Things to do in Fairbanks

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Fairbanks
Fairbanks featuring forests and railway items
Chena Hot Springs featuring a river or creek
Fairbanks featuring food
Fairbanks showing boating and a river or creek

Fairbanks Attractions

If you’re contemplating a trip to Fairbanks sometime in the near future, you may be wondering what the major must-see attractions are available in this former gold rush community. The types of things to do in Fairbanks depend on the time of year of your visit. Summer guests of the Last Frontier can choose to take a flightseeing trip over the Article Circle, take a ride on a local steamship, rent a car and visit Denali National Park, or enjoy a meal of freshly prepared Alaska seafood in one of the many good dining spots in Fairbanks. You can probably even find an informal softball game going on at the city park at 1 a.m. Don't worry about being kept awake by the constant daylight, though hotels and other accommodations routinely provide blackout curtains so guests can get a good's night sleep.

Although the majority of tourist trade in Fairbanks takes place during the summer months, winter is a fascinating time to visit. Among the favorite Fairbanks excursions of winter guests are dogsledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and watching the Northern Lights. Fairbanks tours to the nearby hills outside of town are very popular in the winter among tourists who come to Alaska specifically to see the Northern Lights, and those who have been fortunate enough to see them say winter is the best time to visit the Fairbanks area. Thermal hot springs and creeks exist east of Fairbanks, and many visitors soak in the hot mineral waters while the temperatures are twenty below zero. Another one of popular winter attractions in Fairbanks is the annual ice carving competition featuring work by the world's top ice carvers.

We're standing by here at Expedia.com to provide you with information concerning Fairbanks activities as well as rates on flights and accommodations. Many people love both the convenience and the savings of booking their entire trip through our services. Expedia.com can save you money and give you advice on the best places to see while you are there. We can even provide you with a detailed map of the city so you can go exploring on your own.

Fairbanks must see attractions

1. Chena Hot Springs

Visit Chena Hot Springs Resort and relax in the natural mineral water pools. This resort features a range of bathing options, including a man-made lake, an indoor family swimming pool and numerous hot tubs. The Chena Hot Springs also houses a spectacular ice museum with its own ice bar.
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Chena Hot Springs showing a pool and a park as well as a small group of people

2. Pioneer Park

Fairbanks’ Pioneer Park is an extensive outdoor complex alongside the Chena River and the birthplace of the city itself. Formerly known as Alaskaland, the 44-acre (109-hectare) park brings the state’s pioneering heritage to life through historical museums and exciting hands-on exhibits. Climb on board a 1930s riverboat, explore a hangar full of restored aircraft and learn about the gold rush that shaped the region.
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Pioneer Park

3. Creamer's Field

Visit Creamer’s Field State Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, a bird sanctuary with viewing areas, wetlands and boreal forests. See a range of migratory birds, including northern pintail ducks, Canada geese and golden plovers. Take a guided walk through the sanctuary or participate in an educational event.
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Creamers Field showing tranquil scenes

4. Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum

The Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum is a spacious and contemporary showcase of some of the state’s most significant antique vehicles. Expertly selected for rarity, historical importance and industrial innovation, the automobiles in the museum’s collection have been beautifully restored and presented with historically accurate grandeur. Stroll around the museum’s showroom to see rare models and cherished classics, as well as a selection of vehicles you won’t see on display anywhere else.
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Fairbanks which includes interior views

5. University of Alaska Museum of the North

Find out about Alaska’s people and places in the Museum of the North, a comprehensive museum dedicated to sharing the state’s stories. Explore galleries of ancient and contemporary art from the region, learn about the state’s gold-mining heritage and be awed by video presentations of the northern lights.
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Museum of the North

What to do in Fairbanks

Free Things to Do in Fairbanks

Leave your purse in the hotel. It's possible to entertain yourself in Fairbanks without surrendering a cent.

Fairbanks Community Museum - Take the entire family and enjoy an intriguing adventure through history with one another.

Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary - Calling all animal lovers — here's your opportunity to spend time with some lovable new friends.

Growden Memorial Park - You can't beat this attraction if you're looking to loosen up and have some fun.

Gold Daughters - If you enjoy delving into history and heritage, this is one attraction you ought to visit.

Gallery 49 Fine Art Gallery - Organize a visit and find out the importance of this place to the local community.

Growden Memorial Park - Work on your green thumb and admire the many and varied plants on show.

Things to Do in Fairbanks with Kids

There are loads of fun activities to do with your kids in and around Fairbanks. Keep the gang happy with our family friendly experiences.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Fairbanks? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Fairbanks

Museum of the North

College

While visiting College, you might make a stop by sights like University of Alaska Museum of the North and Creamer's Field.

College
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Aurora

While Aurora isn't home to many top sights, Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum and Creamer's Field are some notable places to visit nearby.

Aurora
Fairbanks which includes a river or creek and a bridge

Downtown Fairbanks

While visiting Downtown Fairbanks, you might make a stop by sights like Fairbanks Ice Museum and Chena River.

Downtown Fairbanks
Going out to eat and took a pic of the pretty sun set and the train track.

Hamilton Acres

Hamilton Acres might not have many top sights, but Fort Wainwright and Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Hamilton Acres
The unnoticed flowers

Westgate

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Westgate and surrounding area, you can visit Pioneer Park and Carlson Center Event Arena.

Westgate
The boreal trail!

South Fairbanks

While there might not be top attractions in South Fairbanks, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Fort Wainwright and Big Dipper Ice Arena.

South Fairbanks
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Fairbanks

Central

Central

Nenana

Nenana

North Pole

North Pole

Photo by Bijoyeta Kayal Dutta

Livengood

Photo by Kathryn Reichert

Fox

Frequently asked questions

Is Fairbanks worth visiting?
Whether you plan to enjoy the cultural hotspots and local charm or try unique foods and venture into nature, there are plenty of things to do in Fairbanks.
How do I spend a day in Fairbanks?
Fairbanks Ice Museum and Creamer's Field are two good places to begin your getaway adventures. Remember to explore the shopping and dining options in Fairbanks while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Fairbanks?
The top tourist attraction in Fairbanks is Fairbanks Ice Museum, so make sure to put it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Fairbanks?
Three days in Fairbanks is more than enough to enjoy the city's leading attractions. Many guests book for three days on average. Fairbanks Ice Museum, Creamer's Field and Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum are among the top-rated sights. Want to experience more? Stick around a while longer to explore nearby hotspots such as North Pole.
Is Fairbanks a walkable city?
With exciting neighborhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city center, Fairbanks is a great place to discover on foot. Wander between Fairbanks Ice Museum and Creamer's Field. Then take a stroll through College, located 3 miles from the center, and Lemeta, which is roughly 2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Fairbanks with kids?
Deciding what to do in Fairbanks with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're traveling with teenagers or toddlers, there's no shortage of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Fairbanks for adults?
Hoodoo Brewing Company and Large Animal Research Station are just two of the things to do in Fairbanks. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Fairbanks?
One of the best ways to learn about free things to do in Fairbanks is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on interesting neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without reaching into your pocket. Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary is one place that doesn't have an admission fee.

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