24 Things to do in Fairbanks Alaska + a Complete City Guide

Alaska is one of the dreamiest destinations on the planet, and no trip to Alaska would be complete without getting into the Wild in Fairbanks. So, if you are looking for the best things to do in Fairbanks Alaska, then you have come to the right place!

Here is where you can get away in the wilderness of Alaska, and according to Forbes Magazine, I have rated Fairbanks as one of the Top Destinations to spend winter in the USA.

If you are planning your itinerary in Alaska, make sure you take some time to visit Fairbanks. It is worth a visit simply for its uniqueness, and here you are about to find out that these things to do in Fairbanks are unusual and adventures you won’t find anywhere else.

In this article, you will find from the Northern lights to hot springs and all between, since there are plenty of things to do in Fairbanks to keep you busy for a few days. Here you will find mountain ranges, flowing rivers and sparkling lakes, amazing wildlife, and great history and museums for you to learn about the rich Alaska Native Culture!

This guide is packed with very helpful information. You will find the top things to do, plus the best places to stay in Fairbanks, my recommendations for restaurants, the best tours, and the best time of the year to visit and see the Northern Lights – I have got you covered! So without any further ado, let’s discover the best of Fairbanks, Alaska.

You might also be interested in:

• The Perfect Alaska Itinerary for a self-drive road trip
• Alaska Bucket List: 22 Amazing Experiences
• The Best Things to do in Denali National Park

Read More: The Ultimate Alaska Road Trip Itinerary

Before we jump to the Best Things to do in Fairbanks Alaska, I would like to start by introducing a little more about this very unique town in Alaska.

Fairbanks is deep into the wilds, tucked in between two immense mountain ranges, nestled up against the winding Chena river and where the magical northern lights dance across the sky for 9-months of the year.

Also known as “ The Golden Heart City” – everything started in 1902 when E.T. Barnette was trying to get to a spot much farther to the east and established a trading post when shallow water and fear of getting stuck prompted a steamboat captain to unload Barnette and his trading goods where Fairbanks is today.

Only a year later they discover gold in the region and the gold fortune and the town started. Another boom happened in Fairbanks when the trans-Alaska pipeline construction started in the 1970s. Today, you can visit it, and it is on this list of Fairbanks attractions.

Packed with great things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska, here is also a great basecamp if you are planning to visit Denali National Park, the Arctic Circle, and the magical little town of the North Pole.

1. Visit the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Center

I recommend starting your exploration in Fairbanks here, and this should be on top of your list of things to do in Fairbanks Alaska.

The visitor center is not only a beautiful place to visit but also, very educational. I am a very curious person, and for anyone that loves to learn about the culture of the places you visit, here you can find brochures, maps, driving tours, and very knowledgeable staff who will love to answer any questions you may have.

The visitor center has 9,000 square feet with exhibitions where you can learn more about the Alaskan people, wildlife, and geography. You can also find colorful Athabascan flower mosaics, an antler arch, and a classic 100-year-old log cabin.

HOW TO VISIT IT: The visitor center is located at 101 Dunkel Street. From Jan 2 to May 29 and it opens from 8 am to 5 pm. From May 30 to Dec 31, also open from 8 am to 5 pm. You also have the option to go on a half-day city tour, which includes a visit to the Morris Thompson Cultural visitor center.

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2. Chase the Aurora Borealis is one of the TOP things to do in Fairbanks Alaska

One of the most amazing things to do in Fairbanks and what drives thousands of visitors every year is to come here to chase the Aurora Borealis. I know that this was what attracted me to drive 7-hours on my road trip in Alaska, to visit Fairbanks.

Fairbanks is one of the best places to see the Aurora borealis in the USA and one of the best in the world. This happens because of the Fairbanks’ location, directly under the Aurora Oval – a ring-shaped region hovering over the far north – also, combined with a good balance of clear nights, low precipitation, distance from the coastal, and minimum artificial lights.

But even if it is a bucket list to do in Fairbanks, unfortunately, it is not guaranteed that you will see the Aurora Borealis. The recommendation is to book a minimum of 3-nights to increase your chances to see the lights by 90%. I visited Fairbanks in the fall, late September, and spend my 2-first night’s wake from 10 pm to 2 am chasing the lights, without any chances to see it. So my advice is to be patient and doesn’t be too frustrated if you don’t see the lights on your first night.

HOW TO VISIT IT: I recommend going on a tour like this one for at least one night, as they will really take you to the right location, at the right time and guide you through, increasing the chances to catch the best lights. Also, they will help you with your camera and the adjustments you may need to capture the best shots.

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3. Chena River State Recreation Area

The Chena River State Park is a beautiful National Park, where you can take a hike or have a picnic in the wilderness area of Fairbanks, and this should be of your top things to do in Fairbanks.

Here you can find plenty of hiking trails to choose from, walk around stunning lakes, and you can also rent a kayak or go on a kayak tour to explore more of this area. feel the solitude and peaceful trail, while observing the fauna and flora – I hiked a couple of trails here without seeing another person for hours.

While you are here if you are interested on explore more of the tourist hotspots, you can go soak in the hot spring or visit the ice museum and the dog school – see more information below.

HOW TO VISIT IT: While you are in this area, you can easily make a day trip and fill your day with tons of activities, or you can also go on a tour from Fairbanks to the Chena Hot Springs – check prices and availability here.

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4. Soak at the Chena Hot Springs

This is a must thing to do in Fairbanks, doesn’t matter if you are visiting in summer or winter, as the water temperature stays around 106F all year long.

The hot spring is inside the Chena Hot Spring Resort, and an easy way to experience the area, including the hot spring, ice museums, and hiking trails, plus with high chances to see the Northern Lights, is to book 2-3 nights here.

HOW TO VISIT IT: Even if you are not staying at the Chena Hot Spring Resort, you still can visit the resort area, and pay a fee of $15 to soak in the hot springs for ages 18 and up only. But here you can also enjoy pools and hot tubs for all ages.

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4. Visit the Museum of Ice

I am one person who normally does not like too touristy things, but by surprise, I really enjoy my visit to the Ice Museum. It was very interesting to see all the amazing ice sculptures, furniture such as bed, bench, and the whole bar made of 1,000 tons of ice and snow – the tour takes about 45 minutes and it is open all year long.

The best part was being able to watch the artists creating ice sculptures inside the ice museum, and this opportunity answered the main question I had: How do they do it?

HOW TO VISIT IT: The Aurora Ice Museum is also located inside the Chena Hot Springs Resort, and you can buy a ticket there also, you get to try their appletini served on guess what? An iced glass.  check prices and availability here.

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5. Visit the Dog Mushing School

I found it fascinating to visit the Dog School and to be able to see the beautiful huskies and ask all the questions I had about them. What’s more, the dogs that sleep outside are perfectly used to it – they’re usually ones with Malamute and Siberian husky blood, and therefore thicker coats.

When it’s too cold or the snow isn’t good, responsible tour operators will ensure that trips don’t run. Most farms would rather reimburse customers than send their dogs out in bad conditions.

What about dog sledding? Yes, I know…I had that question too, as I am a big animal lover and advocate for them. After I visit the school, and also, do my own research, make sure if you want to try dog sledding in winter, or dog carting in the summer, you go with an ethical business, such as this one.

HOW TO VISIT IT: You can just follow the signs from the parking lot, to go visit the Dog School and you have the option to just visit the beautiful huskies, play with them, or learn more about these fantastic dogs by talking to the staff, or you can go on a dog sledding tour.

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6. Visit the Museum of North

The Museum of the North is one of the must-do things to do in Fairbanks. The museum is very nicely laid out and they did a great job of displaying all you want to see and learn about Alaska in the same location. Here you can wander around for a few hours, and be able to learn about the wildlife in Alaska, the native people, the rich history, and the intriguing geography of Alaska.

Here you also can “ listen to the sounds of Alaska”, from bald eagles to bears and wolves sounds. One of the highlights of the museum is the 36,000 years-old Blue Baby, a mummified baby steppe bison.

HOW TO VISIT IT: The location is at the UAF Campus at 1962 Yukon Drive, Fairbanks, AK. Hours are 10 AM – 5:30 PM daily. Doors/Admission sales close at 5 PM. Closed Thanksgiving Day.

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7. Explore the Musk Ox, the true ice age survivors

One of the very unique things to do in Fairbanks is to visit the Robert G. White Large Animal Research Station, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. This is the only captive research musk ox herd in the world.

The 130-acre facility also has a herd of reindeer. Here you can visit the facility and learn about the animals and the artic adaptations, their history, and all about their research. You can also have the opportunity to do a behind the scenes tours all year long. Just make the reservations here.

HOW TO VISIT IT: Located at 2220 Yankovick Road, just north of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Open every day from May 28 to Sept. 1 and you can schedule your tour at 10 am 12 pm and 2 pm. The cost is $11 per adult and free for children.

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8. Georgeson Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden is also located at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Here is a location with calm and stunning views of the Tanana Valley and Alaska Range. With a 5-acres garden with a profusion of flowers, herbs, trees shrubs, and vegetables, it is the northernmost public garden in North America.

This botanical garden is a very valuable source of information, with the mission to be a center of education and research in subarctic horticulture. Plus, here you can spend a few hours enjoying the beautiful views, among ponds, sculptures, water gardens, and benches.

HOW TO VISIT: Located on the West Ridge of the University of Alaska. The garden is open from 8 am to 8 pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It is free, but the suggested admission is $5 per person.

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9. Catch the Midnight Sun

This is one of the most unique things to do in Fairbanks, if you visit it during wintertime you can set your alarm for 1 am to catch some sun outside.

Fairbanks has long been known as “the Land of the Midnight Sun.” During the Midnight Sun Season which runs from April 22 to August 20, the sun never seems to set. Wake up in the middle of the night to find the sun shining brightly, people out biking and gardening and walking their dog. The Midnight Sun Season comes to a peak on the summer solstice either June 20^th or 21^st. Pretty cool, right? If you are visiting during this time, don’t forget to pack a sleep eye mask.

10. Trans-Alaska Pipeline

This is a must-see and one of the great things to do in Fairbanks…actually, even if you are not looking for it, you cannot miss it if you are driving around Alaska! This is considered a Marvel of Engineering, and it is also known as a TAPS. With incredible 800 miles from Alaska’s Arctic coast to Prudhoe Bay to the port of Valdez. It has become an iconic feature of the Alaska landscape and a big part of the Alaska economy.

The speed of the construction of the pipeline is remarkable, taking only a little over 2-years. Besides the expedited time of construction, it was engineered for harsh conditions, either bitterly cold winters or summer wildfires that have done several damages. Pretty amazing, right!?

HOW TO VISIT IT: The best place to see the pipeline is just a brief drive north to the viewpoint located at mile 8.4 on the Steese Highway, about 10-minutes north of Fairbanks city center. The exhibits offer further information on the pipeline and even a cleaning pig on display.

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11. Fairbanks Pioneer Center

I really enjoyed my visit to the Pioneer Center, even if it was during a low season (October) and there were no festivals. I still enjoyed walking around the visiting the buildings in Gold Ruch Town, with the homes of prominent Fairbanks founders, that were moved to the location when the park opened in 1967 to celebrate the 100 years since the United States purchased Alaska from Russia.

It is one of the best things to do in Fairbanks, as you can find several historical exhibitions such as the Pioneer Museum, Riverboat Nenana, Tanana Valley Railroad, the Folk School Fairbanks, and the mining equipment If you love history, you need to include a visit to the Pioneer Center to the best things to do in Fairbanks.

HOW TO VISIT IT: The park is located at 2500 Airport Way, and here you can find museums, boat rentals, shops, dining, art, playgrounds, and picnic areas on more than 40 acres There park is open all year-round and there is no entrance fee.

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12. Riverboat Discovery Tour

This is one of the most intriguing things to do in Fairbanks and a very unique way to experience the Tanana and Cheva Rivers, while you will have the opportunity to learn a lot about this fascinating area of Alaska.

The boat makes a few stops along the river, including an Eskimo Alaskan Native village for about 45 minutes, so you can learn more about their lifestyle while interacting with the locals.

HOW TO VISIT IT: If you are interested to go on this tour, you can find more information including schedule time and prices on this website.

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13. Running Reindeer Ranch

This is a very unique experience and it has become one of the most popular things to do in Fairbanks all year round, walking and observing wild reindeer from close up.

I am a big supporter of responsible travel, and I love the idea that when you take this tour, you can expect to observe these docile animals without disturbing them, while your guide will tell you all about these majestic creatures.

HOW TO VISIT IT: You need to book your tour in advance, and it is recommended to book prior to your visit. Tours can be scheduled for either at 10:30 am or 1:00 pm and there is usually just one hour per day. The ranch is located in the Goldstream Valley about 12 miles from downtown Fairbanks. Check here for prices and availability.

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14. Explore the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum

If you like antique cars, you cannot miss this intriguing museum of classic treads and vintage threads, and please, add this to your Top Things to do in Fairbanks. When you visit the museum, you really feel that you are stepping back in time. Here you can find nearly 100 classic cars and one of the largest collections of vintage clothing in the United States.

The collection of cars ranges from 1890 all the way to the 1950s, with a collection that encompasses horseless carriages, steamers, electric cars, speedsters, cyclecars, midget races, and 30s classics.

HOW TO VISIT IT: The museum is open 7 days a week from 11 am to 5 pm, beginning in early May. It is located at the Wedgewood Resort in Fairbanks, with easy access if you are driving with free parking. The admission fee is $15

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15. Go on an ATV Tours

If you love adventure and the outdoor, one of the must things to do in Fairbanks is to get into the wild on an ATV tour. You will get the opportunity to go off the beaten track along the Kelhini River to Flower Mountain, taking you miles through remote areas.

HOW TO VISIT IT: There are many tours to choose from, including this full-day private tour, which includes lunch, exclusively private and customized experience, and experienced guides. You can check prices and availability here.

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16. Experience Flightseeing is one of the best things to do in Fairbanks AK

If you are feeling adventurous in Fairbanks, and you are willing to spend (or invest) on a private flight, I highly recommend you to go! I normally don’t spend much money on tours, but I have done the flight from Talkeetna to see the Denali mountains from above and it was the best thing I did in Alaska.

This tour will allow you to experience the rugged and magnificent Brooks Mountain Range. The flight route passes just east of the Gates of the Arctic National Park, the wild and pristine jewel of the National Park System.

HOW TO VISIT IT: You can check prices and availability here to fly with the Arctic Circle Air Adventure.

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17. Angel Rocks Hiking Trail

If you are like me, and always look for great hiking while you are visiting a new place, you need to add the Angel Rocks Hiking Trails to your Fairbanks Things to-do list. This is a fantastic hiking trail that takes you to a lovely panoramic view of the Fairbanks landscapes. It is on top of the best hikes for views, along the Exit Glacier Hike.

The hiking is about 3.5 miles in a loop, and it takes about 2-3 hours, and it is considered an easy hike, and I highly recommend you to go to enjoy the views.

HOW TO VISIT IT: To get to the trailhead, take Chena Hot Springs Road and look for signs pointing to the Angel Rock Trailhead, about 49 miles from Fairbanks. If you are looking for longer and more adventurous hiking in Fairbanks, you can choose here for a detailed list of hiking trails in Fairbanks that fits your level better.

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18. Take the Alaska Railroad

Another great thing to do in Fairbanks is to jump into the Alaska Railroad to Denali to explore for a day. The train offers large picture windows with incredible views, while the local guides share Alaska history and stories.

Besides Denali, you can take the railroad to Anchorage, Talkeetna, Whittier, Seward, and other amazing locations.

HOW TO VISIT IT: the departure point is Alaska Railroad Fairbanks Depot, 1031 Alaska Railroad Depot Rd, Fairbanks. You can take a one-way train from Fairbanks to Denali for as low are $68. Check here for availability and it is recommended to book in advance.

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19. Snowmobiling

If you love the outdoors and adventure, please make yourself a favor and add this to your bucket list of things to do in Fairbanks. This is fun and adventurous

If you don’t have any experience doing it before, don’t worry because your guides will practice and provide all the instructions. Check prices and availability here.

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20. The World Ice Art Championship

Another cool thing to do in Fairbanks in the wintertime is the World Ice Art Championship. It happens between mid-February and March, and it is located at the Tanana Valley Fairgrounds.

The festivals attract hundreds of ice sculpture artists from all over the world, and there are different categories, where the artists show their incredible talents by carving and sculpting from ice and snow.

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21. Adventure with Winter Sports in Fairbanks

There are plenty of things to din winter in Fairbanks, including it is a great destination for winter sports such as skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoes, and snowboarding. A great place to stay, or to visit for the day if you are looking for some winter sports in Fairbanks, is the Moose Mountain Ski Resorts.

There are also ski trails around Creamer’s Field as well as at Chena Hot Springs and Chena Lakes.

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22. Visit the North Pole

On top of all the amazing things to do in Fairbanks, you still can take a short side trip to the North Pole. While here you can visit the Santa Claus House, with guess what? All Christmas amazing gifts, decorations, and more Christmas-themed things.

And the highlight of the visit is to see the real Santa Claus – (well, just look at my face and you will see that I really believed it). Going to the North Pole and not seeing Santa, is the same thing as going to Rome and not seeing the Pope!

HOW TO VISIT IT: Located only 20 minutes drive south of Fairbank, you can experience Christmas any time of the year. Santa’s House is at 101 St Nicholas Dr, North Pole, AK, 99705. They are open from 10-6 daily in the winter. Santa is there daily.

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23. Arctic Circle

Another day trip that you can take from Fairbanks includes the Article Circle, and the opportunity to take a special picture at the Article Circle Monument sign. But such a cool moment comes with a 5-hour drive from Fairbanks, but the scenery is fantastic, and don’t worry, as it won’t be a boring journey.

You can join a small group tour that will take you to the most isolated roads, and travel into the Alaskan wilderness to the edge of the Arctic Circle, with the chance to catch the Northern lights.

HOW TO VISIT IT: You can join a small group tour for a 12-14 hours tour, including hotel pick up and guides.

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24. Visit the Denali National Park

An Alaska Itinerary is not completed if you don’t include a visit to Denali National Park. Denali is one of the highlights of any Alaska Itinerary, and is home to the tallest mountain in North America – Mt. McKinley.

Within the park, there is plenty of wildlife and vast, unspoiled wilderness with glacier rivers, and tundra, and all of this is surrounded by mesmerizing peaks and also, incredible hiking trails in Denali!

One of the closest big cities to Denali is Fairbanks, and you can visit Denali National Park for a day trip on a 2-hour driving or 4-hour train ride.

HOW TO VISIT IT: Check my Ultimate Denali Visitor Guide – as you will find all you need to know! You can take also take a shuttle service from Fairbanks for a very affordable price – check here for prices and availability. You also have the option to take an air taxi to Denali basecamp, or you can take a flight from Talkeetna to fly among the tallest mountains in North America. I did it, and I highly recommend it. For more information about how to visit Denali, check here.

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How to Get to Fairbanks, AK?

I drove from Valdez to Fairbanks, and it was a long drive and the roads have a lot of construction, which I had to stop since, in some areas, the traffic stops on one side so the other side can move. Be aware that the trucks that use the highway for the pipeline can fling gravel onto your windshield, so if you do choose to drive this road, I had an incident and end up with a broken mirror on my RV.

But road trips are still the best way to see Alaska, and actually, my favorite way to explore a new place.

You can save on your rental car when you book through this site. I use and recommend Discover Cars because it is the most reliable rental car source, and it allows you to compare the prices of different places.

If you are short on time, flying to Fairbanks is an excellent option. It is only a short 1-hour flight from Anchorage. The flight distance from Fairbanks to Anchorage (Fairbanks International Airport – Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport) is 261 miles / 420 kilometers / 227 nautical miles.

The Alaska Railroad runs two services between Anchorage and Fairbanks: the Denali Star and the Aurora Winter Train. The Denali Star offers daily trips between the two cities with an average transit time of 12 hours; this is due to the winding paths the rail lines take. View the ferry schedule and rates here.

When is the Best Time to Visit Fairbanks, AK?

I visited Fairbanks during the fall, in the last week of September and it was a great time to visit since the temperature was still pleasant, the days were still long, the fall colors are starting to appear in the alpine and you begin to see the northern lights.

But on the negative side, by the middle of September restaurants, lodges, and tour operators started closing for the season and it was hard to find a place to eat, and there was no option for any tours. I really wanted to do whale watching and that is one of the reasons I choose to travel to Valdez by ferry, so it gave me chance to see some whales on my way.

In summary, the best time to visit Fairbanks is from July to August. Shoulder seasons, including May to June and August through September, are also ideal.

NOTE: I visited Alaska in September when it is considered the shoulder season. The pros are that you can get some discounts on hotels and excursions, fewer crowds, no bugs, fall colors, and northern lights viewing by mid-September. But on the negative side, most of the tours were not operating, many hiking trails were closed, and many businesses close for the season – including lodges and restaurants.

Wheater in Fairbanks, AK

I am a Brazilian girl living in Florida, so imagine that what is cold for me, may not be cold for you. But Fairbanks is Cold! Temperatures in Fairbanks can vary greatly, depending on what time of the year you are visiting.

July is the warmest month with temperatures averaging between 52°F and 73°F while January is the coldest with temperatures averaging between -15°F and 0°F.

But doesn’t matter if you visit in the summer or in winter, you will find plenty of things to do in Fairbanks, as you can see on this amazing list.

WHAT TO PACK: I recommend taking warm clothes and dressing in layers when you visit Fairbanks and pack a warm coat and snow boots. Read my full guide on Alaska Packing Guide – here you can also get a FREE Packing list printable to make your life super easy.

Read More: What to pack for Alaska + FREE printable packing list

Best Places to Eat in Fairbanks, AK

Fairbanks has many restaurant choices for a city its size. BBQ, comfort food, ethnic food options, and of course, fresh seafood are options here. If you are like me and love fish, I recommend you to try Halibut. Here is a list of the best places to eat in Fairbanks:

• HooDoo Brewing Company: If you like larger and ale, then you will love this place. You can also take a tour here to learn about the brewing process on the 3-vessel system.
• Zack’s Restaurant: With its warm atmos­phere, lush set­ting and ele­gant­ly ren­dered Alaskan cui­sine
• Big Daddy’s BBQ: They have great specials, like 99-cent wing and $1.25 ribs.
• Pike’s Land: Locat­ed on the riv­er, this is where Fair­banks goes to enjoy sun­ny after­noons and good food.

As you can see, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Fairbanks Alaska – from catching the midnight sun in the summer to chasing the Aurora Borealis in the wintertime.

Fairbanks is a great destination to add to your Alaska Itinerary, because it is packed with amazing things to do, and by now you should be amazed by how diverse Fairbanks is from history to amazing hiking trails, to the stunning wilderness to explore, or just to relax a few days by the Chena hot springs or enjoy a hot chocolate while you wait for the Northern lights to starting dancing in front of your eyes.

I hope this guide helped you to see the amazing variety of things to do at Fairbanks, and I know all you have to do is choose your favorite activities, and start packing for your adventure of a lifetime in Alaska.

If you are planning a visit to Alaska, here are some very helpful articles for you:

• Alaska Bucket List: 22 Amazing Experiences
• Ultimate Visitor Guide for Denali National Park
• Where to Stay in Alaska: 7 Top Towns + Hotel Guide
• 21 Fun and Interesting Facts about Alaska
• Best Things to do in Denali National Park + 20 Best Hikes
• 10-Day Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary in Alaska
• Ultimate Guide on How to hike Exit Glacier
• 30 Best Things to do in Seward
• 21 Best Things to do in Valdez
• What to pack for Alaska + FREE Printable pack list