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Whether you are moving to Alaska or visiting, if you are headed to Fairbanks, you will have a ton of stuff to do! We lived right outside of Fairbanks for about eight years and absolutely loved it. When we first moved there, people told us, “You’ll either love it or hate it.” They were right—and I loved it. Anchorage also offers plenty to do. However, I prefer the Fairbanks area because it’s smaller and more relaxed. It is still packed with activities for both locals and visitors.
Here are some places I would recommend to anyone visiting the Fairbanks area:
Santa Clause House and Antler Academy. I absolutely love the Santa Clause House. The Santa Claus House is located in North Pole—and it’s open year-round. During our time living there, it even expanded. Inside, you’ll find unique Alaska and Christmas-themed gifts, along with fudge, ice cream, and coffee. The building is impossible to miss. It sits right along the highway with a giant Santa out front. There are also live reindeer nearby at he Antler Academy. You can even feed the reindeer —though I’ve heard Rudolph may be off doing special training.
Denali National Park. If you have the time, Denali National Park is well worth the two-hour drive from Fairbanks. The park offers bus tours, whitewater rafting, helicopter tours, guided hikes, and nearby gift shops and restaurants. Every bus tour I took included some type of wildlife sighting. On a clear day, you may even catch a glimpse of Denali itself. While you’re there, I highly recommend stopping at the 49th State Brewing Company for great food, a fun atmosphere, and a replica of the bus from the documentary, Into the Wild.
Gold panning. Fairbanks is rich in gold-mining history, and there are two popular places to try your hand at gold panning: Gold Daughters and Gold Dredge 8. Both have knowledgeable staff and hands-on experiences. Gold Daughters offers a large dirt pile you can pan through all day, while Gold Dredge 8 provides a guided train tour focused on local history, plus gold panning, a gift shop, and complimentary cookies and coffee. If you’re only visiting Alaska once, Gold Dredge 8 is my top recommendation.
Museums. Fairbanks, Alaska has some great museums! To learn more about Fairbanks unique culture and history I would highly recommend the University of Alaska (UA) Museum of the North and Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center. Even if you’re not typically a museum person, these are engaging and informative. If antique cars interest you, the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum is another great option. All these museums are right in Fairbanks, so no need to worry about long drives.
Pioneer Park. Pioneer Park is so cool and unique. Formerly known as Alaska Land, Pioneer Park is a historical theme park featuring museums, shops, restaurants, and seasonal events. Admission to the park is free, though some attractions may charge a fee. They also have a great salmon bake they run during the summer months! Pioneer Park is open nearly every day and can be enjoyed in both summer and winter.
Chena Hot Springs. Chena Hot Springs has so much to offer year-round. Chena Hot Springs is located about 45 minutes to an hour outside of Fairbanks. It is worth the drive any time of year. Besides soaking in the hot springs, you can also enjoy the Aurora Ice museum, small gift shops, the restaurant, massages, dog sled or cart rides, ATV tours, an indoor pool, and horseback riding. If you want to do make the most of your visit, you can also book a cabin or hotel room for the night.
If you’re traveling to Alaska soon don’t miss my other posts: How to Make Flying With Toddlers Easier, Flying With a Baby – What I wish I knew, or Questions to Consider When Packing for a Family Trip.
