When most people think of Alaska, they picture glaciers, grizzly bears, and endless wilderness. But nestled deep in the heart of the state is a city brimming with culture, history, and Arctic wonder—Fairbanks. Known as the “Golden Heart City,” Fairbanks is where the Northern Lights dance, natural hot springs soothe the soul, and history comes alive with every step. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, nature lover, or cultural explorer, there are endless things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska that will inspire you.
1. 🌌 Chase the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)
Fairbanks is ranked as one of the best places to witness the Northern Lights. According to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, Fairbanks sits directly under the “Auroral Oval”—a ring-shaped zone where aurora activity is concentrated.
- Best Viewing Months: Late August to mid-April
- Success Rate: Visitors staying at least 3 nights have an 80% chance of seeing the lights
- Popular Spots: Murphy Dome, Cleary Summit, Chena Hot Springs Resort
Location | Accessibility | Guided Tours Available | Amenities Available |
Murphy Dome | 45 minutes drive | Yes | Minimal |
Cleary Summit | 20 mins drive | Yes | None |
Chena Hot Springs | 1 hr 10 mins | Yes | Full resort access |
2. 🏞️ Explore the Chena River State Recreation Area
Fairbanks is more than just lights in the sky—it’s about immersing yourself in pristine landscapes. Chena River State Recreation Area offers more than 250,000 acres of wild playground:
- Popular Activities: Hiking, ATVing, camping, and winter dog mushing
- Top Trails: Angel Rocks Trail, Granite Tors Trail
- Wildlife Sightings: Moose, beavers, bald eagles, and even the occasional lynx
3. ♨️ Soak in the Natural Chena Hot Springs
No list of things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska, is complete without a dip in the famous Chena Hot Springs, discovered in 1905 by gold miners.
- Water Temperature: Averages 106°F year-round
- On-site Activities: Ice Museum, dog sledding, aurora viewing, snowmobiling
- Bonus: The Aurora Ice Museum is the world’s largest year-round ice environment, maintained at 25°F!
Package Type | Price Range (USD) | Inclusions |
Day Use | $15 – $25 | Hot spring access only |
Overnight Stay | $200+ | Lodging, access to all amenities, guided tours |
Aurora Viewing Tour | $75 – $125 | Includes shuttle, viewing dome, and beverages |
4. 🧊 Visit the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center
Get to know the soul of Fairbanks through Native Alaskan culture, natural history exhibits, and seasonal events.
- Admission: Free
- Highlights: Athabascan clothing displays, historic gold rush exhibits, and local artisan crafts
- Special Tip: Check out the seasonal “Winter Solstice Festival” if visiting in December.
5. 🛷 Go Dog Mushing — Alaska’s Official State Sport
Fairbanks is a mecca for dog mushing. Ride through snow-drenched trails while a pack of enthusiastic Alaskan huskies leads the way.
- Best Time: December to March
- Top Providers: Black Spruce Dog Sledding, Paws for Adventure
- Duration: Tours range from 30 minutes to overnight excursions
Provider | Duration Options | Price Range | Notable Features |
Paws for Adventure | 1hr – 2 Days | $75 – $500 | Overnight mushing camp |
Black Spruce Dogsled | 30 mins – 2 hrs | $90 – $250 | Local Alaskan family-owned |
6. 🏛️ Discover Fairbanks' Gold Rush History
Once the epicenter of Alaska’s gold rush, Fairbanks has a rich heritage worth digging into:
- Pioneer Park: A 44-acre historical theme park with gold dredges, museums, and a replicated old town.
- Gold Daughters: Learn to pan for real gold—no experience necessary!
- Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum: Ranked by USA Today as one of the Top 10 automobile museums in the U.S.
7. 🚆 Ride the Historic Alaska Railroad
Board the Denali Star Train in Fairbanks and journey to Denali or Anchorage. The ride is not just transportation—it’s an experience in itself.
- Route: Fairbanks → Denali → Talkeetna → Anchorage
- Best Season: May through September
- Highlights: Panoramic windows, dome cars, onboard narration, and wildlife sightings
Destination | Duration from Fairbanks | Scenic Rating (★) |
Denali | ~4 hrs | ★★★★★ |
Anchorage | ~12 hrs | ★★★★☆ |
🧭 Bonus Activities You Shouldn’t Miss
Here are a few lesser-known gems that often fly under the radar:
- University of Alaska Museum of the North – With over 2.5 million artifacts!
- Santa Claus House in nearby North Pole, AK – Christmas magic, year-round!
- Georgeson Botanical Garden – Perfect in the summer for exotic subarctic flora.
❄️ Compare: Summer vs. Winter in Fairbanks
Season | Avg Temperature | Top Activities | Best For |
Summer | 50°F – 70°F | Riverboat tours, hiking, botanical gardens | Long daylight, nature exploration |
Winter | -20°F – 10°F | Aurora viewing, dog mushing, hot springs | Arctic adventures, light shows |
🏨 Where to Stay in Fairbanks
Hotel Name | Type | Price Range | Distance to Downtown |
Pike’s Waterfront Lodge | Mid-Range Resort | $100 – $200 | 5 mins drive |
Borealis Basecamp | Luxury Dome Stay | $300 – $500 | 25 mins drive |
Sophie Station Suites | Budget-Friendly | $80 – $150 | Central Location |
🚙 Travel Tips for Fairbanks Visitors
- Rent a car: Especially in winter, public transit is limited.
- Layer up: The wind chill is real—bring thermals, gloves, and proper boots.
- Plan around daylight: In winter, you may get only 4–5 hours of daylight.
- Watch out for moose: They often cross roads at dusk!
Final Thoughts
Fairbanks isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience that changes with every season and surprises you at every turn. Whether you’re chasing the aurora or soaking in a steaming hot spring under the stars, the range of things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska, ensures that your trip is anything but ordinary.
Fairbanks invites you to slow down, look up, and reconnect with nature, history, and yourself.
