Fairbanks Travel Guide

Fairbanks is Alaska’s Golden Heart City

A visit to Fairbanks, located in Alaska’s interior, offers a glimpse back in time to its gold rush glory days. Or look back even further to learn about Native culture at the local museums. Our Fairbanks travel guide is designed to cover all aspects of the area’s most historic sightseeing and points of interest. Located just 200 miles from the Arctic Circle and 120 miles from Denali, Fairbanks is a good starting point for touring around the state. And with nearly 24 hours of sunlight in the summer months, you’ll have plenty of time to explore. To experience some of the best Northern Lights viewing, visit between August 21 and April 21.

Points of Interest

  • Chena Hot Springs
  • Chena Riverwalk
  • Creamer's Field
  • Fairbanks International Airport
  • Fairbanks Rail Depot
  • Fountainhead Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Georgeson Botanical Garden
  • Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center
  • Pioneer Air Museum
  • Santa Claus House in North Pole, Alaska
  • Tanana Valley Railroad Museum
  • Trans-Alaska Pipeline
  • University of Alaska Museum of the North

Activities

  • ATVing
  • City tours
  • Dinner theater
  • Gold panning
  • Riverboat tours
  • Sled dog visits
  • Wine & food tasting

Photo Gallery

The glowing green sky of the aurora borealis

Fairbanks is a prime viewing spot for the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights.

A gold panner showing travelers how it's done

Pan for gold in the Golden Heart City at the historic Gold Dredge 8.

The Riverboat Discovery sternwheeler on the Chena River

The Riverboat Discovery sternwheeler on the Chena River

The calm Chena River reflecting the blue sky

The Chena River flows through downtown Fairbanks to the outskirts of the city.

The white, modern structure of the Museum of the North

The University of Alaska Museum of the North holds over 1.5 million artifacts in its collections.

Destination Map

map displaying the tour area

Tours That Feature Fairbanks

Currently we have no tours featuring Fairbanks. Please check back later!

Featured Sightseeing Excursions

Riverboat Discovery Cruise & Gold Dredge 8 Combo

Board the only remaining authentic Alaska sternwheeler for a cruise along the Chena and Tanana rivers in Chena River State Recreation Area. During this narrated cruise, you will witness the unique line where the clear waters of the Chena meet the Tanana, the world’s greatest glacier river carrying tons of…
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Read More About Fairbanks

Top Must-See Fairbanks Destinations

Summer is right around the corner! In Fairbanks, this means warmer temperatures and endless hours of sunlight. Many of Gray Line Alaska’s package trips include a visit to Alaska’s second-largest city. Check out a Denali Rail Tour that includes an exciting visit to Alaska’s most famous national park, Denali National…
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