Things To Do in Fairbanks, Alaska

At this authentic gold-mining site, a 90-minute tour includes a film, a view and explanation of a 1928 dredge, the machine that scooped up and separated gold from gravel, and a chance to pan for gold.

University of Alaska Museum

See the state's largest collection of gold and a mummified steppe bison, explore Alaska's Russian heritage and its gold-mining history and discover much more at this fascinating natural history museum.

Riverboat Discovery Tours

A long-running and popular tour, this three-and-a-half-hour cruise on a genuine stern wheel riverboat takes you on two rivers past demonstrations of local activities on the shore followed by a tour of a simulated Athabascan Indian village.

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.

Large Animal Research Station

Thousands of visitors each year get a chance to see muskoxen, caribou and domestic reindeer on summer tours of this 134-acre site set up for nutritional, behavioral and physiological study by the University of Alaska.

Chena River Recreation Area

Located just north of Fairbanks, this area offer many trails for day hikes.

McKinley Explorer

A scenic railroad spanning 356 miles, from Fairbanks to Anchorage.

Elliott Highway

A road leading to some fairly wild and remote country.

The El Dorado Gold Mine

Bring home some real Alaska gold that you've panned yourself on this educational gold mine tour that includes a train ride and panning lesson and is led by authentic gold miners.

Built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the purchase of Alaska from Russia, this theme part includes a mock gold-rush town with authentic pioneer log cabins, mining equipment, museums, a replicated Native American village and a huge, dry-docked sternwheeler open for tours.

Museum of the North at UA

Through education, research, and public exhibits, the Museum serves the state, national, and international science programs. The Museum develops and uses botanical, geological, zoological, and cultural collections, for understanding past and present issues unique to the North and meeting the challenges of the future.

Eagle Summit

Eagle Summit is located 108 miles from Fairbanks, this summit towers 3,624 feet high, above the timberline.

Fairbanks Golf and Country Club

The public is invited to play on the club's scenic nine-hole golf course located west of downtown Fairbanks.

Manley Hot Springs

The lodge here offers a great hot springs pool and trips for fishing, camping and exploring gold mines.

North Star Golf Club

This is the world's northernmost USGA regulation golf course, which offers a links-style layout with open fairways.

Alyeska Pipeline Visitor Center

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Alaska.

Ice Museum

Unique museum that is made of three tons of ice transformed into innovative sculptures.

Alaska Public Lands Information Center

Downtown area resource center for those interested in visiting recreational areas.