Pioneer Park is an historic village that features original buildings moved from downtown Fairbanks, as well as museums and aGold Rush town street. Come visit and you might see up to 15 different kinds of mammalsfrom beavers to red foxes, flying squirrels, snowshoe hares, and even mooseand several species of birds. Following your dip in the springs, head to the on-site Aurora Ice Museum for a tour! - In Anchroage you can have a great day by spending a few hours biking the Tony Knowles Trail, you can get up to the Glen Alps trailhead for a variety if great hikes (easy &/or difficult available); all with great scenery/views and wildlife possibilities. Located just 120 miles north of Anchorage on the George Parks Highway, Talkeetna is the staging area for mountain climbers attempting to ascend Denali. Overwhelmed by choices? 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. 18 Top Things to Do in Alaska - U.S. News Travel Hike Alaskas craggy mountains and kayak its pristine waters or cruise next to a calving glacier, waiting for the sharp glacial crack! Re: How much time do I need in Alaska. For those looking for some peace and quiet with a side of adventure, Fairbanks is home to an array of accommodations located outside of town, ranging from high-end luxury lodges to cabins build specifically for northern lights viewing to cozy family-run B&Bs and guesthouses. Fairbanks, Alaska. The Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks stages ski races and other cross-country events throughout the year. Privacy & Terms, * All times are local time for Fairbanks. Trip report: Fairbanks 4 days in late March, 2012 - Tripadvisor Fairbanks Small-Group Aurora Chasing Tour 2023 - Viator The Santa Claus House is afrontier general store and post office turned holiday shop. Alaska Vacations & Travel Advice from Trusted Alaskans #hugemountains Then drive south and get aclose up of all the terrain in between, seeing . This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. #fairbanksadventures #subarctic When you love and respect nature, it will blessed you with clear sky and a spectacular view. The Alaska Railroadoffers service fromAnchorageviaDenali National Park & Preserve. I need your advise! 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. For that reason, the Chena Hot Springs Resort is must-see attraction even if you're not staying at the hotel. Alaska will forever be one of my favorite places on earth, and brings back so many happy memories of fishing with my dad. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. View chenahotsprings Unless the auroras are planning on making an appearance, its best to take advantage of some relaxation time so you have all the energy you need for the days ahead. There is a fun boat ride in Fairbanks, https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60826-d255215-Reviews-Riverboat_Discovery-Fairbanks_Alaska.html, We also liked the ice museum (very small but fun), https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60826-d2311132-Reviews-The_Aurora_Ice_Museum-Fairbanks_Alaska.html, For salmon bakes (if you like that), we enjoyed, https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60826-d330920-Reviews-The_Alaska_Salmon_Bake-Fairbanks_Alaska.html, For Anchorage its a good place to fly in and out of. But this dog-mushing experience outside of Fairbanks is proof that theres plenty more of Fairbanks to be seen at eyeor even pawlevel. Located just a short walk from the Morris Thompson Visitors and Cutlural Center on the Chena River bike path near downtown, the arch is made up of more than 100 moose and caribou antlers that were collected from all over Interior Alaska. Moon. 21 h 38 m . Dont worry, casual attire is not only acceptable, but encouraged, and it truly will be one of the best meals you have in Alaska. The drive itself is a wildlife viewing tour as the forest along the road is home to many Alaskan creatures. : tlingithaida for todays Morning Wave at the Mendenhall Wetlands. Car, train, or group tour. Charter fishing tour operators based in Fairbanks offer a wide range of adventures for visiting anglers. What would be the dates of your travel? 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. While the northern lights can be seen from anywhere in town, the best opportunities for northern lights viewing happen away from the city's ambient light. 61 . (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Information on lodging, tours, maps and more. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. 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. See the authors bio at the end for more information. First photo is the edited and 2nd is original The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. If you're interested in connecting with locals, book one of the many bed & breakfasts for cozy accommodations both in and outside of town. Other Tips to know before visiting Fairbanks, Alaska: one of the most magical Christmas cities in the US! #aurora #fairbanks #fairbanksalaska #explorefairbanks #fairbanksak #fairbanksphotographer #fairbankstourist #anchorage #alaska #snow #nature #winter #travelalaska #anchoragealaska #alaskaliving #sharingalaska #explorealaska #alaskalife #thealaskalife #photo #photooftheday #photography #photoshoot #photographer #naturephotography #travelphotography #instaphoto #photos #photogallery #landscapephotography, Dreamy Night Of Aurora . #explorefairbanks 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. 2. Visit the Ice Museum, warm up as you soak in the all-natural hot springs, look for the northern lights dancing. - You can easily fill a day or two by heading south to the Girdwood/Portage/Whittier area. ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks, Rent a car and take to the Dalton Highway, Northern Alaska Tour Company Fort Yukon Tour, Arctic Outfitters - Dalton Highway Car Rentals, Northern Alaska Tour Company Arctic & Arctic Circle Tours, Alaska Wildlife Guide: Chena Hot Springs Northern Lights Tours, Fountainhead Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary, Alaska Wildlife Guide: Snowmobiling in Alaska, Rods Alaskan Guide Service Snowmobile Tours & Rentals, Salmon Berry Tours Northern Lights Excursions, Arctic Circle Aurora Overnight Adventures, Rods Alaskan Guide Service Aurora Ice Fishing, Arctic Circle Aurora Fly & Drive Adventures, Denali Star Route (Anchorage - Talkeetna - Denali - Fairbanks), Alaska Wildlife Guide: Chena Hot Springs Day Tour with Ice Museum, Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, The Best Wildlife Viewing Spots in Fairbanks. 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. . 7-10 days is the most common. Walk or snowshoe on picturesque trails through the boreal forest, deep in the heart of the Alaskarange. . A few extra days in Fairbanks in early March - Fairbanks Forum McKinley) to write Talkeetna on your Alaska itinerary list. Beyond the hot springs, other activities include snowmobile tours, ice fishing, dog sled tours, and a tour of the Aurora Ice Museum, which concludes with an appletini served in an ice chalice (Fair warning: Theyre potent). . The year-round resort features indoor and outdoor thermal pools and accommodations (lodge, cabins, and camping) with a focus on renewable energy and sustainability. 4 Days Season Mid-May through mid-September Visit Fairbanks, Denali National Park Transportation Itinerary Map Why This Trip? . Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. There are plenty of other fun things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska! After gaining a whole new perspective on Alaskan heritage, stop into Blue Roof Bistro for some shrimp tacos or pot roast sliders! Alaska State Trap Shoot singles event ends in nail-biter shoot-off TheYukon Quest International Sled Dog Raceis staged in February along a 1,023-mile route between Fairbanks and Whitehorse. Before your trip to The Last Frontier, there are some things you should know. We also drove out to Chena Hot Springs and did stop at the North Pole (touristy site.) The days can get as cold as -30 degrees and snowfall can be heavy. Welp this will probably be the last post for a while, been swamped in work so much lately :(. What Can I Do In Four Days in Alaska? - Alaska Tours This free event includes a downtown street fair with arts, crafts, food, live music, and entertainment. Robert G. White Large Animal Research Station, Creamers Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, Alaska, Chena River State Recreation Area, Alaska, Denali National Park Area in Alaska's Interior Region, Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center. Instead, book a flightseeing tour with Northern Alaska Tour Company. Fairbanks, Alaska. Charter air companies offer a wide range of flightseeing tours out of Fairbanks that fly above the Arctic Circle into theArctic Regionof Alaska. 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. You can also drive over to see the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and witness this feat of engineering. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. Read 7 Things to Do in Fairbanks. the Alaska State Trap shoot continued for its third day. 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. #alaska #alaskaphotography #ice #iceart #icesculpture #icealaska #art #artphotography #icephotography #travelalaska #explorefairbanks #nature #naturephotography #photooftheday, The Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitor Center in Fairbanks, Alaska. 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. #alaska Sigma 28mm F/1.4 Art If you've a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? A boat cruise of the Chena River, including some on a historical sternwheeler, is an excellent way to explore the citys outlying areas. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. 2-5 day small ship explorations. Bike Denali offers afternoon, full-day, and multi-day rentals. Just a couple miles away from downtown isPioneer Park, Alaska's only historical theme park. Private vehicles are not allowed beyond mile 15,so. 5 hours (approx.) 4 days in Alaska from Fairbanks - Fairbanks Forum - Tripadvisor Start over on Chena Point Rd. But you do not have to have plans to climb to the summit of Denali (formerly called Mt. Arrive in Fairbanks today and make the scenic trip to Denali National Park either by car (2hours) ortrain. Once your appetite is satisfied, head on over to Pioneer Park to witness endless fun in this Wild West-themed park. 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! Address: 17600 Chena Hot Springs Road, Fairbanks, AK 99712. . Fairbanks, Alaska is known for its rugged beauty and natural wildlife. 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. Made from just ice, the detail that goes into some of these pieces is astounding. Youll find bear AlaskaTrain.com specializes in custom rail vacations to Alaska's most spectacular destinations. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. . During the summer months, you may want to visit Healy which houses Denali National Park, the halibut fishing capital of the world in Homer, and even Seward which is the home of the breathtaking Resurrection Bay where the mountains meet the sea. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-84031414', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denali park is close to Fairbanks, but depends when your trip is. Aurora Viewing - Aurora Husky Lodge , Great view from top of the ridge. Also located on the edge of the UAF campus is the Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, home to the five-acreGeorgeson Botanical Garden. Fairbanks Aurora-Viewing Experience 2023 - Viator Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. Chena Hot Springs is a must-do activity for visitors to Fairbanks, whether you have a few hours or a couple days to spend here. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. One Weekend In Fairbanks, Alaska: A 3-day Fairbanks, Alaska Itinerary Today theyre dedicated to the fine craft of small-batch spirits, and you can enjoy their akavit, rum, vodka, gin, canned cocktails, and seasonal releases of whiskey. Safe snowmobiling tours for first-timers Winter wildlife viewing, Snowmobile through forests, over frozen lakes, view wildlife, listen to fascinating stories and meet the world-famous Bison. 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. 5 day itinerary - Fairbanks Forum - Tripadvisor Located just a 15-minute ride from the center of town, FAI (Fairbanks International Airport) is conveniently served by Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, among other popular choices. Along the way, look for wildlife and of course, North America's tallest peak. These properties are just a few miles from downtown and are close to grocery stores and restaurants. On aclear day the train will slow down to allow you to see beautiful vistas of Denali. Alaska is HUGE state! . #arcticsunset #alpenglowsunset If youd rather not go alone, you can join one of the many northern lights tours! 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. Fairbanks sits at the confluence of the Richardson Highway, George Parks Highway, Steese Highway, and Elliott Highway, which is why its known as a hub city. In Fairbanks, check out the University of Alaska Museum of the North, where you'll get a fascinating glimpse of the cultures and wildlife that call this part of Alaska home, as well as a deep dive into contemporary Native Alaska art. Re: 4 days in Alaska: Fairbanks or Anchorage ? Connecting to Alaska Native Culture through Todays Indigenous Artists, How to Plan the Ultimate Alaska Winter Vacation, Moose Antler Arch, Fairbanks-Alaska 7-10 days is the most common. In the museum theater, special programs are shown throughout the day, including an amazing multimedia presentation on the northern lights. Discover Alaska's natural hot springs and amazing ice sculptures on a full-day tour to Chena Hot Springs from Fairbanks. Enjoy unique activities like dogsledding, soaking in hot springs and hiking with Conveniently located in downtown with 400 rooms & suites. For everything from Northern Lights spotting to fishing, these are the best times to visit Alaska. No matter what youre looking for, youll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Fairbanks. But here I am :) 242 reviews 335 helpful votes 4 days in Alaska: Fairbanks or Anchorage ? Youll also have the chance to take advantage of the camps many winter activities like dogsledding, snowmachining, snowshoeing, and fat-tire biking. 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. Beautiful place to take some quick photos too The vibrant zone is packed with museums and restaurants and is close to the Chena River, which boasts beautiful views across the water. more, Visit the most northern Ice Museum, soak in the all-natural hot springs, and meet the reindeer. If an activity mentioned above didnt really seem like the right fit for your travel style no worries! Sample avariety of Alaskan activities year-round through this organization thats all about showcasing the community of Two Rivers. From dog sledding to aurora viewing, Fairbanks offers all kinds of unique winter experiences and Alaskan adventures. As you can see, theres SO much to do in Fairbanks that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. Still looking for more ideas? While nights are indeed long in Fairbanks during the winter months (on the shortest day of the year, there are just 3 hours and 41 minutes of daylight), auroral activity is generally best seen after midnight. Accommodation prices increase slightly in winter due to the influx of northern lights seekers and the many winter festivals that the city hosts, but they typically dont exceed the prices for summer. As mentioned above, patience will be required as youll want to dedicate at least 2 hours or so of your evening to spot them. 227. from $199.00. Within the area are almost a dozen sled dog kennels that offer guided tours and the opportunity for visitors to mush and work with their own team for a day or more. Winter is no exception. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-83894630', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Alaska.. TheFairbanks International Airportalso serves Fairbanks with frequent flights from within Alaska as well as from the Lower 48 and even some international destinations. the Morris Thompson Cultural Center, Pioneer Park and Museum of the North at University of Alaska, Fairbanks. Get up close and personal with these magnificent animals. Look for migratory birds, moose, salmon &more. . There's . #fairbanksalaska But all your time isnt spent on the boat. Travel above the Arctic Circle with Northern Alaska Tour Company to explore this vast areas unique wilderness, culture,and. The statue in the center of the plaza was designed by Malcolm Alexander and is called The Unknown First Family," dedicated to families from the past, present, and future who make up the local community. I love getting the ability to go multiple times throughout the event and see all of the different sculptures that are being created. Watching the moon set and the northern lights in Alaska on the first day of 2023 was pretty epic!!! Youll hopefully remember why the less-than-stellar accommodations will be worth it! This way, you can be sure you are reading the best and most accurate one weekend in Fairbanks itinerary. Learn more about weather in this area. Throwback to a year ago chasing auroras across a frozen landscape. Time and Date AS 19952023. Fairbanks offers excellent birding opportunities atCreamers Field Migratory Bird Refuge. 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! These hour-long tours bring you through a beautiful indoor ice museum equipped with chairs, statues, and even a full bar made of ice. Like to be a do-it-yourself traveler? 10 Best Things to Do in Fairbanks, Alaska | U.S. News Travel Prefer to camp? So what are you going to do with the rest of your day? Youll find a variety of lodging near the airport, from budget options to riverfront hotels overlooking the Chena River. Its an easy and memorable way to travel north and experience the aurora borealis, or even do aweekend getaway to Talkeetna. Swing by Silver Gulch Brewery, the northernmost brewery in the United States, for true-to-style lagers and ales, HooDoo Brewing for its massive beer garden and stellar barleywines, and Black Spruce Brewing for a bold and inventive tap list. #alaskaisdream #alaska #aurorachasers #astrophotography #ilovealaska #alaskaproud #travelalaska #travelstoke #explorefairbanks #theworldatnight #thealaskalife #outdoorsphotography #outdooradventures #fairbanks #fairbankdsnorthernlights. 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. Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec, Sun and Moon times today for FairbanksMoonrise and moonset times for FairbanksPhases of the Moon for Fairbanks, What is twilight, dawn, and dusk?What is solar noon?Directions based on true north. We will be embarking on a cruise in Vancouver to Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park and Ketchikan. Ride, attend mushing school, or go on amulti-day adventure to Tolovana Roadhouse.