Gold Rush Charm

Discover Alaska’s interior and step back in time to the gold rush era of Alaska’s Golden Heart City. Only 200 miles from the Arctic Circle and 120 miles from Denali, the summer months offer midnight sun and lots to explore. Take a dip in a hot spring, enjoy a river cruise on an authentic sternwheeler or learn about Native culture. Fairbanks is also one of the best places in Alaska for Northern Lights viewing.

  • Points of Interest

    • Chena Hot Springs
    • Chena Riverwalk
    • Creamer's Field
    • Fairbanks International Airport
    • Fairbanks Rail Depot
    • Fountainhead Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary
    • Georgeson Botanical Garden
    • Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center
    • Pioneer Air Museum
    • Santa Claus House in North Pole, Alaska
    • Tanana Valley Railroad Museum
    • Trans-Alaska Pipeline
    • University of Alaska Museum of the North

  • Activities

    • ATVing
    • City tours
    • Dinner theater
    • Gold panning
    • Riverboat tours
    • Sled dog visits
    • Wine & food tasting

Photo Gallery

The glowing green sky of the aurora borealis

Fairbanks is a prime viewing spot for the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights.

A gold panner showing travelers how it's done

Pan for gold in the Golden Heart City at the historic Gold Dredge 8.

The Riverboat Discovery sternwheeler on the Chena River

The calm Chena River reflecting the blue sky

The Chena River flows through downtown Fairbanks to the outskirts of the city.

The white, modern structure of the Museum of the North

The University of Alaska Museum of the North holds over 1.5 million artifacts in its collections.

Destination Map

Featured Excursion

Riverboat Discovery Cruise & Gold Dredge 8 Combo

Board the only remaining authentic Alaska sternwheeler for a cruise along the Chena and Tanana rivers in Chena River State Recreation Area. During this narrated cruise, you will witness the unique line where the clear waters of the Chena meet the Tanana, the world’s greatest glacier river carrying tons of…
Read More

Read More About Fairbanks

Visiting Pioneer Park in Fairbanks, Alaska

Pioneer Park in Fairbanks is Alaska’s version of a theme park, with a twist. You won’t find rollercoasters and fair games, but you can explore the state’s only historic theme park, home to unique buildings and artifacts from the state’s past. Pioneer Park history The park opened to the public…
Read More

Guide to seeing the northern lights in Alaska

Experiencing the sights of colorful, fluorescent ribbons dancing in the night sky is one of the many highlights for Alaskans and travelers to the state. Most would consider viewing the northern lights a top bucket list item. Keep reading for all the best northern lights viewing tips and tricks.
Read More

Visit the Aurora Ice Museum and Bar

photo by Jeff’s Canon So you’ve adventured your way through Alaska’s unforgettable parks, spotted elusive wildlife, and traversed gorgeous glaciers. Now, it’s time to kick back with a cold one. A very, very cold one. For one of the most iconic and unique Alaska experiences, slide on…
Read More