What to do and see in Fairbanks, Alaska (AK): The Best Free Things to do

March 30, 2022 Karren Gelb

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

535 2nd Ave Suite 102, Fairbanks, AK 99701-4769 +1 907-455-4070 [email protected] http://www.2streetgallery.com/
Excellent
88%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
3%
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5.0 based on 58 reviews

Two Street Gallery LLC

Two Street Gallery in the center of downtown Fairbanks is a fine art gallery; featuring artwork of more than 20 local artists. Watercolors, pottery, sculpture, print-making, jewelry, silversmithing, Giclee prints, fabric art, and photography highlighting the Aurora is a sampling of what you will find on your visit to the Gallery. There is always an artist on duty to answer your questions. Shipping available.

Reviewed By hatw160 - Orlando, United States

This is a wonderful gallery owned by only local Alaskan artists. There are very unique and beautiful pieces of work, from oil paintings, pottery, handmade jewelry, carved mammoth tooth, etc. This gallery has things you can not find anywhere else.

2. Noel Wien Public Library

1215 Cowles St, Fairbanks, AK 99701-4313 +1 907-459-1020 http://fnsblibrary.org/
Excellent
81%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
6%
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5.0 based on 32 reviews

Noel Wien Public Library

3. Hoarfrost Distilling

3501 Lathrop St Suite F, Fairbanks, AK 99701-7458 +1 907-460-7918 [email protected] http://hoarfrost.vodka/
Excellent
99%
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5.0 based on 74 reviews

Hoarfrost Distilling

Hoarfrost Distilling makes world class vodka in Fairbanks, AK using barley and pure Alaskan water. Come visit our tasting room and take a tour of our distillery. The tasting room is open: Monday-Thursday 4-8 Friday 3-8 Saturday 4-8 We serve a variety of vodka cocktails and sell bottles to go. Because of our production schedule we are on site from 9:00 AM on each weekday, and are happy to serve anyone who comes by. Tasting tours available- best to call to make arrangements. 21 and older, or accompanied by an adult guardian.

Reviewed By ellaw2015 - Fairbanks, United States

Such a wonderful place to meet and chat with friends and enjoy the ABSOLUTE BEST VODKA! I love the continued variations of the drinks being made at Hoarfrost. The infusions they make are wonderful. They take great care in making their infusions! It is a No Wonder they are World Class!! Bravo Hoarfrost for finally bringing the world THE BEST VODKA EVER!! The Bunny Chow drink is the absolute best drink I have ever had, they make it with Orange Liqueur that they have made, a vanilla lime vodka infusion and fresh juiced carrots. Don't miss this one! I have been a regular customer since the day they opened. I visit the tasting room weekly, sometime 2-3 times a week. All kinds of events go on here, from Yoga to First Friday Art Shows. The masters behind this creation Toivo and Natalya are the sweetest couple ever, dedicated to bringing you the World Class Vodka "Hoarfrost Vodka". Don't forget to schedule your tour of the special process in which they make this Vodka.

315 Plymouth Street Suite 22M, Fairbanks, AK 99709-4901 +1 907-479-7001 [email protected] http://www.bishopsjewelry.com
Excellent
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5.0 based on 35 reviews

Bishops Jewelry Gallery

Reviewed By Akcward

If your looking for Alaska nugget jewelry they have a great variety. Fun to browse. Always great customer service.

5. Eagle Summit

Fairbanks, AK
Excellent
59%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
6%
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4.5 based on 17 reviews

Eagle Summit

Located 108 miles from Fairbanks, this summit towers 3,624 feet high, well above the timberline.

6. Steese Highway

Fairbanks, AK +1 907-773-1222
Excellent
45%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
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4.5 based on 166 reviews

Steese Highway

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!

7. James Dalton Highway

Fairbanks, AK https://www.alaska.org/guide/dalton-highway
Excellent
66%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
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4.5 based on 172 reviews

James Dalton Highway

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.

8. The Fairbanks Alaska Public Lands Information Center

101 Dunkel St Ste 110, Fairbanks, AK 99701-4806 +1 907-459-3730 [email protected] https://www.alaskacenters.gov/visitors-centers/fairbanks
Excellent
71%
Good
26%
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4.5 based on 38 reviews

The Fairbanks Alaska Public Lands Information Center

The Fairbanks Alaska Public Lands Information Center (FAPLIC) is an integral component of the community of Fairbanks which supports the appropriate use and enjoyment of Alaska's public lands and resources through "one-stop shopping" for public lands information, trip-planning assistance, and resource education. The interagency partnership embodied as FAPLIC encourages visitors and residents to seek meaningful, safe and enjoyable experiences on public lands and inspires to conserve and sustain the natural, cultural and historic resources of Alaska.

Reviewed By sailcox1 - Bellevue, United States

This is a nice stop right downtown to get a feel for what's available in the area and they have nice displays to give a good overview of the history of the area. There are park rangers who have knowledge of all the parks and recreation areas in the region as well. A nice stop to learn about he area and fill in the gaps in your trip.

9. University of Alaska Fairbanks

505 S Chandlar Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99775-0001 +1 907-474-7211 http://www.uaf.edu/
Excellent
61%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 245 reviews

University of Alaska Fairbanks

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.

10. Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center

101 Dunkel St, Fairbanks, AK 99701-4806 +1 907-459-3700 [email protected] https://www.morristhompsoncenter.org/
Excellent
74%
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4.5 based on 1,679 reviews

Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center

Your 1st stop for visitor information. Learn about Alaska Native culture and history. Free world-class exhibits that tell the story of life in Interior Alaska. Wave to family around the world on our Antler Arch webcam. Free films, WiFi, parking.

Reviewed By stangerkerry - Orem, United States

This museum and visitors center was very informative and best of all it was free! It is a great place to start your visit to Fairbanks to get information on everything in the area.

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