Things to do & places to visit in Fairbanks, Alaska, United States

Its far north location means Fairbanks gets the midnight sun in the summer and the northern lights during Aurora Season (August to April). These wonders define the city, along with winter activities, the gold rush past, Alaska Native heritage, a vibrant arts scene and “golden heart” hospitality. Enjoy dog mushing, panning for gold, floating the Chena River or visiting a museum. Add a nearby trip to a hot springs, Denali, the Arctic or the Interior. Fairbanks is the gateway to discovering Alaska.

Fairbanks municipality in Alaska, United States. Timezone: America/Anchorage, current date and time: Thursday, May 09, 2024, 20:39.

Top things to do (23)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum (1.799 reviews)
- Fountainhead Auto Museum is a Fairbanks Gem!
Thursday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

*** Starting on Sept. 21, 2022, we will switch to winter hours - 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Sundays and Wednesdays *** Come one, come all! We look forward to your visit! This unexpected gem at Wedgewood Resort is one of Alaska's favorite attractions. The museum features a remarkable collection of antique cars paired with stunning historic fashions, plus entertaining displays of Alaska's motoring history. The museum's automobile collection features over 100 pre-WWII American-made vehicles, including beautifully restored horseless carriages, nickel touring cars, rakish speedster, elegant classics, and early racecars. From rare marquees like Compound and Argonne to well-known names like Packard and Stutz, visitors will be amazed at the beauty, innovation, and history of these rolling masterpieces. All but a few of the automobiles are driven throughout the year, making this a true "living museum. See more..
5.0 Running Reindeer Ranch (1.705 reviews)
- Great adventure for all ages
Spent 2-3 hours Farms • Ranches

By reservation, Running Reindeer Ranch offers guided walking natural history tours of the boreal forest with our reindeer friends. Get to know our reindeer in this 2.5 hour unique, immersive, educational tour. Enjoy a walk through the magical birch forest, observing reindeer games and learning the adaptations that make reindeer ideal for Arctic living. While visiting our family-owned farm, there is plenty of time for pictures and reindeer hugs. After the reindeer walk, we’ll head inside to learn a bit more about reindeer while enjoying homemade cookies and drinks. We operate in any weather, all year, so appropriate clothing is a must. Reservation Required, book a walk on our website! With Covid19 protocols we are very serious about health. We provide touch less options, sanitize before and after each visit, stay outside the entire tour and all persons must wear a mask while visiting our ranch. See more..
5.0 Hoarfrost Distilling (80 reviews)
- Amazing service and great cocktails with local ingredients !
Thursday: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

Hoarfrost Distilling makes world class vodka in Fairbanks, AK using barley and pure Alaskan water. Come visit our tasting room. The tasting room is currently open: Tuesday through Saturday 4-8 We serve a variety of vodka cocktails and sell bottles to go. 21 and older, or accompanied by an adult guardian. See more..
5.0 Two Street Gallery LLC (59 reviews)
- A Wonderful Accidental Find!
Thursday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Art Galleries

Two Street Gallery in the center of downtown Fairbanks is a fine art gallery; featuring artwork of more than 20 local artists. Watercolors, pottery, sculpture, print-making, jewelry, silversmithing, Giclee prints, fabric art, and photography highlighting the Aurora is a sampling of what you will find on your visit to the Gallery. There is always an artist on duty to answer your questions. Shipping available. See more..
5.0 Aurora Husky Lodge - Aurora Viewing (38 reviews)
- Comfortable and incredible!
Thursday: 10:30 PM - 2:00 AM Spent More than 3 hours Lookouts

Welcome to the Aurora Husky Lodge. We are located west side of 32 miles south of Parks Highway from Fairbanks. (Mile post Between 326 and 325) This location is locally and internationally well-known as one of the best place to view the Northern Lights in the world. Please come and join us for a chance to view the beautiful lights in the sky. Features of our lodge: Overlooking the Alaska Mountain Range and can see great view from top of the ridge. Amazing view of the dark night sky within only 35 - 40 minutes drive from Fairbanks. Pick up service - Reservation required $90〜$95/pp. a warm lodge to await the lights in, unlimited Hot Cocoa, Coffee, Tea and Snack. See more..
4.5 University of Alaska Museum of the North (2.602 reviews)
- Fascinating eclectic museum
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Natural History Museums

The University of Alaska Museum of the North is a thriving visitor attraction, a vital component of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and the only research and teaching museum in Alaska. The museum’s research collections – 2.5 million artifacts and specimens – represent millions of years of biological diversity and thousands of years of cultural traditions in the North. Museum store and cafe on site. UAMN summer hours are 7 days a week, from 6 AM - 7 PM. Admission sales/doors close at 6:30 PM. Hours are Subject to Change. See more..
4.5 Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center (1.802 reviews)
- Strongly Recommend Stopping Here During Fairbanks Visit
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Visitor Centers

Your 1st stop for visitor information. Learn about Alaska Native culture and history. Free world-class exhibits that tell the story of life in Interior Alaska. Wave to family around the world on our Antler Arch webcam. Free films, WiFi, parking. See more..
4.5 Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge (522 reviews)
- Fun hiking
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge is a 2,000 acre refuge on the site of the historic Creamer's Dairy in Fairbanks, Alaska. The Dairy was once the largest producer in Alaska and is on the historic registry of places. The refuge has miles of multi-use trails that are open year round and it is an excellent location for bird watching and wildlife viewing. The Farmhouse Visitor Center & Gift Shop is open daily in the summer from 9:30 - 5 and on Saturdays in the winter from Noon - 4. Guided Nature Walks are available Mon-Sat at 10 am June through August by trained naturalists. Non-profit organization "Friends of Creamer's Field" provides programs during the year at the state owned refuge. In the winter the trails are groomed for cross country skiing and skijoring. Dog mushers, walkers and runners also visit the fields and trails regularly. During the migration seasons the fields are closed except to the birds, but the other trails are still open away from the fields. Come visit! See more..
4.5 University of Alaska Fairbanks (253 reviews)
- A must pick for the winter adventurer!
Educational sites

We love going here and just looking around. The sign in the front is the most famous to take a picture with as the sun breaks around 10:30 am or so. See more..
4.5 Chena River State Recreation Area (245 reviews)
- Beautiful beautiful
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM State Parks • Bodies of Water

Located just north of Fairbanks, this area offer many trails for day hikes. See more..
4.5 Antler Arch (233 reviews)
- Winter trsil challenge
Points of Interest & Landmarks

My husband and I took the winter trail challenge and chose the one starting at the antler arch. It was a great 5 mile walking loop.itconbecrs to the pioneer park. I highly recommend the scenic walk along the Chena River See more..
4.5 James Dalton Highway (195 reviews)
- Do not be afraid to drive this road
Spent More than 3 hours Scenic Drives

The only road through North Alaska, often hiked and camped beside. See more..
4.5 Steese Highway (173 reviews)
- Amazing Vistas for the Patient
Scenic Drives

Most of the scenic drives in the Fairbanks region start on this road, which twists through the White Mountains and allows access to mining sites, hot-springs resorts and recreational options. See more..
4.5 The Palace Theater (121 reviews)
- A fun, historical revue
Spent 1-2 hours Theaters

This show is an irreverent look at the history of Fairbanks. It is silly at times, but good fun. It is a nice way to end an evening at Pioneer Park. There is also a shuttle bus to take you to and from the show from six hotels in the area. See more..
4.5 BLM Arctic Circle Monument Sign (117 reviews)
- It's a sign off the highway - but it's the ARTIC CIRCLE!!!
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

If you are planning a trip on the Dalton Highway, then you must stop. It is just a sign off the main road, but it's the entrance to the Artic Circle!! We visited in January 2022 and the Dalton was covered in snow and ice. We had a 4x4 with studded tires, so the drive wasn't too terrifying (but it was definitely scary). We saw 1 bird during our visit, and that was it. It was -25 degrees below zero, so I am sure most of the furry creatures were hunkered down trying to stay warm. See more..
4.5 HooDoo Brewing Company (113 reviews)
- Great Vacation Break!
Thursday: 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

HooDoo Brewing Co. brews world class ales and lagers, in the heart of Alaska. Come by the open and inviting taproom for a glass of beer, and take a growler to enjoy at home. Get an in depth look at the brewing process on their 3-vessel system during a tour with the brewmaster, every Saturday at 4pm. While we do not serve food, we regularly partner with local food vendors and we welcome you to bring your own Brewery Picnics. Feel free to bring snacks or take-out into the taproom or Biergarten to enjoy with your pint. Styles we have produced are below, and a current list of what's on tap can be found at our website. German Kölsch American IPA UK IPA Extra Pale Ale Stout Belgian Saison Rye Saison Single Scottish Export English Mild Maibock Oktoberfest Lager Bavarian Weissbier Barleywine Barrel-aged Barleywine Belgian Tripel Pumpkin Ale, made with local pumpkins and gourds See more..
4.5 Angel Rocks Trail (106 reviews)
- Lovely hike with gorgeous views
Hiking Trails

If you don’t want to deal with a trail full of tourists, I definitely recommend going early in the day and during the week. The trail was well marked with some nice off shoots for getting sweep valley views. It’s a pretty rough trek up, better for people at least moderately in shape or who can take it slow. I saw plenty of birds and red squirrels. Sadly, no bear or moose. See more..
4.5 Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary (87 reviews)
- Hike in Fairbanks
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Scenic Walking Areas

The wildlife sanctuary draws a crowd - a crowd of song and shore birds, moose and waterfowl. Featuring easy walking nature trails that lead to Wander Lake and Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge. Off the trailhead of the sanctuary is the Taiga Center that features free Alaskan movies for resort guests during the summer on the 14 foot big screen. Visit the trailhead kiosk outside the Taiga Center for trail maps and Bird Checklist. See more..
4.5 The Fairbanks Alaska Public Lands Information Center (41 reviews)
- Free and excellent displays!
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Visitor Centers

The Fairbanks Alaska Public Lands Information Center (FAPLIC) is an integral component of the community of Fairbanks which supports the appropriate use and enjoyment of Alaska's public lands and resources through "one-stop shopping" for public lands information, trip-planning assistance, and resource education. The interagency partnership embodied as FAPLIC encourages visitors and residents to seek meaningful, safe and enjoyable experiences on public lands and inspires to conserve and sustain the natural, cultural and historic resources of Alaska. See more..
4.5 Tanana Valley Model Railroad Display (23 reviews)
- Every train station should wish to have something this cool!
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

We did not expect this exhibit. We had no idea that this was part of the train station. This is a very well managed exhibit. The local model train group designed the exhibit and they have an attendant in the room to discuss and share about what you are seeing. The exhibit replicates sections of the rail between Fairbanks and Denali and offers an interesting insight into what is to come as you travel south. See more..
4.5 Eagle Summit (17 reviews)
- Time for a Drive
Mountains • Scenic Drives

Located 108 miles from Fairbanks, this summit towers 3,624 feet high, well above the timberline. See more..
4.0 Pioneer Park (1.262 reviews)
- Worth to see
Amusement & Theme Parks

Built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the purchase of Alaska from Russia, this theme part includes a mock gold-rush town with authentic pioneer log cabins, mining equipment, musems, a replicated Native American village and a huge, drydocked sternwheeler open for tours. See more..
4.0 Aurora Ice Museum (979 reviews)
- Must see if you get to Chena Hot Springs Resort
Thursday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

Chena Hot Springs Resort is home to the world’s largest year-round ice environment, the Aurora Ice Museum! See more..
4.0 Alyeska Pipeline Viewing Point (667 reviews)
- Engineering Marvel
Points of Interest & Landmarks

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Alaska. See more..
4.0 Large Animal Research Station (249 reviews)
- Fun, Informative Tour
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Educational sites

Thousands of visitors each year get a chance to see muskoxen, caribou and domestic reindeer on summer tours of this 134-acre site set up for nutritional, behavioral and physiological study by the University of Alaska. See more..
4.0 Georgeson Botanical Garden (149 reviews)
- Beautiful
Gardens

Discover the diversity of native and introduced plants growing under the Midnight sun. Observe Alaska's world famous giant cabbages. Visit our developing children's garden. Observe wildlife, birds, plants and insects that live in Alaska's great interior. Season is June 1 through Labor Day, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Admission is $5 per person, children 6 and under free. The Georgeson Botanical Garden is located at the Agricultural & Forestry Experiment Station (AFES) farm west of the main UAF campus. See more..
4.0 Pioneer Air Museum (91 reviews)
- Interesting exhibits
Speciality Museums

This museum tells the story of Alaska's air pioneers. There are many interesting exhibits to enjoy. It's not a big museum, but you will find plenty to keep you interested. For example, they had a plane built by a college engineering student so he could fly home on weekends. See more..
4.0 Fairbanks Community Museum (57 reviews)
- Really nice museum illustrating the history of Fairbanks
Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

Museum features exhibits on the Klondike Gold Rush, Early Fairbanks, The Great Flood of 1967, Winter in Fairbanks and The Driving Spirit Dog Mushing Museum which features a detailed history of the use of sled dogs in the Far North. Admission is free, however donations are greatly appreciated. See more..
4.0 Ski Land (45 reviews)
- Aurora Borealis Ski Land
Thursday: Spent More than 3 hours Ski & Snowboard Areas

Come visit one of the best-kept secrets in Alaska! We offer amazing Skiing and Snowboarding on Saturday's, Sunday's, and Monday's. With a full-price adult ticket only $40 and a youth for only $20. See more..
3.5 Fairbanks Ice Museum (358 reviews)
- Beautiful art
Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

The museum is located in downtown Fairbanks and parking is difficult, even more so for us driving a 25 foot RV. We dropped in to see if there was a time opening. We were allowed to join in on the tour that just started. After watching a film you were invited backstage to see many small ice sculptures. The backstage is kept at 20 degrees to keep the ice from melting. And they have parkas available to use so we were comfortable. We even rode the sled down a small ice slide. Afterwards, we watched a short demonstration in ice carving—and we were amazed at the beautiful work the artists can do. Wow! When you can’t be in Fairbanks to see the making of the BIG sculptures in the winter, this summer tour is beautiful. But for the $15 entrance fee, you would expect a little more. See more..