Local Attractions

Sitting at the gateway to the vast interior of Alaska, Fairbanks, the ‘Golden Heart City’ is a literal goldmine of sights and activities!

In the city of Fairbanks itself, locals and visitors alike enjoy attractions such as the Tanana Valley Farmers’ Market and the Georgeson Botanical Gardens, while the history of Fairbank’s goldmining past and present is told in visitor attractions and museums.  Pedro Monument marks the spot where Italian prospector Felix Pedro discovered gold 16 miles north of Fairbanks in 1902.  Gold remains a central part of the Alaskan economy and the largest gold mill in North America, Fort Knox Gold Mine situated 26 miles northeast of Fairbanks, grinds 40,000 tons of ore each day to extract gold.  Visit the University of Alaska Museum of the North to see the largest public display of gold in the state, or try your hand at gold panning.  

If it’s a wilderness experience you want, Fairbanks is an ideal base for forays into the expansive Alaskan Interior.  For hiking and rafting head to the White Mountains National Recreation Area just north of Fairbanks, or plan to explore the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve.  Take a tour and let the experts guide you in your Alaskan experience.

Don’t forget your binoculars as wildlife viewing is a must in Alaska:  at Creamer’s Field, a migratory bird refuge less than five minutes from downtown Fairbanks, you will see geese, ducks, cranes and swans; Denali National Park is the place to see moose, caribou, Dall sheep and grizzly bear.  The fishing is excellent:  try a fishing charter for Arctic grayling, a species nearly extinct today in the rest of the United States. 

Denali National Park and Preserve is just a 2 hour drive away, or relax and view the amazing landscape on the 4 hour train ride.  And speaking of relaxation, don’t forget to make time to visit one of the many geothermal hot springs in the Fairbanks area.  

If you’re in Fairbanks in winter, don’t leave without seeing the spectacular Northern Lights. Visible from October to April, the Aurora is truly one of the most awe-inspiring wonders of the natural world.