Explore Fairbanks: Nature, History and Culture

A trip to Fairbanks can bring together a variety of interests: wildlife viewing, river scenery, historic sites, exhibits and events. When planning, it is worth distinguishing between year-round options, a summer program and events held in specific months. This lets you match the activities you want to shape your stay with the right time to visit.

Wildlife Viewing and the River

Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge offers opportunities for bird and wildlife viewing year-round. The refuge is surrounded by Fairbanks. In summer, volunteer naturalists lead guided walks through the refuge. Topics, times and locations may change; check the current program before your visit. The difference between year-round viewing and seasonal walks is a helpful guide when choosing activities based on the time of year.

The 100-mile-long Chena River flows through the center of Fairbanks and is a hub for events and activities. There is also a three-mile-long river trail. It can be used year-round and passes interesting places and sculptures. The river trail therefore offers a different seasonal option from the summer walks in the refuge: it can be used year-round, while the guided program is limited to summer.

History and Exhibits

Pioneer Park is a 44-acre historic theme park in the heart of Fairbanks. Its features include an operational narrow-gauge railroad and relics from the Gold Rush era. The railroad and Gold Rush offer two specific ways to connect with the park's history: visitors interested in Fairbanks history can find both in the same park, rather than having to explore the two subjects separately.

Creamer's Field also has a historic connection: its historic dairy buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. At the same site, wildlife viewing sits alongside a clearly defined aspect of architectural history, although the summer program and the buildings offer different points of interest.

The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center has a free 9,000-square-foot exhibit hall. It showcases the people, wildlife, landscapes and seasons of Interior Alaska. Its subject matter therefore extends beyond individual places in Fairbanks and offers an overview of different aspects of Interior Alaska. Exhibits may change.

The Center also provides brochures, maps, free Wi-Fi, and local walking and driving tours. These visitor services may change; check current availability before your visit. For planning purposes, it is helpful to consider the exhibition and the visitor information separately: one is an exhibit offering that may change, while the other includes practical orientation and tours.

Events and When to Visit

Recurring events take place in Downtown Fairbanks in different months: the Winter Carnival in March, the Midnight Sun Festival in June and Golden Days in July. If a particular festival is important to your trip, check the specific event dates before planning. The month listings provide an initial guide to timing, but they do not replace checking the dates for the year you plan to travel.

First decide whether you want to plan your trip around a festival, the seasonal walks or an activity available year-round.

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See the regional travel overview: Fairbanks North Star Borough.