Location: Fairbanks
Top Things to do in Fairbanks
Top 10 Sights & Landmarks in Fairbanks, Alaska (AK)
Its far north location means Fairbanks gets the midnight sun in the summer and the northern lights during Aurora Season (August to April). These wonders define the city, along with winter activities, the gold rush past, Alaska Native heritage, a vibrant arts scene and “golden heart” hospitality. Enjoy dog mushing, panning for gold, floating the Chena River or visiting a museum. Add a nearby trip to a hot springs, Denali, the Arctic or the Interior. Fairbanks is the gateway to discovering Alaska.
Restaurants in Fairbanks
1. Running Reindeer Ranch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,244 reviews
By reservation, Running Reindeer Ranch offers guided walking natural history tours of the boreal forest with our reindeer friends. Get to know our reindeer in this 2.5 hour unique, immersive, educational tour. Enjoy a walk through the magical birch forest, observing reindeer games and learning the adaptations that make reindeer ideal for Arctic living. While visiting our family-owned farm, there is plenty of time for pictures and reindeer hugs. After the reindeer walk, we’ll head inside to learn a bit more about reindeer while enjoying homemade cookies and drinks. We operate in any weather, all year, so appropriate clothing is a must. Reservation Required, book a walk on our website! With Covid19 protocols we are very serious about health. We provide touch less options, sanitize before and after each visit, stay outside the entire tour and all persons must wear a mask while visiting our ranch.
Reviewed By davym608 - Aliso Viejo, United States
Truly enjoyed our time...family of reindeer loved by Jane, Doug, and Alex. Hard to decide best part: Walking with the fall leaves, petting the reindeer, learning all 11 of their names, or the yummy cookies at the end. A must see when in Fairbanks!
2. Eagle Summit
3. Steese Highway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Most of the scenic drives in the Fairbanks region start on this road, which twists through the White Mountains and allows access to mining sites, hot-springs resorts and recreational options.
Reviewed By katherinem13
We drove this highway a few times, just to see Alaska. Going up to Chena Hot Springs, we saw quite a bit of the highway. The sights are gorgeous. I recommend just going for a drive to see what the forests of Alaska look like in this area. And keep an eye out for Moose! They were all along the side of the highway, wading thru the snow or lying in a field resting!
4. James Dalton Highway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
The only road through North Alaska, often hiked and camped beside.
Reviewed By TravelPagol - Tempe, United States
Away from all hustle and bustle of city life, and all controlling tour company ride, you could rent a car (which are permitted to drive on Dalton Highway) and take a drive. It is not very cheap option and at times feel not safe - when you face the haulers truck - driven at 70 miles with flying gravels. Once out of Fairbanks region, it felt like being with nature - with white all around - from 2 week old snowstorm and frozen River (even mighty Yukon). Drove all the way to Atigun Pass - after customary stop at - Yukon Camp - for refill /coffee (Bless the owner - who suggested that I should go beyond Coldfoot to Atigun Pass - it is so beautiful), - Arctic Circle Sign, and - Coldfoot (stayed their for the night - and enjoyed the Aurora) Landscape of Taiga and Tundra, with all white mountains - so beautiful, and I will remember this trip forever. I will probably go back once again - to drive all the way to Deadhorse/Prudhoe Bay - and my be in Fall.
5. University of Alaska Fairbanks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 245 reviews
Reviewed By dougkcindym - Belleview, United States
I have been blessed to take courses from the UAF and being on campus in the winter is perfectly good. The walk paths are visible and groomed especially in the winter. The dorms are warm and the food is great. UAF has the local home charm of Alaska.
6. Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
The wildlife sanctuary draws a crowd - a crowd of song and shore birds, moose and waterfowl. Featuring easy walking nature trails that lead to Wander Lake and Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge. Off the trailhead of the sanctuary is the Taiga Center that features free Alaskan movies for resort guests during the summer on the 14 foot big screen. Visit the trailhead kiosk outside the Taiga Center for trail maps and Bird Checklist.
Reviewed By MACKBA - Fairbanks, United States
It's a nice place for a nature walk and birdwatching, close to town and in the safe area. It's an easy walk, kids and aged people will be comfortable here.
7. BLM Arctic Circle Monument Sign
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By V937TSlisab
We had a great time. Make sure you have warm clothing and bring a snack, the trip is long but worth it. Bathrooms are limited to an outhouse and one rest area (when open).
8. Antler Arch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
Reviewed By ohlook
This is a good photo opportunity stop as one strolls along the Chena River on the walk/bike path in the park (Very near the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Center--which is good to explore too). The best view is taken from the parking lot side pointing your camera toward the river. Easy, short walk from the parking lot of the Visitor Center, or a leisurely stroll along the river from downtown.
