Watching the moon set and the northern lights in Alaska on the first day of 2023 was pretty epic!!! Both the Pioneer Air Museum and Pioneer Museum are located at Pioneer Park. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage Prince William Sound (Discovery Voyages) Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. Braving the cold is nothing if you get achance to see the lights dancing and waving overhead. Visiting Alaska comes with some sacrifices, so if you arent someone who typically enjoys roughing it a little, then just remember how badly you want to see the northern lights. Alaska cruise experts share their intel on how to pick the best Alaska cruise. Youll find a variety of lodging near the airport, from budget options to riverfront hotels overlooking the Chena River. . 4 Days Season Mid-May through mid-September Visit Fairbanks, Denali National Park Transportation Itinerary Map Why This Trip? . Youll embark on ashort walk, with stops to photograph. Theyre also one of the most popular options for recreation and adventure. The best time to visit Fairbanks, Alaska is between December and February when the chance to witness the stunning Aurora Borealis lighting up the night sky in a brilliant display of color is at its peak! I highly recommend this great attraction if youre ever in the area during this time! Soak in Hot Springs: If theres one thing that will lure you into donning a swimsuit on a day with subzero temperatures, its the knowledge that its only a short walk from the locker room to a 106-degree, spring-fed soaking pool. With an array of unique exhibits that span from anthropology to art and history, this museum offers a comprehensive look at all aspects of Alaskan culture. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Fall brings crisp and bright days with temperatures falling to the 40s, and seeing the changing colors is well worth the extra layers. The city itself can be loud and a bit busy, so if youre trying to experience Alaskas rural side, then its recommended to pick an Airbnb in one of the nearby family neighborhoods. 2. How to find the best Alaska cruise for you. World Ice Art Championships. The center also houses theAlaska Public Lands Information Center,including world-class exhibits of Alaskas four seasons and stunning displays of Alaska Native art. Answer 1 of 19: I have booked flights to Fairbanks. Which rental companies offer one way car rentals? Heres how long to stay there, and how to spend yourtime, This town is home to locals who combine city living with an off-the-beaten-path edge, Our rundown of the best all-around Alaska travel experiences, Nine Alaska experiences you shouldnt missand will never forget. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. #alpenglow #wonderlake #arctic Explore itineraries for longer holidays like 5 days in Fairbanks or 6 days in Fairbanks. Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here. Explore Fairbanks is headquartered at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center which is also the hub of year-round staffed visitor information and services. Its a little over an hour's drive from downtown Fairbanks and remote enough that you wont have to worry about light pollution interfering with your view of the aurora. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. On the Water: Chena River, Riverboat Discovery & Fishing. Take off on a flightseeing trip in an airplane or helicopter and get a bird's-eye view of the protected tundra. Fairbanks, Alaska. The five-hour Arctic Circle Air Adventure takes you up over the beautiful Yukon River Valley and steers through the formidable Brooks Range before touching down in Coldfoot, AK for a quick land tour. Tours are offered through the day during the summer and there's gold panning on site for those that want to try their luck. Fairbanks dates back to 1901, when E.T. From mid-September to late April, when you have the best chance of witnessing phenomenon of the aurora borealis, youll fly from Fairbanks to the remote village of Coldfoot, in the Brooks Mountain Range. Everything will be up on our site soon so you can book directly - meanwhile call for more details https://pacificnwfloattrips.com/bestalaskatours/ 4 days Trip to Fairbanks from Forest Park By: Guest User City: Fairbanks 4 days Trip to Fairbanks from New York By: Guest User City: Fairbanks The best time to visit Fairbanks is from July to August. While its possible to drive yourself, we wouldnt recommend itvarying road conditions make it a long, difficult trip. One of Fairbanks' most unique events is theWorld Eskimo-Indian Olympics. 12 years ago. About 55 miles outside of town isChena Hot Springs Resort,where visitors can soak in the soothing hot springs pools. If you are looking for shorter itineraries, checkout Fairbanks itinerary 2 days or 3 days in Fairbanks. Walk among them and pet themits truly amoment made for Instagram. Fairbanks, Alaska is known for its rugged beauty and natural wildlife. More votes for Fairbanks ! Fairbanks is home to several campground and RV parks. Its definitely one of the most magical Christmas cities in the US! One of the best places for hiking in the Fairbanks area is the nearbyChena River State Recreation Area,with popular hikes including Granite Tors Trail and Angel Rocks Trail. The signature Taste of Two Rivers Tour includes adog sled demonstration, gold panning, and an opportunity tomeet&. The postal tradition lives onofficial letters from Santa are postmarked from the North Pole and stamped with an official Santa seal. Although it may seem like a faraway land that is too remote for the average traveler to venture to, Fairbanks is actually one of the easiest destinations in The Last Frontier to reach due to its international airport. 2-5 day small ship explorations. . . Enjoy some river rafting, go for a guided hike, or take a Jeep/ATV tour and drive yourself over the tundra. Daily service from Anchorage in Summer. Processed in Adobe Lightroom Classic, Photoshop 2021. Here in Alaska, fine dining typically means jeans, a flannel, and work boots are more than acceptable. Private vehicles are not allowed beyond mile 15,so. Fairbanks has some excellent attractions. Glide over the snow on asled pulled by ateam of dogsmany of whom have run the Iditarod. 10 Best Things to Do in Fairbanks, Alaska | U.S. News Travel #destinationearth #awesomedreamplaces #fantastic_earth #awesomeglobe #discoverglobe #naturegeography #discovery #earthofficial #cihannplt #bestvacationspix #awesome_earthpix #nationaldestination #animalplanet #awesome_globepix #alaska, Snowy views #alaska #hikes #angelrocks #fairbanks #wanderlust #travel, Truly magical experience Its total worth all the trouble and freezing like real freezing #northernlights #auroraborealis #northernlight #northernlightalaska #aurora #fairbanksalaska #fairbanks #canonrf #canonphotography #rokinon #canon #canonfullframer #ak #alaska, Solar storm Fairbanks is Alaska's second-largest city and a hub for . Itinerary Show Map Day 1 Personal stories, experiences, and advice you won't find anywhere else. Now that youve seen the length of the ParkRoad,. Wildlife in Alaska is most active around dawn and dusk, so plan accordingly depending on the season of your visit. From mid-August through mid-April, Fairbanks is one of the best places to view thenorthern lightsin Alaska due to its location, hours of darkness in the winter, and auroral activity. It stops here heading North on Saturday, and South on Sunday. . Photo by our Featured Photographer Jacob Moon | moonmountainman One local favorite is Lemongrass. There's nothing quite like watching the northern lights dance above you while soaking in a natural hot spring on a dark winter night. Its surprising that this museum is located in Fairbanks, especially when you consider that when some of these cars were built, roads barely existed in Alaska. Moon. From seafood risotto to elk wrapped in bacon, this is one of the best places to try some local game and indulge in a delicious meal to celebrate all youve accomplished during your time in Fairbanks! Heres the ultimate guide to one weekend in Fairbanks, Alaska: A complete 3-day itinerary! Events & Entertainment | Explore Fairbanks, Alaska Hike with Reindeer: On Bramble, on Forest, on Rocket and Peanut! For locals, summertime middle-of-the-night activities include running, golfing, gardening, walking the dog, and even baseballwhere theAlaska Goldpannersstart their historic solstice game at 10:30pm. :). Its also a top pick for families, as theres something for everyone to enjoy in the park. Fairbanks isnt necessarily known for its food (its hard getting fresh ingredients this far north), but there are a handful of go-to spots for a good meal. 33 reviews 47 helpful votes A few extra days in Fairbanks in early March 9 years ago Save I lucked into a last-minute cancellation of a week-long Northern Lights photography tour that stays a couple of days in Fairbanks from March 8, and then goes north for four nights before returning to Fairbanks on Saturday, March 15. Weekend &flagstop service in winter. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. 2-5 day small ship explorations. If visiting in the winter, you can reserve an ice house cabin by visiting the Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks & Recreation website for just $30 per day! Visit the Ice Museum, warm up as you soak in the all-natural hot springs, look for the northern lights dancing. Its best when flowers are in full bloom (July-August). Below are some of the most popular options! Experience the gorgeous, eerie northern lights on afull-day fly-drive adventure that leaves from Fairbanks and travels abovethe, Stand out on the Arctic tundra under the northern lights, experiencing their eerie glow on aone-day tour you wont soon forget. This fascinating museum showcases dozens of historically significant, pre-World War II cars and is also atrip backto. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. It is important to note that the days are SHORT in the winter, so plan your activities accordingly. Day 1 Arrive in Fairbanks at 22:30 Day 2 Dog Mushing. Pioneer Park is an historic village that features original buildings moved from downtown Fairbanks, as well as museums and aGold Rush town street. Just a couple miles away from downtown isPioneer Park, Alaska's only historical theme park. But you do not have to have plans to climb to the summit of Denali (formerly called Mt. Connect with the amazing sled dogs and go on a 2- to 3-mile hike geared for all ages! Highlights plus less visited destinations. You can also travel aboard a mighty sternwheeler, the Riverboat Discovery, pan for gold, meet Iditarod Mushers and their dogs, go fishing, visit a local brewery or distillery, or take a day trip beyond the Arctic Circle! Where else can you travel to such a remote locale and still enjoy all the amenities of a charming downtown, a thriving arts community, rich Alaska Native culture, authentic Alaska activities and attractions, and endless opportunities for exploration? With the chance of a truly rainy day low, the average temperature hovering between 70 and 80 degrees, and the midnight sun simply refusing to set, this town enjoys one of the best summers the earth has to offer. . Then, with your guide, youll spend an hour learning all about this fascinating areathe history, how people take care of themselves in apunishing environment, and some of the characters who have called this Built alongside the Chena River, downtown Fairbanks is bustling year-round with a variety of shops, restaurants, museums, the Golden Heart Plaza, and historical buildings. Throwback to a year ago chasing auroras across a frozen landscape. You can also drive over to see the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and witness this feat of engineering. When you love and respect nature, it will blessed you with clear sky and a spectacular view. Save. We also drove out to Chena Hot Springs and did stop at the North Pole (touristy site.) Ursa Major was one of the first distilleries in Alaska and the first legal distillery in Fairbanks. Best Times to Visit Fairbanks | U.S. News Travel . Explore a variety of artifacts from native cultures as well as learn about modern-day life in Alaska through interactive displays and multimedia exhibits. Here in Alaska, fine dining typically means jeans, a flannel, and work boots are more than acceptable. Take adeep breath and explore Fairbanks! Looking for the best way to see Alaska on your own? Fairbanks is Alaska's second largest city with a population of 32,000 and a Borough population of almost 100,000, including the nearby military bases. #alaskarange #midnightsun #alaska #fairbanks https://t.co/ATsnO19m56, An explosion of color lights up the night sky north of Fairbanks, Alaska during the early morning hours of March 24. . Species targeted include king salmon, northern pike, char, lake trout, and Arctic grayling. It's also a great place to see moose, go fishing, camp, or launch a canoe, kayak, or raft on the Chena River. Pump House - Previously mentioned in the 3-day itinerary, Pump House is easily one of the best ( if not the best) restaurants in all of Fairbanks. Private vehicles are not allowed beyond mile 15, so you'll explore by bus. The days can get as cold as -30 degrees and snowfall can be heavy. Remember what I said about the term luxury and how its going to be perceived very differently than you may be used to in other places, well the same goes for the term fine dining. TheWorld Ice Art Championships, held in February and March, attracts talented ice carvers from around the world. Take a self-guided tour along the Chena Riverwalk's 3.5- mile stretch, taking you past parks, museums, and historic districts. Well known for their delicious sweet and savory crepes, they also offer a variety of coffee and espresso drinks. The year-round resort features indoor and outdoor thermal pools and accommodations (lodge, cabins, and camping) with a focus on renewable energy and sustainability. [{"slug":"fairbanks","title":"Fairbanks"}], [{"slug":"fairbanks","title":"Fairbanks"},{"slug":"anchorage","title":"Anchorage"}], Polar bear tours departing from Fairbanks, Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. Its rightfully considered one of the finest museums in the state. . Borealis Basecamp: Without a doubt, one of the coolest places to stay near Fairbanks is Borealis Basecamp, where 15 clear-roofed igloos were custom-built and positioned to maximize your chances of catching stellar views of the northern lights. Car, train, or group tour. #fairbanksadventures #subarctic The drive itself is a wildlife viewing tour as the forest along the road is home to many Alaskan creatures. Warm up by a fire and look at stars as you wait for the Northern Lights, Chase down the stunning Northern Lights with Salmon Berry Tours; the aurora borealis makes for an unforgettable Alaskan winter. #mountainlife To whom has traveled to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you're driving, though, you have the flexibility to arrive in Fairbanks earlier. University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is the original campus of the state's university system, founded in 1917 as the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines. We will be embarking on a cruise in Vancouver to Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park and Ketchikan. . #alaska #alaskacruise #alaskaadventure #alaskatours #fairbanks #fairbanksak #fairbanksalaska #fairbanksaurora #chenahotsprings #chenariveralaska #chenariver #arcticcircle #chenariverrafting #alaskafishing, Alaska is a land best experienced by doing. Best Things To Do in Fairbanks, Alaska | Tours, Trails & Attractions There is so much beauty in Alaska in each season it can be a bit overwhelming. Time is adjusted for. The high point for many local birders is the refuge'sTanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival, when the return of the sandhill cranes is witnessed. - with Northern Alaska Tour Company. To kick off the final day of your 3 days in Fairbanks, Alaska itinerary, stop into Mocha Dans Coffee Hut (drive-through only) for one of the best coffees youll have in the 49th state. Alaska Native performers and artists gather in March for the Festival of Native Arts, a multi-day event that celebrates Alaska Native and Indigenous song, dance, and arts. You can follow her journey on Instagram. November through April, take amushing tour through thesnow! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-84027198', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');fly to Fairbanks and rent a car; I got one more day :) Any recommendation close to fairbanks that can be reached by (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The most popular tour is the fly-and-drive excursion, which gives you incredible views from the air and atour of the town of Coldfoot, followed by adrive back to Fairbanks. Located just 120 miles north of Anchorage on the George Parks Highway, Talkeetna is the staging area for mountain climbers attempting to ascend Denali. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, View All Southcentral & Interior Towns on a Map, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. Best Camping Pillow: Hest Travel Pillow Review. Whichever one seems more your style, be sure to start your day off right with breakfast at The Crepery! how was it? If you're more in to downhill, you can shred at Skiland - home of the furthest north chairlift on the continent, and Moose Mountain - home to no chairlift all, where you take heated buses up the mountain between runs. There are also photographs and exhibits devoted to everything from the Land-Lease flights to Russia during World War II, to the airplane crash that killed Carl Eielson, the founder of Alaska Airlines. Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. 101 Dunkel Street, Suite 111 Fairbanks, AK 99701-4806 Telephone: (907) 456-5774 Visitor Guide Request: 1-800-327-5774 Email: info@explorefairbanks.com About Explore Fairbanks If you know me in real life or have been following along on Insta, you know that I looooove sleeping in my own bed. Some people take as many as five hours to view all four floors, so plan for a half-day to visit the museum. The city still has gold at its heart: the nearby Fort Knox Gold Mine is Alaskas largest. An alternative to a bus on the Park Road is to ride a bike! The 27 Most Incredible Things to Do in Fairbanks, Alaska (2021 Guide) I would love to hear of more suggestions of things to. But to me except for the sea planes it feels like other American cities. Join Alaska Wildlife Guide in exploring one of Alaskas most desired attractions, Chena Hot Springs Resort. Check out the favorite places among travelers around the world and add them to your itinerary. Alaskan Heritage and Sightseeing Tour in Fairbanks - Tripadvisor The 7 Best Things to Do in Fairbanks in the Winter Best gift ever. Along the way mushers and their teams climb four mountains over 3000 feet in elevation high and run along hundreds of miles of the frozen Yukon River. 11 Stops To Include On The Perfect Alaska Itinerary Located north of Fairbanks off the Steese Highway,Gold Dredge 8is a five-story, 250-foot-long dredge that was built in 1928 and operated until 1959. Just two miles from downtownFairbanksis a birder's, This recreation area offers year-round outdoor adventures only 30 minutes fromFairbanks. The best of Alaska's glaciers and ports are yours on the ultimate Alaska cruise, with perfectly sized ships that get you closer to all the wonder Chena Hot Springs Resort is the most developed year round hot springs in Alaska. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. This 3-night Northern Lights Viewing vacation during the Alaskan winter includes two opportunities for night-time Aurora Borealis viewing and a guided tour of Fairbanks and its main attractions, including the Museum of the North, Chena Hot Springs, and the Ice Museum. more, Travel above the Arctic Circle Fly, drive, or combination, Fly from Fairbanks into the Arctic, where youll land at Fort Yukon and learn the history of this fascinating, Fly from Fairbanks and travel 80miles above the across the Arctic Circle on ascenic and historic adventure. Skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, ice fishing, tubing, and dog sledding abound. Today, you'll spend all day exploring the beauty of this park. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-83914857', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Alaska is a very short trip. Once your appetite is satisfied, head on over to Pioneer Park to witness endless fun in this Wild West-themed park. So while you wait, youll be trying your hand at another activity thats unique to the Alaskan winter: ice fishing! : tlingithaida for todays Morning Wave at the Mendenhall Wetlands. Get up close and personal with these magnificent animals. Length of Day . Fairbanks is one of Alaska's best year-round destinations and visitors will find plenty to do whether they come for the long, warm summer days or to watch spectacular northern lights coloring the night sky during Aurora Season. Whether you plan on going on a hike, floating down the Chena River, or having a late-night dessert on an outdoor deck, the rousing Midnight Sun Season is awesome and energizing. Join a guided tour to let the locals take you to the best spots for northern lights viewing. I also include helpful information to know before visiting! Simply delete what you think you know, and get ready to experience a whole new world of accommodations in Alaska. The University of Alaska Museum of the North is the best introduction to See the world's best lightshow on this one-of-a-kind ecotour. Summer in Fairbanks. Can you squeeze more time out of your visit? For the evening, well, its about time for a local Alaskan wildlife safari. The fairgrounds on the north side of town come alive with entertainment, livestock contests, craft booths, and lots to eat. Cant wait to see you dance again. If you're interested in connecting with locals, book one of the many bed & breakfasts for cozy accommodations both in and outside of town. They offer tours for every schedule and interest, including rides on bush mail flights and multi-day excursions. . Discover Alaska's natural hot springs and amazing ice sculptures on a full-day tour to Chena Hot Springs from Fairbanks. and these too are all made from ice! Fairbanks has a variety of Nordic ski trail systems, with many trails groomed for classic and skate skiing and lit for night skiing, including Birch Hill Recreation Area and trails around the University Alaska Fairbanks. Cozy up to the fire, sip on cocoa and coffee, and step outside when mother nature puts on ashow. Well enough with my life, for this photo wewerethetide and I hiked to a spot north of Fairbanks and saw this clear patch in the forest and just started shooting. In terms of daylight, this day is 18 hours, 8 minutes longer than the December solstice. As you can see, theres SO much to do in Fairbanks that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. Enjoy unique activities like dogsledding, soaking in hot springs and hiking with Conveniently located in downtown with 400 rooms & suites. There's . Cloudy skies. Re: 4 days in Alaska: Fairbanks or Anchorage ? #alaskaisdream #alaska #aurorachasers #astrophotography #ilovealaska #alaskaproud #travelalaska #travelstoke #explorefairbanks #theworldatnight #thealaskalife #outdoorsphotography #outdooradventures #fairbanks #fairbankdsnorthernlights. Or, head back to Fairbanks. The plaza has been awarded the title of one of the Great Places in America. Visitors can arrive at the plaza from the town by taking 1st Avenue at Cushman Street and heading toward the Chena River. Are you now ready with your Fairbanks bucket list? For your last evening in Fairbanks stop into The Pump House for one of the most luxurious restaurants you can find in Fairbanks. Grab a coffee to go and head on over to the states only Museum of the North! The Fairbanks Pioneer Museum focuses on the area's gold rush stampedes and history of early Fairbanks and the Interior through dioramas of early gold mines, art, artifacts, and a narrated presentation called "The Big Stampede" that tells stories of the time through a series of large gold rush oil paintings. Summer and winter dogsled adventures in Fairbanks. You can see the schedule for the Aurora Train on the AKRR site. Spend 7-8 hours traveling 62 miles into the park on the Tundra Wilderness tour, or take 12 hours and go all 92 miles to the end, at Kantishna. To get out into the backcountry, outfitters offer guided snowmobile tours in the Fairbanks area andChena River State Recreation Area. How to Spend 3 Days in Fairbanks - 2023 | Viator 2-5 day small ship explorations Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. On most days in the winter, you can take a short hike with the domesticated reindeer (also known as caribou in North America) through the boreal forest at the ranch and watch them search for tasty lichen. Although the center is ashort distance from town, it is far enough away so that you wont have to worry about light pollution interrupting your view as you stand gazing under the vast, starlitsky. Combine your aurora viewing trip with afew other highlights planned out by Salmon Berry Tours, and youll experience the best of winter in Alaska. I will check this option.. #arcticdreams #alaskadream #travelalaska #alaskalife Know what's coming with AccuWeather's extended daily forecasts for Fairbanks, AK. Clark was friendly and very knowledgeable about everything there is to know about Alaska and Fairbanks. The event is one of the largest ice art competitions in the world, featuring stunning ice sculptures lit up with colorful lights. Take part in the thrill of winter and fall dog sledding out of Fairbanks. Otherwise, once temperatures hit below 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius), starting your car becomes a bit of a gamble! Like to be a do-it-yourself traveler? A better alternative to driving is to book the Aurora Train on the Alaska Railroad; this train runs 2-4 times each week from Anchorage to Fairbanks and back a few days later (usually Northbound on Tuesday, Southbound on Thursday, Northbound on Saturday, and Southbound on Sunday). In Summer (MaySeptember), The Denali Star Train services Anchorage, Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali and Fairbanks. Dont let its strip mall location fool youthis restaurant slings some of the best northern Thai food in the state, if not the country. Meet some reindeer See birds, foxes, moose at wildlife sanctuary, At this Fairbanks wildlife sanctuary, you might see up to 15 different kinds of mammals: beavers, flying squirrels, snowshoe. Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. The Coca-Cola Company is now hiring a Warehouse Worker Day / Hostler Driver - Coca-Cola Bottling of Alaska in Fairbanks, AK. for some rich and hearty eggs benedict, country fried steak, and other popular classics. Now, some of these pertain to the season in which you visit, but its good to have all of the information in case youre still deciding between seeing the midnight sun or the midnight auroras! Located on aquiet ridgeline outside of Fairbanks, the Borealis Basecamp offers 20 elegant igloos and anew village with 5aurora-viewing cubes, including afamily suite custom-designed and specifically positioned to maximize your viewing of the Northern Lights. Charter air companies offer a wide range of flightseeing tours out of Fairbanks that fly above the Arctic Circle into theArctic Regionof Alaska.