary. The cultural exhibits gave us great context for our trip.” – Amanda P.
Pro Tip: Pick up maps, brochures, and ask staff about current wildlife viewing opportunities and road conditions.
Summer Adventures (May – September)
8. Gold Panning at Gold Dredge 8
Try your luck at finding real gold while learning about Alaska’s gold rush history at an authentic mining operation.
Why Visit: panning for gold at Gold Dredge 8 (seasonal from mid-May to mid-September) offers hands-on historical experience where you keep any gold you find.
Best Time: Mid-May through mid-September
How to Reach: Located 9 miles north of Fairbanks with free shuttle service
Price: $49 adults, $29 children; includes gold panning and mine tour
Traveller Reviews: “Found three small flakes of gold! The history lesson was fascinating and our guide was entertaining.” – Kevin L.
Pro Tip: Bring a small container to store any gold you find. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty!
9. Riverboat Discovery Cruise
On this three-hour tour, you’ll board the historic paddle wheeler Discovery III, take a ride up the Chena River while learning about local history and wildlife.
Why Visit: Combines river cruise, cultural demonstrations, and wildlife viewing in one comprehensive tour
Best Time: May through September when the river is ice-free
How to Reach: Located on the Chena River with free parking
Price: $69 adults, $49 children
Traveller Reviews: “Saw a moose family drinking from the river! The native cultural demonstrations were educational and respectful.” – Rachel M.
Pro Tip: Sit on the right side of the boat for better wildlife viewing opportunities along the riverbank.
10. Midnight Sun Baseball Game
During summer solstice (June 21), watch a baseball game that starts at 10:30 PM without artificial lights – it’s bright enough at midnight!
Why Visit: Unique summer solstice tradition celebrating Alaska’s endless daylight
Best Time: June 21st (summer solstice)
How to Reach: Growden Memorial Park in downtown Fairbanks
Price: $15-$25 depending on seating
Traveller Reviews: “Surreal experience playing baseball at midnight in broad daylight. True Alaskan tradition!” – David C.
Pro Tip: Bring sunglasses and sunscreen – the midnight sun is still strong! This game often sells out, so buy tickets early.
11. Explore Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge
This 2,200-acre refuge provides excellent wildlife viewing, especially during spring and fall migrations.
Why Visit: Watch for foxes, beavers, flying squirrels, snowshoe hare, and moose. Bird lovers enjoy spotting sandhill cranes, tundra swans, kingfishers, owls, mallards and many more.
Best Time: May and August-September for peak migration viewing
How to Reach: 10 minutes from downtown Fairbanks with ample parking
Price: Free admission
Traveller Reviews: “Saw hundreds of sandhill cranes during migration. The walking trails are well-maintained and peaceful.” – Susan T.
Pro Tip: Bring binoculars and visit early morning or evening when wildlife is most active. The visitor center has helpful identification guides.
Unique Cultural Experiences
12. Running Reindeer Ranch
Meet semi-domesticated reindeer up close and learn about their importance to indigenous cultures.
Why Visit: Interactive experience where you can walk among reindeer herds and learn about arctic wildlife
Best Time: Year-round, though summer offers longer daylight for better photos
How to Reach: 30-minute drive from Fairbanks
Price: $30 adults, $20 children for walking tours
Traveller Reviews: “The reindeer were so gentle and curious. Our guide explained their role in native cultures beautifully.” – Patricia W.
Pro Tip: Reindeer love lichen – you can hand-feed them during tours. Wear sturdy shoes for walking on uneven ground.
13. Trans-Alaska Pipeline Viewpoint
See the famous 800-mile pipeline that carries oil from Alaska’s North Slope to southern ports.
Why Visit: Engineering marvel and important part of Alaska’s economy and history
Best Time: Year-round access, summer offers better photo conditions
How to Reach: Located along the Steese Highway, 8 miles north of Fairbanks
Price: Free viewing
Traveller Reviews: “Impressive engineering feat. The information displays explained how it works and why it was built.” – Robert K.
Pro Tip: Combine with a visit to the nearby hot springs for a full day trip. The pipeline is raised in this area, making for dramatic photos.
14. Pioneer Air Museum
Discover Alaska’s aviation history at this collection of vintage aircraft that helped open Alaska’s frontier.
Why Visit: Learn how aviation transformed Alaska from isolated territory to connected state
Best Time: May through September when fully open
How to Reach: Located at Pioneer Park in downtown Fairbanks
Price: $5 adults, children free
Traveller Reviews: “Amazing collection of planes that actually flew in Alaska. The stories of pioneer pilots are inspiring.” – Carol J.
Pro Tip: Visit during Pioneer Park’s summer events for demonstrations and additional activities.
Day Trips from Fairbanks
15. Arctic Circle Adventure
One of Fairbanks’ biggest attractions is an imaginary line: the Arctic Circle. Charter air companies offer a wide range of flightseeing tours out of Fairbanks that fly above the Arctic Circle into the Arctic Region of Alaska.
Why Visit: Cross into the Arctic region and earn your Arctic Circle certificate
Best Time: Year-round, though summer offers tundra views and winter provides potential aurora viewing
How to Reach: Day tours by bus (12 hours) or scenic flights (4 hours)
Price: $199-$299 for bus tours, $399+ for flights
Traveller Reviews: “Long but worthwhile journey. The landscape changes dramatically as you head north. Certificate is a great souvenir!” – Michael D.
Pro Tip: Bring snacks and layers. Bus tours include stops but it’s a full day commitment.
16. Denali National Park
Denali National Park, located approximately 120 miles south of Fairbanks, is an iconic destination in Alaska. Visitors are encouraged to journey to Denali National Park for its unparalleled views of Mount Denali, North America’s highest peak.
Why Visit: See North America’s tallest peak and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities
Best Time: June-August for clear weather and full road access
How to Reach: 2.5-hour drive south via Parks Highway or Alaska Railroad
Price: Park entry $15 per person; bus tours within park $30-$120
Traveller Reviews: “Mount Denali was spectacular when the clouds cleared. Saw grizzly bears, caribou, and Dall sheep.” – Jennifer L.
Pro Tip: Weather can change quickly. Only 30% of visitors see the mountain due to clouds, so plan multiple days if possible.
17. Chena River State Recreation Area
30 miles of the Chena River with excellent camping, fishing, and paddling opportunities.
Why Visit: In winter, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding are popular activities when the river freezes over.
Best Time: Summer for paddling and fishing, winter for ice activities
How to Reach: Access points along Chena Hot Springs Road
Price: $5 day-use fee, camping $15-$20
Traveller Reviews: “Great canoeing with chances to see moose and beaver. The river is gentle enough for beginners.” – Steve P.
Pro Tip: Rent canoes in Fairbanks before heading out. Bring bug spray in summer – mosquitoes can be intense.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures
18. El Dorado Gold Mine
Go underground in a working gold mine and see modern mining operations in action.
Why Visit: Only underground mine tour in the Fairbanks area, offering unique perspective on current mining
Best Time: May through September
How to Reach: Located on the Elliott Highway, 45 minutes from Fairbanks
Price: $39 adults, $19 children
Traveller Reviews: “Fascinating to see actual mining equipment in action. The underground tour was cooler than expected – bring a jacket!” – Nancy R.
Pro Tip: Tours include gold panning, and you keep what you find. Hard hats provided but wear closed-toe shoes.
19. Georgeson Botanical Garden
The world’s northernmost botanical garden showcases plants that thrive in Alaska’s extreme climate.
Why Visit: See how plants adapt to extreme conditions and enjoy peaceful walking paths
Best Time: June-August when most plants are in bloom
How to Reach: Located on University of Alaska campus
Price: Free admission
Traveller Reviews: “Surprising variety of plants that grow this far north. The vegetables grown under midnight sun are enormous!” – Helen B.
Pro Tip: Visit during peak bloom in July. The garden also demonstrates sustainable growing techniques for northern climates.
20. Tanana Valley Farmers Market
Sample local produce, crafts, and prepared foods from Interior Alaska vendors.
Why Visit: Taste produce grown under the midnight sun and support local artisans
Best Time: Saturdays, May through September
How to Reach: Downtown Fairbanks, walking distance from hotels
Price: Free to browse, various vendor prices
Traveller Reviews: “The vegetables are huge thanks to 20+ hours of summer daylight! Great local crafts and friendly vendors.” – Mark T.
Pro Tip: Arrive early for best selection. Many vendors sell out of popular items by noon.
21. Large Animal Research Station (LARS)
See musk oxen, caribou, and reindeer up close while learning about arctic wildlife research.
Why Visit: Only place in Alaska to see musk oxen, plus important wildlife research facility
Best Time: Summer tours available May-September
How to Reach: Located on University of Alaska campus
Price: $10 adults, $5 children
Traveller Reviews: “The musk oxen are incredible – like seeing living fossils. The research work being done is fascinating.” – Dorothy S.
Pro Tip: Tours are weather dependent and fill up quickly. Book in advance through the university.
22. Fairbanks Ice Dogs Hockey Games
Catch Alaska’s most popular winter sport at the Carlson Center during hockey season.
Why Visit: Experience Alaska’s passionate hockey culture and community spirit
Best Time: October through March during hockey season
How to Reach: Carlson Center in downtown Fairbanks
Price: $15-$25 depending on seating
Traveller Reviews: “Great family atmosphere and exciting games. Hockey is huge in Alaska – the crowds are energetic!” – Brian L.
Pro Tip: Parking can be limited for popular games. Arrive early and dress warmly – the arena can be chilly.
23. Santa Claus House (North Pole)
Just 15 minutes from Fairbanks, visit the town of North Pole and its famous Santa Claus House gift shop.
Why Visit: Christmas year-round atmosphere and unique photo opportunities
Best Time: Year-round, especially magical during actual Christmas season
How to Reach: 15-minute drive southeast of Fairbanks
Price: Free to visit, various gift prices
Traveller Reviews: “Kitschy but fun, especially with kids. The North Pole postmark on letters is a hit with grandkids!” – Marilyn C.
Pro Tip: You can mail letters with an official North Pole postmark. The town also has street names like “Santa Claus Lane” and “Elf Road.”
Comparison Table: Fairbanks Attractions at a Glance
| Attraction | Best Season | Cost | Time Needed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Lights | Sep-Apr | $0-200 | 3-6 hours | Couples, photographers |
| Dog Sledding | Dec-Mar | $140+ | 2-4 hours | Families, adventure seekers |
| Chena Hot Springs | Year-round | $25+ | Full day | Relaxation, couples |
| Ice Art Championships | March | $15-25 | 2-3 hours | Art lovers, photographers |
| UAF Museum | Year-round | $12 | 2-3 hours | History buffs, families |
| Auto Museum | Year-round | $10 | 1-2 hours | Car enthusiasts, history |
| Gold Dredge 8 | May-Sep | $49 | 3 hours | Families, history buffs |
| Riverboat Discovery | May-Sep | $69 | 3 hours | Families, wildlife lovers |
| Midnight Sun Game | June 21 | $15-25 | 3 hours | Sports fans, unique experience |
| Arctic Circle | Year-round | $199+ | Full day | Adventure seekers, bucket list |
| Denali National Park | Jun-Aug | $15+ | 2+ days | Nature lovers, photographers |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Fairbanks?
Winter (September-April) for northern lights and winter activities, summer (June-August) for midnight sun and outdoor adventures. Each season offers completely different experiences.
How many days should I spend in Fairbanks?
Minimum 3-4 days to see major attractions. 5-7 days allows for day trips and more relaxed exploration. Winter visitors often stay longer hoping for good aurora viewing conditions.
Is Fairbanks expensive?
Prices are higher than most US cities due to remote location. Budget $150-300+ per day including lodging, meals, and activities. Book accommodations early to avoid premium prices.
What should I pack for winter in Fairbanks?
Layered clothing, insulated boots, warm gloves, hat covering ears, and emergency items for your car. Temperatures can reach -40°F, but proper clothing makes it manageable.
Can I see the northern lights in summer?
No, summer has nearly 24-hour daylight. Aurora season runs from late August through early April when nights are dark enough.
Do I need a car in Fairbanks?
Rental car is recommended for maximum flexibility, especially for aurora viewing and day trips. Some tour operators provide transportation, but options are limited.
Are there vegetarian/vegan food options?
Yes, though options are more limited than larger cities. Most restaurants accommodate dietary restrictions if you call ahead.
Is it safe to drive in winter?
Yes, with proper preparation. Rent a car with winter tires, carry emergency supplies, and check road conditions. Locals drive year-round in these conditions.
Your Fairbanks Adventure Awaits
Fairbanks offers experiences you literally cannot find anywhere else on Earth. Whether you’re marveling at the aurora borealis, mushing through snowy trails behind excited huskies, or soaking in hot springs while snow falls around you, every moment feels like a scene from an adventure movie.
The city’s unique location in Alaska’s Interior provides access to both arctic adventures and subarctic wilderness. You can cross the Arctic Circle in the morning, pan for gold in the afternoon, and watch the northern lights dance across the sky that same evening.
Start planning your Fairbanks adventure today – the Last Frontier is calling!