Top Things To Do in Fairbanks (and Nearby)

A one-week, copy-and-go list—aurora hunting, gold-rush fun, hot springs, museums, an Arctic Circle adventure, and a festive detour to North Pole’s Santa Claus House.

1) Watch the Aurora

A rustic log cabin with a white door and blue trim, labeled “The Night Watch,” sits on a wooden deck at A Taste of Alaska Lodge. Behind it, the main lodge is visible under a bright blue sky dotted with clouds, surrounded by tall evergreens and lush grass. — “The Night Watch” cabin at A Taste of Alaska Lodge serves as a viewing point for guests waiting to catch the northern lights dancing across the Fairbanks sky.

A purpose-built viewing venue just outside town with indoor warmth, hot drinks, and guides who keep an eye on the skies—transport is DIY, reservations required.
Tip: Arrive late (after 11 pm) for your best odds in peak season; bring hand warmers and a wide-aperture lens if you’re shooting.
Website: https://atasteofalaska.com

2) Riverboat Discovery Cruise

Riverboat Discovery docked on the Chena River in Fairbanks, Alaska, preparing to take passengers on a historic steamboat tour. — All aboard! The Binkley family has been running riverboats for over 125 years—today, I joined their legacy voyage.

A classic three-hour Chena River cruise with a bush-pilot demo, an Iditarod-heritage kennel visit, and an Athabascan village experience—smooth logistics and great storytelling.
Tip: Morning departures are popular; arrive early at Steamboat Landing to park, check in, and grab a seat with a clear rail view.
Website: https://www.riverboatdiscovery.com

3) Gold Dredge 8 & Pan for Gold

Travellers panning for gold at long wooden troughs filled with water during the Gold Dredge 8 experience in Fairbanks, Alaska. — Panning for gold—swish, wash, repeat. The thrill of finding even the tiniest flakes never gets old.

Ride a narrow-gauge train, tour a National Register–listed historic dredge, and learn to pan—the accessible, two-hour tour mixes real history with hands-on fun.
Tip: Dress for wind and dust around the tailings; staff can help first-timers pan successfully.
Website: https://www.golddredge8.com

4) Walk with Reindeer at Running Reindeer Ranch

Three reindeer with impressive antlers graze on a green lawn surrounded by forest at Running Reindeer Ranch. — Reindeer grazing in the open meadow at Running Reindeer Ranch.

An intimate, guided stroll through the boreal forest alongside friendly, free-roaming reindeer—ethical, educational, and unforgettable.
Tip: Tours book out; wear sturdy footwear and follow the ranch’s “know before you go” guidelines.
Website: https://runningreindeer.com

5) Chena Hot Springs + Aurora Ice Museum (and Sled Dogs)

Visitors relax in the outdoor natural rock pool at Chena Hot Springs Resort, surrounded by golden autumn trees and forested hills. — Soaking in the mineral-rich waters of Chena Hot Springs.

Soak in a natural hot-spring lake, then step into the sub-zero Aurora Ice Museum for an ice-glass appletini; in season, meet champion sled dogs on site.
Tip: Bring towels (rentals cost extra) and fuel up before leaving Fairbanks—the resort is about 1.5 hours away.
Website: https://chenahotspribgs.com • Ice Museum: https://chenahotsprings.com/aurora-ice-museum/

6) University of Alaska 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.

A compact, world-class museum for Alaska Native cultures, natural history (including Blue Babe), and contemporary art—great in any weather.
Tip: Check seasonal hours before you go; movie screenings are included with admission.
Website: https://www.uaf.edu/museum/

7) Pioneer Park

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.

A free, 44-acre historical park with Gold-Rush cabins, small museums, eateries, and summertime shows—a fun, easy stop for all ages.
Tip: Some attractions inside charge small fees; summer evenings often have performances.
Website: https://www.pioneerpark.us

8) Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum

A 1910s-style gown displayed beside a vintage car at the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum in Fairbanks. This exact dress inspired the red and black gown worn by Kate Winslet’s character Rose in the film Titanic — A highlight at the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum: the original dress that inspired Rose’s iconic red and black gown in Titanic.

Over 80 impeccably presented pre-WWII cars on display (from a 115-vehicle collection), plus vintage fashion and lively Alaska motoring history.
Tip: Plan at least 90 minutes; guided and after-hours group tours are available by reservation.
Website: https://www.fountainheadmuseum.com

9) Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center

Exterior of the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center in Fairbanks on a clear day, with visitors walking toward the entrance. — The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center, a must-visit first stop in Fairbanks for cultural exhibits, Indigenous learning, and travel planning. Photo Credit: Explore Fairbanks

Free daily exhibits, films, and cultural programs—plus route-planning help for Interior and Arctic Alaska.
Tip: Start here on Day 1 for maps, safety info, and event listings.
Website: https://morristhompsoncenter.org

10) Great Alaskan Bowl Company

Interior of the Great Alaska Bowl Company store in Fairbanks, Alaska, displaying rows of handcrafted birch bowls, mugs, and cutting boards. — Inside the Great Alaska Bowl Company shop, where shelves brim with locally made wooden bowls, mugs, and artisan goods. Photo credit: Lena Lee

Watch one of America’s last birch bowl mills at work and shop a strong “Made in Alaska” lineup—perfect for quality, packable gifts.
Tip: Check store hours and consider shipping your purchases home.
Website: https://www.woodbowl.com

11) Tanana Valley Farmers Market

Wooden market building with “Farmers Market” sign and Alaska Grown logos on a sunny day. — Farmers market in its own permanent building—roomy aisles, natural airflow, and Alaska Grown pride at the entrance.

Alaska’s oldest established farmers’ market in a permanent venue, showcasing Alaska Grown produce and Silver Hand/ Made in Alaska crafts (mid-May to mid-September).
Tip: Peak action is Saturday mornings; look for seasonal berries and local food trucks.
Website: https://www.tvfmarket.com

12) First Friday Art Walk

Artisan seated on a stool beside a display of handmade beaded jewellery—earrings, bracelets, and necklaces—inside an indoor vendor booth with dreamcatchers on a grey-and-blue wall. — Local maker Lois Hardest at the First Friday event in downtown Fairbanks —hand-crafted jewellery; look for Made in Alaska and Silver Hand symbols to buy authentically local.

On the first Friday each month, galleries and cafés citywide host evening openings—an easy way to meet artists and feel Fairbanks’ creative heartbeat.
Tip: Start at Bear Gallery (Pioneer Park) or downtown and stroll venue to venue; most shows run 5–8 pm.
Website: https://fairbanksarts.org • Downtown listings: Fairbanks Arts Association Downtown Fairbanks

13) Arctic Circle Adventure via the Dalton Highway

Traveller standing by the iconic Arctic Circle sign on the Dalton Highway, marking latitude 66°33′. — A milestone moment—crossing the Arctic Circle at latitude 66°33′.

Cross 66°33′ N on one of North America’s loneliest roads—pipeline vistas, tundra, and big-sky solitude. Go with a reputable operator or study BLM guidance if self-driving.
Tip: Services are sparse; carry two spares, extra fuel, and check conditions with the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center.
Info/Maps: https://www.blm.gov/visit/dalton-highway Bureau of Land Management

14) Denali, Done Right

Denali’s snow-clad massif reflected in a still pond under broken clouds. — Mirror-calm morning view of North America’s highest peak—patience rewarded. Photo: Public domain / Denali National Park & Preserve.

A responsible, awe-first visit using transit/shuttles, wildlife etiquette, and current road updates (Park Road has a landslide closure near Mile 43).
Tip: Book buses early, respect distance guidelines around wildlife, and build in slack for weather.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/dena/

15) North Pole’s Santa Claus House

Santa Claus sitting in a festive chair, waving beside a decorated Christmas tree at the Santa Claus House in North Pole, Alaska. — Yes, he’s real — Santa Claus welcomes visitors year-round at his North Pole home.

Candy-cane streetlamps, reindeer encounters nearby, and a cheery stop for gifts at the world-famous Santa Claus House (open since 1952) just 20 minutes from Fairbanks.
Tip: Weekdays are quieter for photos at the giant Santa and “North Pole” signs. Stop by City Hall and meet the real Santa Claus (trust me!).
Website: https://www.santaclaushouse.com

The Takeaway

Wide view of the Chena River under a clear blue sky in Fairbanks, Alaska. Calm waters reflect the clouds and tree-lined shoreline, evoking the region’s natural beauty. — The Chena River, Fairbanks’ lifeline for over a century—still as serene and vital today as it was during the gold rush.

Fairbanks rewards curiosity in every season: warm galleries and world-class museums by day, hot springs or aurora by night, and easy detours to Gold-Rush relics, the Arctic Circle, and the holiday-happy town of North Pole. Use this list as a modular, one-week plan—or pick a few favourites and linger longer.

Photo Credits: All photos by the author.

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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