Yes, I Walked with Reindeer in Fairbanks—And That Was Just the Start

A Holiday in the Golden Heart

A row of historic log cabins with colourful painted trim, now housing shops and exhibits at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks, Alaska. — Historic gold rush–era log cabins now preserved as shops and exhibits at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks. See the Greek restaurant on the far right!? Opa!

Labour Day in Fairbanks felt unhurried. While elsewhere the holiday was marked by parades and barbeques, Alaska’s interior sets its own pace. The day unfolded through history at Pioneer Park, reflection at the Museum of the North, a walk with reindeer in the forest, and the quiet welcome of a family-run lodge—each experience offering another layer to understanding the Golden Heart City.

A Step Back in Time at Pioneer Park

Entrance sign at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks, Alaska, with bold red-and-gold lettering and hanging flower baskets, marking the gateway to the historic theme park. — The red-and-gold entrance to Pioneer Park in Fairbanks invites visitors to step into Alaska’s gold rush past. – Photo Credit: Pioneer Park

The morning began at Pioneer Park, a 44-acre historic theme park that feels like stepping into a living scrapbook of Fairbanks’ past. Originally built in 1967 to celebrate the Alaska Centennial, it preserves the atmosphere of the gold rush era with authentic log cabins, historic exhibits, and narrow-gauge railroads. Visitors can wander through old mining equipment, see riverboats that once plied the Chena, and explore small museums that capture the region’s colourful frontier spirit. Families picnic here, children ride the carousel, and travellers like me get a glimpse of how gold fever and grit shaped the Golden Heart City.:

Trivia to Take Home: Pioneer Park was originally called Alaskaland, a name it carried for more than 30 years until it was officially changed in 2001. Many of its log cabins were relocated from downtown Fairbanks to preserve them, so walking among them today is like travelling back to a time when miners and merchants built the city one timber at a time.

From the frontier era preserved at Pioneer Park, the day moved into a different kind of storytelling—one rooted in science, art, and deep time. Just a short drive away, the Museum of the North offered a sweeping perspective, connecting Alaska’s Ice Age past to the cultural and ecological narratives still unfolding today.

Exploring the Museum of the North

The glacier-inspired white modern building of the University of Alaska’s Museum of the North against a cloudy sky. — The glacier-inspired architecture of the University of Alaska’s Museum of the North in Fairbanks.

Perched on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus, the Museum of the North is an architectural landmark. Its glacier-inspired architecture by architect Joan Soranno reflects the vast and shifting landscapes outside, while inside on two levels, over 2.5 million artifacts and specimens trace the state’s story from Ice Age giants to modern times. Each gallery offers not just information, but a chance to feel the scale, resilience, and wonder of the North.

The preserved 36,000-year-old steppe bison known as “Blue Babe” displayed in a glass case at the Museum of the North in Fairbanks.

Blue Babe: Perhaps the most famous resident is Blue Babe, a 36,000-year-old steppe bison unearthed from permafrost near Fairbanks in 1979. Its bluish tint comes from vivianite, a mineral formed as the carcass thawed. Few places on earth offer such an intimate look at Ice Age life.
Film: View “Dynamic Aurora” reveals the northern lights, blending scientific insight with cultural perspectives.
Alaskan Art: Beyond natural history, the galleries showcase both Indigenous and contemporary artists, reminding visitors that Alaska’s story is still being told.
Trivia to Take Home: The museum also features the world’s largest collection of Alaska Native baskets. Each intricate weave is both functional and symbolic, often carrying family or cultural meaning.
Plan for at least 2 hours to enjoy your visit and all of its offerings.

Walking with Reindeer

Reindeer in birch forest – A group of reindeer with large antlers wander freely through a birch forest at Running Reindeer Ranch near Fairbanks, Alaska. — Reindeer weaving through the birch forest during a guided walk at Running Reindeer Ranch in Fairbanks.

Next came one of Fairbanks’ most enchanting experiences: a guided walk with through a boreal forest with reindeer at Running Reindeer Ranch. Note: it is by appointment only.

The Herd: Reindeer, a domesticated subspecies of caribou, are often associated with Arctic cultures and, of course, Santa Claus. Here, you discover how deeply they are tied to Alaska’s ecology and history.
Up Close: Walking side-by-side with reindeer through the birch and spruce forest feels magical. Their hooves click softly against the ground—a sound caused by tendons snapping over bones in their feet, a natural adaptation that helps them travel long distances across snow.
A Cultural Note: For Indigenous peoples across the circumpolar north, reindeer (and their wild cousins, caribou) have long been a vital source of food, clothing, and tools. At Running Reindeer Ranch, they are more like pets and their guardians storytelling blends with science, making the walk as educational as it is delightful.
The best part? The reindeer roam freely—you are their guest, not the other way around. Oh, and the lemonade a cookies at the end of the walk was a nice touch!

A Taste of Alaska Lodge

Antique beds, furniture and glass furniture adorn the cozy rooms. — A cozy setting for guests visiting the lodge. Photo credit: A Taste of Alaska

The day ended at A Taste of Alaska Lodge, a family homestead turned guest retreat just outside Fairbanks. First settled by Walter and Dorothy Eberhardt after World War II, the property grew into a nearly 300-acre homestead before their son David and his wife Debbie transformed it into a lodge in the 1990s. Guests quickly discover that it is filled with character as well as comfort. Many of the antiques and artifacts throughout are drawn from Debbie Eberhardt’s personal collection. Their son Kory, who grew up on the homestead, took over the business in 2010 and continues to welcomes guest not just as visitors but as part of the lodge’s ongoing family story.

Noteworthy: Each stay offers a hearty, homemade breakfast.
Aurora Alarm: every room includes one alerting guests to make their way to the dedicated Aurora Viewing Cabin when the Northern Lights appear.

It’s these thoughtful details, paired with the Eberhardt family’s hands-on hospitality, that make the lodge feel less like a hotel and more like being welcomed into an Alaskan home. Staying here felt like stepping into the pages of a family scrapbook—personal, rooted, and quintessentially Alaskan.

Dinner at the Turtle Club

Outdoor deck at the Turtle Club in Fairbanks, Alaska, with tables, chairs, and blue umbrellas set against a backdrop of forested hills. — The Turtle Club in Fairbanks is known for hearty prime rib dinners—its outdoor deck is a popular summer spot to relax with friends. Photo Credit: Turtle Club

Just a short 15-minute drive from A Taste of Alaska Lodge, the Turtle Club is a local favourite. Famous for its prime rib dinners, it draws both locals and visitors who come hungry and leave satisfied. Kory Eberhardt of the lodge recommended it and suggested that I sit at the bar. It turned out to be the best choice—conversation flowed easily with the locals, and I enjoyed the well-stocked salad bar while soaking in the atmosphere.

The Takeaway

Front entrance of the Pioneer Museum at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks, Alaska, with hanging flower baskets, wooden barrels, and U.S. and Alaska flags flying above. — The Pioneer Museum at Pioneer Park shares stories of Fairbanks’ gold rush days and frontier heritage.

Fairbanks on this day wasn’t about fireworks or fanfare. It was about perspective—wandering the preserved cabins of Pioneer Park, standing before Ice Age history at the Museum of the North, walking among reindeer in the forest, and ending the night at a family-run lodge. So far, every place I’ve explored in the region has felt welcoming—whether you’re travelling alone, with friends, or with family. Together, these moments revealed Fairbanks not just as a destination, but as a place where history, culture, and nature continue to shape daily life.

Thank you to Explore Fairbanks for helping me shape this extraordinary journey—there’s no substitute for local insight when exploring such a rich destination. Tomorrow’s chapter brings geothermal pools, ice museum, scenic trails, and more at Chena Hot Springs. Read my Fairbanks, Alaska journeys, and join me as the adventure continues to unfold!

Photo Credits: All photos by the author unless otherwise specified.

Every journey leaves a mark, and small choices can make a big difference. Choosing eco-friendly stays, supporting local communities, and being mindful of plastic use help preserve the beauty of the places we visit. Respecting wildlife, conserving resources, and travelling sustainably ensure future generations can experience the same wonders. By treading lightly and embracing responsible travel, we create meaningful connections and lasting memories. Here’s to adventures that inspire and footprints that honour our planet. Safe and mindful travels!

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