Fairbanks has been a critical hub in Alaska ever since its inception. It started as a gold rush outpost for the region and then evolved into a critical pipeline outpost during its construction. Now it acts as the outpost of Alaska’s Interior.
I’ve been to Fairbanks 5 different times in summer and winter. In fact, I love Fairbanks so much that I even run Ottsworld Tours there! Hands down Fairbanks is the best place to really get to know the hearty people of the interior of Alaska. It’s also the best place to have a chance to see the aurora from September through April.
Living on the edge of the Arctic Circle
With a population of 32,000, I was excited to visit Fairbanks and meet the people who live in this extreme environment on the edge of the Arctic . You have to embrace change if you live in Alaska; daylight changes drastically from day to day losing 6 minutes of daylight (nearly an hour every week!) as it heads towards December 21st and gains 6 minutes after that.
With the darkness comes the cold and parking lots with electrical outlets at every spot. Due to the extreme cold temperatures in Fairbanks during the winter, most vehicles are equipped with several electric “heating” devices that facilitate starting during the coldest time and should be plugged in to keep warm.
“When it gets cold, we just get close,” a local Fairbanks man told me when I asked how he survived the winters.
But with the summer comes the long days and a population with an abundance of ‘cabin fever’. As I drove around the city center in the summer I was impressed by all of the outdoor trails and activities. People in Fairbanks love to get outside in the summer and winter, and so do I.
What To Expect From This Fairbanks List
There are a number of operators to choose from that are well established; however, in my travels, I like to focus on the new, unique operators. They tend to be the smaller, younger companies that are serving the independent traveler and providing a more personal touch than the larger tour options. If you just dig a little bit, you can find those smaller, individual experiences that might be harder to get to or even more expensive.
Luckily though you don’t have to dig – I’ve compiled all of these awesome Fairbanks things to do into this list. I’ve organized the things to do in Fairbanks by summer, winter, and both seasons. My goal is to help you experience a unique Alaska winter trip that takes you a bit off the tourist track and is more integrated locally.
Things to do in Fairbanks in the Summer
Fairbanks often goes unnoticed by tourists in the summer, but of course, I was not going to overlook this old gold-mining town. Thanks to being brought up in the Midwest, I am always intrigued with towns and communities that are landlocked and in the middle, that are overshadowed by their more popular neighbors (ahem…Anchorage).
1. Fountainhead Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary & Trails
Just outside my hotel was the Fountainhead Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary – a series of trails winding through the boreal forest, perfect for running and walking. After spending a week in the treeless tundra around Nome I was excited to see trees again when I got back to Fairbanks!
Wedgewood trails
I ran into many people taking their dogs out for walks and birdwatching as I did a little 3-mile run over wooden bridges and around the lakes. The trails connect to the Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge. This is one run where I was happy I took my phone with me to take some pictures along the way!
More Information: Fountainhead Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary
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2. Tanana Valley Farmer’s Market
This is the oldest established farmers market in Alaska and the only one located in its own permanent building. The Tanana Valley Farmers Market showcases a wide variety of Alaska-grown produce, native Alaskan plants, and locally made, Alaskan art and crafts.
Not only can you buy produce there, but you can also plan on having lunch…and you should go hungry! There was a surprising variety of ethnic food and I stuffed my face with Asian pork buns as well as Mexican tacos.
Romanesco Broccoli
Local artists sell pottery
Greens
Pork buns and green tea smoothie
The market building
Stock up for the winter!
Colorful veggies!
It was blueberry season when I was visiting!
ummm?
I spent the rest of my time looking around at the giant produce and strange veggies that I had never seen before. Everyone was so friendly and it was a great way to spend an afternoon learning more about the community.
More Information: Tanana Valley Farrmers Market Website The market is open from May to September on Wednesdays and Saturdays
3. Georgeson Botanical Garden
Be an amateur botanist for the day as you wander around Georgeson Botanical Garden in search of rare, far-north plants. You’ll discover unusual species of flowers and trees that are endemic to Alaska and learn how they live and thrive in the wild climate of Alaska’s sub-Arctic interior.
This five-acre garden is part of the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus and was officially opened in 1989 as a research facility. It’s now a vibrant green space that is beautiful, especially in spring and summer.
Kids will love the Babula Children’s Garden where Alaska’s largest hedge maze beckons. Its well-designed pathways meander through lush greenery. Kids can explore different sections named after beloved storybook characters like Peter Rabbit or Cinderella. Each area features plant species carefully chosen to reflect elements from these timeless tales – truly bringing stories to life!
More information: Georgeson Botanical Garden
4. Tanana Valley Railroad Museum
All aboard! Get ready for a charming journey through railroad history with a visit to this delightful museum situated within Pioneer Park. Marvel at vintage locomotives and explore model train layouts depicting various Alaskan landscapes.
Learn how steam locomotives played an essential role in shaping Northern Alaska as you explore vintage railcars filled with intriguing artifacts from yesteryear. You even take a ride on one of the park’s miniature trains!
More information: The Tanana Valley Railroad Museum is temporarily closed
Plan an Alaska Railroad Hurricane Train Tour
5. Gold Dredge 8
Fairbanks owes its existence to the gold fever that descended on the Tanana Valley. Gold Dredge 8 takes you back to the late 19th century when prospectors flocked to Alaska in search of fortune. This massive gold dredge, towering over the landscape, once extracted millions of ounces of gold from the icy ground.
Now retired but meticulously preserved, it’s a national monument where you can learn about Alaska’s mining heritage. It stands as a testament to the incredible engineering and determination of those who sought their dreams during this historic period.
When you step onto Gold Dredge 8’s property, get ready for an immersive experience. The knowledgeable guides here will take you on a journey through time as they share captivating stories and insights. You’ll learn about the dredging process that revolutionized gold mining and witness firsthand how these behemoth machines operated. Plus – you can even pan for gold as part of your visit.
More information: Gold Dredge 8
Things to do in Fairbanks Year-Round
6. University of Alaska Museum of the North
As I pulled up to the sleek white building I was surprised to find modern architecture in a small community. And the surprise didn’t stop there. The exhibits inside the Alaska Museum of the North were equally impressive. There was a large Alaska natural history section that will fully educate you about the grand state.
And upstairs was an impressive array of contemporary and modern art done by Alaskan artists. I loved the upstairs exhibits as I’m a modern art buff. Many of the works had an Alaska theme to them in some way – but some were also just great pieces that had nothing to do with the state.
The museum lawn is a good place for afternoon nap
Sleek interior
antler installation
My favorite piece – all about fear in America
The modern exterior
Otto the bear meets Ottsworld!
And of course, I couldn’t miss out on Otto the Bear, the most recognizable specimen at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Campus of the North. Otto is an 8′ 9” brown bear that has greeted guests for more than 40 years. And yes – Ottsworld met Otto.
The museum has been working on restoring Bus 142 from the story Into the Wild for the last few years. Hopefully, in 2024 it will be on exhibit for the public to see and experience. Check out the museum website for updates on its status.
More Information: University of Alaska Museum of the North
7. HooDoo Brewing Company
I had been hearing good things about the Fairbanks craft brew scene, so I decided to check it out myself. After getting lost around the railroad tracks, I finally came across the big industrial building that was HooDoo Brewing Company. In true Alaska form – it was basic and rugged, not like the craft breweries and bars in hipster neighborhoods that I’m used to. It was functional.
Have a few pints with locals at HooDoo Brewery
Go inside and order a HooDoo beer and then head back outside to the picnic tables to enjoy your frosty brew. It didn’t take me long to make friends with some locals I shared the picnic table with. HooDoo Brewing doesn’t have food, instead, they have various food trucks that come each night and park on the premises serving up food to the hungry beer drinkers. I loved the outdoor vibe; everyone soaking up the daylight and enjoying the outdoors and laid-back feel.
More Information: HooDoo Brewery . Don’t miss Caturday at HooDoos on Saturdays when it turns into a cat brewery!
8. Running Reindeer Ranch
As I pulled into the driveway two big balls of brown fur ran out in front of my car I hit the brakes in a panic. I let out a sigh of relief, it would have been pretty bad if I had hit a reindeer as I entered the Running Reindeer Ranch!
As reindeer roamed freely in the Running Reindeer Ranch yard and around the cars the owner, Jane, greeted us and started filling our heads with fascinating reindeer facts. I was there to not only learn about reindeer but to also walk with them through the forest – a unique Fairbanks activity offered year-round. Read about my entire reindeer experience and how I nearly got myself run over .
Take a walk with reindeer at Faribank’s Reindeer Ranch
My first visit to the ranch was in the summer. There are few places I go back to a 2nd time because there are just so many places to see in the world that I’m not fond of do-overs. However, as soon as I knew I was going back to Fairbanks in the winter, I put Running Reindeer Ranch on my must-see list…again. I visited Jane’s unique reindeer experience when I traveled through Fairbanks in the summer a few years back, but I was really excited to see and walk with the reindeer in the winter landscape.
Posing with Ruby in the summer
Posing with Buttercup this winter
My winter visit had some new surprises in store for me compared to my summer visit. In addition to the snow that was dolloped on the trees, there was one thing that was vastly different on this visit to the reindeer – the people! Jane was still there giving the fascinating history of reindeer and how she ended up being what I call the ‘reindeer whisperer’, but the sheer number of people who were also there to see the reindeer surprised me. In the summer when I came there were only 3 of us. However, in the winter there were nearly 18 of us! Luckily there are plenty of lovable reindeer to go around.
Take a walk through the boreal forest along with the reindeer, get pictures, and learn about the fascinating lives of these gentle animals. It will take you far beyond Christmas myths, and it will make you want to come back for more in other seasons!
The Running Reindeer Ranch is located near the University of Fairbanks. It operates year-round except for Christmas when the reindeer have other ‘important’ work to do. Book early as the tour has become pretty popular and often fills up in the winter!
More information: Running Reindeer Ranch Website . Read Running Reindeer Ranch reviews on Trip Advisor
9. Morris Thompson Cultural Center
Check out the Morris Thompson Cultural Center and you’ll quickly have a full Fairbanks itinerary planned! The facility was created by the Fairbanks Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Alaska Public Lands Information Center, and the Tanana Chiefs Conference.
The Morris Thompson Cultural Center aims to inspire residents and visitors to get out and explore Interior Alaska and Arctic Alaska as well as to preserve Athabascan languages and carry on traditional knowledge through Elder teachings. Here you will be able to find all the information you’ll need for your Fairbanks visit to Interior Alaska and Arctic Alaska.
More information: Morris Thompson Cultural Center
10. Visit the Arctic Circle and Coldfoot Truck Stop – Day Trip
Fairbanks is the hopping-off point for the Arctic Circle, and the only way to get to the Arctic Circle is to take one of the many Alaska bush flights or drive the Dalton Highway; I did both! If you have time while you visit Fairbanks head north out of town where the pavement ends and the highway begins.
The Dalton Highway follows the Alaskan pipeline from Fairbanks to Coldfoot Alaska (a midway truck stop) and slightly beyond. The highway was built as a supply road to support the construction of the pipeline in 1974. It’s a 414-mile road (the majority of it dirt) beginning at the Elliott Highway north of Fairbanks and ending at Deadhorse near the Arctic Ocean. And it’s still used primarily in conjunction with the pipeline today for maintenance crews, shipping…and a little bit of…tourism.
