In the heart of Alaska's wild interior lies Fairbanks, a town that defies the conventional definition of a frontier city. Though its population hovers around 35,000, with roughly 100,000 in the surrounding region, what Fairbanks lacks in numbers, it more than makes up for in character and a plethora of unique experiences. Only 140 miles south of the Arctic Circle, this city is a treasure trove of natural beauty, history, and culture, promising adventure for those who visit.
Alaska is the largest state in the USA, twice the size of Texas. It is, in fact, a land of superlatives. Alaska's sense of wilderness and adventure is as prominent now as it was when it attracted thousands of pioneers in search of gold, fur, fishing, logging and oil. In fact, Alaska's three largest cities (Fairbanks, Juneau, and Anchorage) are home to fewer than 370,000 people between them.
Like many other cities in Alaska, Fairbanks' history is full of explorers, gold prospectors, swindlers, and other colorful characters associated with the Gold Rush that populated much of the state. The city of Fairbanks is spread across the flat base of the Tanana Valley, straddling the Chena River. There are very few architectural gems in the low-rise buildings that make up the downtown area, and the skyline is far from dramatic.
There are several attractions in Fairbanks worth visiting, including museums dedicated to uniquely Alaskan activities such as ice carving and dog sledding, and one designed solely to show summer visitors just how cold the weather in Fairbanks can get. The Morris Thompson Cultural Center is a great place to begin, featuring the Alaska Native Cultures. Children in Fairbanks will love the rides at the low-key Pioneer Park amusement park, including the Whiskey Island Railroad and the carousel. Finding a satisfactory bite to eat is also fairly easy, with everything from well-known fast food joints to fine-dining bistros, pioneer-themed grills, and a surprisingly broad range of international dining options, including Thai, Eastern European, Indian and Vietnamese cuisine, on offer.
Positioned roughly 120 miles south of the Arctic Circle, from late April to late August, the sun barely dips below the horizon. This natural phenomenon leads to surreal scenes of residents engaging in nightly activities under a sky that refuses to darken. Those preferring celestial light shows can plan a visit between November and February to witness the Northern Lights due to extreme seasonal variations in daylight. The city is situated in the Tanana Valley, flanked by the Alaska Range to the south and the Brooks Range to the north. While the city offers some urban diversions, the most popular activities and attractions in Fairbanks take advantage of the abundance of nature surrounding the city. Riverboat tours stop in Athabascan Indian fishing villages, dog sledding tours add a sense of adventure to city excursions, and the Chena Hot Springs Resort is only 60 miles (96km) out of town.
In Fairbanks, the wilderness isn't just a backdrop; it's a living part of the city's culture. The Chena River winds through downtown, a reminder of the serene rivers, expansive mountain ranges, and tranquil lakes that define the region. This city, though remote, doesn't compromise on civilization's comforts. Fairbanks boasts a vibrant arts community, an active downtown, rich Alaska Native cultures, and a plethora of activities and attractions. Whether it’s visiting the Museum of the North, walking through the historic downtown, or attending a traditional music performance, Fairbanks offers a cultural richness that is distinctly Alaskan.
Exploring Fairbanks and its surrounding wilderness is an exciting venture, made accessible and enjoyable through various local businesses and tour operators. They offer services ranging from guided tours into the Arctic Circle to equipment rentals for individual explorations. Adventure seekers can enjoy dog sledding—a cornerstone of Alaskan tradition and the state sport. Imagine a 30-minute ride in a sled pulled by a team of enthusiastic huskies, their breath fogging in the crisp air as they whisk you through snow-covered landscapes. These sled dogs are not just animals; they're athletes and companions, embodying the spirit of Alaska itself.
For fishing enthusiasts, the freshwater bodies around Fairbanks are a paradise teeming with life. The clear rivers, streams, and lakes are bountiful with Arctic grayling, rainbow trout, salmon, and pike. Local guides can lead both novice and experienced anglers to the best spots or travelers can set out on their own for a serene experience in the Alaskan wilderness.
The experience of flightseeing is popular for visitors, offering a bird's-eye view of Fairbanks’ landscape. Local aviation companies provide tours that fly over the Arctic Circle or land on remote glaciers, offering perspectives that are as unique as they are spectacular. These flights showcase the grandeur of Alaska's interior, revealing the vastness and beauty of its wild, untouched spaces.
Another unique aspect of the Fairbanks experience is the opportunity to unwind in its legendary hot springs. These natural, mineral-rich waters have been a haven for over a century, originally serving gold miners and pioneers. Today, locals and tourists alike can soak in these therapeutic springs, surrounded by the pristine wilderness that is characteristic of Interior Alaska.
Fairbanks serves as a threshold to Alaska's wild side, offering numerous opportunities for wildlife viewing. Options range from the easily accessible Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, a sanctuary for birds and local fauna located just minutes from downtown, to excursions into the more remote areas where one might spot moose, bears, or even the elusive lynx. Dedicated tours also offer visitors the chance to seek some of Alaska's most iconic wildlife, guided by experts who know the land and its inhabitants intimately.
With a range of tour companies offering everything from quick jaunts to extended journeys, there’s no shortage of ways to immerse oneself in the landscapes. Tour operators offer trips to the Arctic Circle, to Denali, North America's tallest peak, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and the Yukon Quest trail. It's a junction where the comforts of urban living meet the wilderness of the Arctic. From the ethereal glow of the northern lights to the enduring daylight of summer, the city and its surroundings offer a unique slice of life that’s both invigorating and introspective.