University of Alaska Museum of the North
In an architecturally abstract, igloo- and aurora-inspired edifice sits one of Alaska’s finest museums, with artifact-rich exhibits on the geology,…
Getty Images/Vetta
Fairbanks
Fairbanks is the only 'city' in the interior, and the largest settlement for hundreds of miles, but it has many characteristics of a small town. Everyone seems to know everyone, and 'everyone' includes some truly fascinating characters – sled-dog breeders, crusading environmentalists, college students, gun nuts, military personnel, outdoor enthusiasts, bush pilots, and the rest of the usual Alaska cast of oddities. Because the city sits at the nexus of some truly epic routes – north to the Arctic, east to Canada and south to Denali – you'll almost inevitably end up spending time here, and that time is rarely boring.
This is a spread-out burg that's admittedly heavy on ugly strip malls, but the residential streets of compact downtown are pretty as a picture, and during winter, this is ground zero for viewing the aurora borealis.
Explore Fairbanks
- University of Alaska Museum of the North
In an architecturally abstract, igloo- and aurora-inspired edifice sits one of Alaska’s finest museums, with artifact-rich exhibits on the geology,…
- MMorris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center
There are a few contenders for 'best visitor center in Alaska' but this one, an ingenious mix of museum, info point and cultural center, has to be in the…
- CCreamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge
Birds have been migrating through this idyllic little stretch of farmland for millennia, and when the local dairy finally shut its doors, the community…
- LLarge Animal Research Station
If you can’t make a trip to the Arctic for a little wildlife observation, consider visiting this research station that tends herds of musk ox, reindeer…
- FFountainhead Antique Auto Museum
For a state with so few highways, this is a surprisingly comprehensive collection of 70 working antique vehicles, highlighting the evolution of the…
- GGeorgeson Botanical Garden
The severe Arctic and wild interior of Alaska are blessed with rainbows of wildflowers, which are all on display here. The Georgeson Botanical Garden is a…
- AAlaska Range Viewpoint
Gaze out over boreal forest to distant mountains (including Denali on a good day) from this high perch on the University of Alaska campus.
- PPioneer Park
Like many cities with little surviving history, Fairbanks attempts to recreate the 'old' days in a historical theme park. Suffice to say, it doesn't…
- IInternational Arctic Research Center
Located on the University of Alaska campus, the center has become a leading authority on climate change. Its work includes investigating the impacts of…
Latest Stories from Fairbanks
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Fairbanks.
See
University of Alaska Museum of the North
In an architecturally abstract, igloo- and aurora-inspired edifice sits one of Alaska’s finest museums, with artifact-rich exhibits on the geology,…
See
Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center
There are a few contenders for 'best visitor center in Alaska' but this one, an ingenious mix of museum, info point and cultural center, has to be in the…
See
Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge
Birds have been migrating through this idyllic little stretch of farmland for millennia, and when the local dairy finally shut its doors, the community…
See
Large Animal Research Station
If you can’t make a trip to the Arctic for a little wildlife observation, consider visiting this research station that tends herds of musk ox, reindeer…
See
Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum
For a state with so few highways, this is a surprisingly comprehensive collection of 70 working antique vehicles, highlighting the evolution of the…
See
Georgeson Botanical Garden
The severe Arctic and wild interior of Alaska are blessed with rainbows of wildflowers, which are all on display here. The Georgeson Botanical Garden is a…
See
Alaska Range Viewpoint
Gaze out over boreal forest to distant mountains (including Denali on a good day) from this high perch on the University of Alaska campus.
See
Pioneer Park
Like many cities with little surviving history, Fairbanks attempts to recreate the 'old' days in a historical theme park. Suffice to say, it doesn't…
See
International Arctic Research Center
Located on the University of Alaska campus, the center has become a leading authority on climate change. Its work includes investigating the impacts of…
Guidebooks
Learn more about Fairbanks
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