Fairbanks might not initially stand out when considering a trip to Alaska compared to destinations like Denali or the Kenai Peninsula. However, Fairbanks offers a unique array of activities that can make for a memorable visit.
While perhaps less known, this city has attractions ranging from cultural centers to natural hot springs. This guide provides a comprehensive overview for travelers interested in exploring Fairbanks.
We'll discuss the best times to visit, essential clothing advice for Alaska's variable weather, and highlight why Fairbanks deserves a spot on your Alaska itinerary.
Read on to discover the top things to do in Fairbanks and practical tips to make the most of your Alaskan adventure.
Why Visit Fairbanks?
Fairbanks is a pivotal destination for those venturing into the northern expanse of Alaska. Our journey last summer was driven by the ambition to explore the farthest reaches of the state accessible by rental car, leading us straight to Fairbanks.
The vast and wild Alaska offers limited options for inland travel due to its sparse network of paved roads.
Once you enter the state, your path northward is funneled through two main routes: the Richardson Highway (Highway 3) or the George Parks Highway (Highway 2), converging in Fairbanks.
This city, therefore, becomes a natural checkpoint for adventurers seeking to penetrate as far north as the road allows.
Beyond Fairbanks, the Dalton Highway stretches into the more remote territories, marking the limits of conventional travel and rental car insurance coverage due to challenging road conditions.
Considering a road trip to Alaska? Here's our complete guide based on personal experience.
Choosing the Best Time for Your Fairbanks Adventure
When planning a trip to Fairbanks, Alaska, the timing depends on what you wish to explore and experience. The prime time for tourism is from mid-May through mid-September when the city bursts into life with full-scale operation of tours and attractions.
Visiting just outside these months might cut costs with off-season discounts and offer a more intimate encounter with Fairbanks' natural beauty and quieter charm.
Fairbanks presents a distinct allure across seasons, from the endless daylight and warm, vibrant summers perfect for outdoor enthusiasts to the serene, snow-clad winters ideal for those seeking the magical Northern Lights or winter sports.
Fairbanks' dramatic landscapes and unique activities promise unforgettable experiences regardless of the season.
Weather Patterns and Seasonal Highlights
Fairbanks' weather is a tale of two extremes, featuring warm summers and frigid winters. Summer days are long and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F, allowing for extended wilderness exploration in its full bloom.
Come winter, the city transforms into a cold paradise, often dipping below 0°F day and night, living up to its title as the United States' coldest city. This season is celebrated for its snow-covered vistas and the enchanting dance of the aurora borealis.
Autumn marks a brief but beautiful transition, quickly leading to the colder, snowier months, with significant snowfall starting as early as October.
Despite the chill, winter’s grip loosens by March, leading into a drier spring, though occasional cloud cover may persist, keeping daytime temperatures cool.
Fairbanks is also notable for its dramatic shift in daylight hours, offering nearly 24-hour twilight from late spring to early summer, peaking during the Summer Solstice.
Contrastingly, the Winter Solstice brings minimal daylight, emphasizing the stark differences between seasons and enriching the city's diverse experiences.
For those intrigued by life in Fairbanks during these contrasting seasons, this video provides a glimpse into its wintertime wonders:
Whether drawn to the midnight sun's endless days or the mystical Northern Lights against the polar night, Fairbanks' unique climate and seasonal activities cater to various interests and adventures.
For more helpful insights, check out these 25 essential Alaska travel tips for a successful trip.
Packing Tips for Fairbanks' Seasons
When it comes to clothing in Fairbanks, the secret is smart layering. This approach works well throughout the year, adjusting to the warmer but sometimes rainy summer and the chilly winter.
Spring to early fall in Fairbanks means preparing for rain and wind. A backpack comes in handy for storing outer layers when not in use. Start with a base layer like long underwear or activewear that wicks away moisture and retains warmth.
Avoid cotton as it absorbs moisture and can make you feel colder. An insulating middle layer, such as a fleece jacket or sweater, helps keep you warm during cooler days.
In Fairbanks' unpredictable climate, having the proper layers is crucial. Consider thermal wear and waterproof jackets for your wardrobe.
Lightweight jackets, synthetic or down with a water-repellent shell, are popular for their warmth without bulk, though they can be pricier.
A lighter middle layer is also versatile, packing small for convenience and serving as an outer layer in drier conditions. Your outermost layer should offer waterproof protection and breathability to keep you warm and dry.
Look for quality gear like Gore-Tex jackets for the best protection against Alaskan weather. Don't skimp on this layer; cheaper "waterproof" items might not breathe well, leaving you damp from condensation.
By selecting and layering your clothing wisely, you'll be well-prepared to enjoy everything Fairbanks offers, from its summer trails to winter landscapes.
Pack For Summer: Fairbanks Style Guide
For summer visits, pack shorts and short-sleeved shirts for warmer days. Our August visit was comfortable with occasional rain, making shorts and tees practical choices.
Dressing For The Cold: Fairbanks Winter Guide
If you plan to visit during winter, your layers will look slightly different from their summer counterparts. Your inner layer should be a mid- or heavyweight wool or synthetic item that fits snugly to your body.
Again, NO COTTON! You will need tops and bottoms for your inner layer.
Your middle layer will be a looser-fitting, mid-weight jacket. Finishing your outer layer should be a down, synthetic parka, or heavier jacket.
If you are actively moving around, you may not need this outer layer all the time, but youwillappreciate having this with you.
You will also want snow pants if you plan to be in deeper snow. Mittens are preferred over gloves, as they keep your fingers together and trap heat better. You can also invest in hand warmers, which you can tuck into the mittens.
If you plan to take many photos, you can wear a thin pair of gloves inside the mittens. This allows you to enjoy your photography adventure without exposing your fingers to the elements.
A hat and balaclava combination is also a wise choice. This protects more of your face and head from windburn and/or frostbite.
If you plan to be active, you can substitute the hat for a headband to keep your ears warm and happy. Gaiters are another winter necessity if you plan to be in the snow. These will keep the snow out of your boots and are relatively inexpensive.
Don't forget you'll be walking a lot!
As mentioned, visiting Alaska typically means lots of walking, so you must bring well-loved, broken-in shoes. Hiking boots straight from the box will leave you blistered and hurting before long and ruin your trip.
If you have nothing at home already, you can purchase some lightweight hikers with good traction. Bringing two pairs is wise in case one gets wet.
If you are concerned about keeping your feet dry, invest in some Gore-Tex socks, which you can wear over your regular, non-cotton socks.
The key is to ensure you break in any brand-new shoes before your trip – your feet will thank you. Invest in some warm boots or stock up on toe warmers in winter.
Winter boots must be rated for between -20˚ and -40˚. Use toe warmers if you already have a pair but are concerned about how warm they will be.
You will want warmers rated for very cold temperatures; some even have a sticky side that adheres to your socks and helps them stay in place. Ensure they have a long life since you will not want to stop and replace them every 20 minutes.
11 Fun Things to Do in Fairbanks
Our adventure through Alaska included a remarkable journey from Los Angeles, spanning nearly three weeks, with Fairbanks marking our initial extended stop.
Allocating four nights in this vibrant city allowed us to immerse ourselves in its unique culture and attractions for three days.
While we didn't manage to tick every item off our extensive list, we experienced a significant share of what Fairbanks offers.
This guide combines our adventures with additional recommendations, aiming to assist you in crafting an ideal itinerary for your visit to Fairbanks.
This compilation is by no means exhaustive. Fairbanks boasts a wealth of activities and sights beyond what's mentioned here.
For those spending more time in the area, opportunities for exploration are boundless. A great starting point for any visitor is the Morris Thompson Visitors Center, the gateway to discovering more about this fascinating city.
Planning more Alaskan travels? Here are nine itineraries from Anchorage, suitable with or without a car.
#1 Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center
Visiting for a few days? Make the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center your first stop. This large Visitors Center provides you with a great introduction to Alaska. You can learn much from the exhibitions and get essential visitor information about the state.
This is not your conventional visitor center but more like a small museum. The Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center educates visitors and residents alike about the history of Interior Alaska through realistic exhibits and displays.
There is plenty to take in as you walk through a series of detailed scenes that show and discuss the area's flora, fauna, and human history. National Parks rangers offer free guided tours just outside the center, where they tell you a little bit about the history of Alaska and Fairbanks.
We took the tour and learned quite a lot about the tension between Alaska and the federal government through the eyes of a ranger. That tour alone is worth adding to your list of things to do in Fairbanks - both educational and entertaining!
A unique feature that caught our eye was a creatively designed gate made of moose antlers, adding to the center's charm.
As expected, the center provides all the essentials for adventurers: hiking maps, bus schedules, tour brochures, and expert advice to help you craft the perfect Fairbanks itinerary.
Leverage your visit here to refine your list of activities, making the most of your time in Fairbanks, Alaska.
You can visit their website for more details on the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, including opening hours and more about what they offer.
#2 Pioneer Historic Park
This park was established to commemorate the centennial of the Alaska Purchase. Lots to see and do here, or you can stroll around to soak up the atmosphere.If you want to taste the city's history, prioritize Pioneer Historic Park in your list of things to do in Fairbanks.
What we liked the best was the gold-rush area with genuine pioneer log cabins! As Fairbanks kept growing, local history fans moved the old cabins from across the cityto be preserved in Pioneer Park.
There's not much to do within them, but they make a nice visual reminder of life in the old times.
One of the best attractions is the giant sternwheeler ship inside the theme park: Riverboat Nenana. It is docked in dry soil and open for tours – it makes you wonder how the people transported this large vessel right in the middle of the city!
The park has a playground at the center for kids to absorb the Alaskan vibe. You can ride the Tanana Valley Railroad Museum if you don't feel like walking. It’s an on-site interpretive train ride that will take you back to the era of the gold rush.
Don't expect too much of the museums, though. We tried two of them: The Pioneer Museum and the Pioneer Air Museum. Both were very old-fashioned, with vast collections of strange artifacts displayed in ways that didn't make sense and without too many explanations.
They were interesting but not what you expect from a "museum" in the 21st century. On the plus side, they were very affordable, costing only a couple of bucks to see.
So overall, add this park to your list of things to do in Fairbanks, but be flexible with the time you allocate for it in your itinerary.
Are you interested in even more Alaskan history and culture? Discover 17 awesome things to do in Skagway, Alaska.
#3 Museum of the North
For a more in-depth and modern look at Fairbanks, try the Museum of the North. This museum has enough artifacts and attractions to keep you busy for at least a couple of hours and possibly - if you like to dig in and read - for longer.
You’ll see art and treasures inside that are as old as 2000 years! The place also holds life-size replicas of Alaskan wildlife past and present (like the giant extinct steppe bison). They also have the state’s most extensive collection of gold.
For an additional fee, you can watch science movies in the auditorium. While they're interesting, the movies were pretty general when we were there and didn't deal specifically with Alaska.
Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy these top activities in Haines, Alaska, including bear viewing.
#4 Georgeson Botanical Garden
The Georgeson Botanical Garden is a research facility within the University of Alaska. It's also home to a diverse native and introduced plants blooming in summer under the Midnight sun.
The garden is filled with beautiful flowers and an array of garden beds – truly a feast for the eyes! Also, if you haven’t seen gigantic cabbages, now is your chance!
We dedicated a few hours meandering through the garden, absorbed in the beauty of the flora around us. The visit was so enriching that we compiled a separate blog post detailing our experience, filled with the numerous photos we took.
For those planning a visit to Fairbanks, the Georgeson Botanical Garden undoubtedly deserves a spot on your itinerary, promising a serene and picturesque escape. For an in-depth look at our visit and more insights into what you can expect, check out our detailed blog post here.
If you're traveling with kids, they can have fun in their children’s garden with a playhouse and a small outdoor labyrinth.
#5 Large Animal Research Station
Locally known as LARS, the Large Animal Research Station is a hidden jewel in Fairbanks. Both locals and tourists visit LARS to view the muskoxen and reindeer. If you love science and animals, make LARS one of Fairbanks's top things to do.
We loved LARS and learned so much during our visit there that we dedicated an entire post to share our impressions. Check out our post about visiting LARS in Fairbanks, Alaska.
#6 Riverboat Discovery
Taking the Sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery tour is an exceptional Alaskan experience: A three-hour cruise along the Chena River and into the heart of Alaska.
The Riverboat Discovery cruise is about the spots you will visit along the river. These include:
- The Chena Indian Village (including a guided tour by a native Athabascan)
- Sledding dogs kennels
- A float plane in action
While it all sounds great, the trip is relatively expensive. We could only budget one cruise on our Alaska trip and chose to take the more expensive - but longer and very different - Kenai Fjords cruise.
However, we had to include the Riverboat Discovery cruise in this list of things to do in Fairbanks because it does sound pretty awesome, and they have fantastic reviews.
#7 Running Reindeer Ranch
A gem among Fairbanks' attractions, the Running Reindeer Ranch offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with nature and wildlife. Rated as one of TripAdvisor's top activities in the area, this family-operated ranch invites visitors to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of reindeer.
Through guided walking tours in the boreal forest, you'll witness reindeer in action, observing their playful leaps or serene strolls beside you while learning about their adaptation to the polar climate.
The experience extends beyond a simple walk; the ranch also offers unique activities like reindeer yoga, allowing guests to blend the tranquility of yoga with the calming presence of these majestic animals.
The story behind Running Reindeer Ranch is as heartwarming as the visit itself. It began with a child's wish for a horse, eventually leading to the family welcoming reindeer Ruby and Moon in October 2007.
Doug, Jane, and their daughter Robin have since expanded their family and ranch, sharing their love and knowledge of reindeer with all who visit.
#8 Chena Hot Springs
The Chena Hot Springs is an excellent addition to your bucket list of things to do in Fairbanks! As you can see in the map below, that little pin away from the rest of the pins is the Chena Hot Springs resort.
In other words, this property is 60 miles away from Fairbanks International Airport. Since there's no town there, just a resort, Chena certainly deserves a spot on the things to do in Fairbanks list.
Chena Hot Springs offers a unique experience where you can enjoy an outdoor bath amid snowfall. Although open in the summer, winter provides a distinct and memorable experience.
Below is a photo showcasing the hot springs enveloped in snow:
Our visit to Chena Hot Springs centered around the ice museum (which we'll discuss next), and since hot springs aren't our thing, we skipped the dip.
However, for those interested in the hot springs experience, here are some tips gleaned from TripAdvisor reviews:
Chena Hot Springs Visitors Tips
When heading to the Hot Springs, consider packing these essentials:
- Shower shoes. To comply with the hot springs pools' "no shoe" policy, go barefoot in the locker room or bring clean shower shoes.
- Coins for lockers. Without quarters, you'll wait at the reception to get some.
- A towel to avoid the extra charge of renting one.
- Bottled water for hydration. Although there's a coffee and snack stand in the main building, having water with you is convenient.
- A waterproof phone case for capturing those memorable moments in the springs.
Additionally, the area offers several other attractions, including:
Chena Hot Springs is also a prime spot for viewing the Northern Lights. Located away from city lights and further north, it offers an excellent vantage point for observing the majestic Aurora Borealis between November and March.
The resort features a unique outdoor viewing area with large glass windows and comfortable seating explicitly designed for aurora-watching.
Extend your Alaskan adventure with these 22 amazing things to do in Juneau.
#9 Ice Museums
The Aurora Ice Museum
A highlight of visiting Chena Hot Springs is the Aurora Ice Museum, the world’s largest year-round ice environment. While compact, the museum packs a lot into a small space, offering a fascinating half-hour journey through its icy wonders.
The refreshments, notably the signature ice-cold Appletini served in an ice glass, are unique to this icy haven, adding a cool twist to your visit.
The entire setting, including seats and the bar, is sculpted from ice, enveloping you in a crisp, otherworldly atmosphere.
Despite the chilly -7 Celsius (or -20 Fahrenheit) interior, which might seem daunting, providing warm winter parkas ensures a comfortable experience for everyone.
Entry is group-based, with no prior booking required; tickets are available at the Chena Hot Springs office.
Here are some snapshots from our adventure:
Fairbanks Ice Museum
For those staying closer to the city, the Fairbanks Ice Museum presents an accessible ice art experience. Housed in a renovated theater, the museum captures the intricate world of ice sculptures.
Visitors enjoy a comprehensive film detailing the ice sculpting process and live demonstrations, revealing how ice blocks transform into complicated masterpieces.
The museum also boasts an ice slide, adding an element of frosty fun, particularly for younger guests. Like its counterpart at Chena, guests here can also enjoy beverages served in glasses made of ice, rounding off the icy experience with a distinctive Alaskan flair.
Both museums offer a glimpse into the artistic potential of ice, providing visitors with a memorable addition to their Alaskan journey.
#10 Alyeska Pipeline Visitor Center
The Alyeska Pipeline Visitor Center is an outdoor exhibit next to the pipeline. Located along the Steese Highway, just north of downtown Fairbanks, this can be a nice little stop if you drive this scenic route.
It's not far from the town itself, so if you're interested in seeing the big pipes, it's worth adding to your list of things to do in Fairbanks.
The Trans Alaska Pipeline System is a staggering 800-mile-long pipeline system – the largest in the world. Oil travels along the pipe from Alaska’s North Slope to the northernmost ice-free port in North America, the town of Valdez.
#11 Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum
The Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum will take you back to viewperfectly restored early 20th-century luxury cars.The automobile collection includes 85 American vehicles, from early race cars to the most elegant classics.
Almost all these rolling antiques are driven during summer to ensure they are still operable. If you're a car aficionado, add this museum to your list of things to do in Fairbanks.
There’s also no place to eat inside, and the place is kind of far from the nearest food establishment, so catch a bite to eat before you head for this museum.
Looking for more Alaskan adventures? Check out these 13 must-visit destinations in Alaska, complete with a map.
Finding Accommodations in Fairbanks
For tips on securing affordable lodging in Fairbanks, see my detailed guide. Finding reasonably priced hotels in the area can be tricky, so I've compiled a dedicated post filled with advice and suggestions.
Looking for accommodation tips in other parts of Alaska? Find essential advice on where to stay in Seward.
That wraps up our extensive list of activities in Fairbanks!
Looking to explore beyond the urban areas in Alaska? Check out my mega-post about Alaska's National Parks!
