Alaska’s second largest city sits in the Interior of the state, where summers tend to be warm and the daylight hours are very long. There’s lots to explore here, from rolling mountains to tundra and icy rivers to hot springs. The Arctic Circle beckons nearby from the north, with its 24 hours of summer sun and incomprehensible swaths of open land. In winter, the northern lights regularly put on a dazzling light show.
Like many modern Alaska towns, Fairbanks proper was first established after the discovery of nearby gold. Though Athabascans used the area for thousands of years, there was no prior settlement until a trading post was built on the banks of the Chena River in 1901. From then, Fairbanks grew to be the regional hub it is today thanks to the Alaska Railroad and the road link to Prudhoe Bay.
Your itinerary includes an exploration of the city itself as well as sites further beyond, and requires you to have a rental car.
Day 1:
Today, explore downtown Fairbanks. A good place to start is the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center, which is an excellent source of information for travelers, but also has informative exhibits as well as a book shop. The Alaska Public Lands Information Center inside can help you plan any hikes or outdoor adventures.
As you wander through Fairbanks, you’ll notice that the Chena River takes center stage. The Chena has been used for transport, first for thousands of years by the Athabascan people who populated the region, and more recently by European settlers who used it to ferry people, logs and other goods. A historic sternwheeler dominates the downtown shoreline, which you can ride for a 3-hour cruise of the river, or you can simply walk along the paved river path.
Save time for the Museum of the North at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. This stellar museum has displays and exhibits covering the people, animals, and environment of the north, as well as auditorium shows and local art.
Day 2:
Spend your second day exploring west of Fairbanks, hiking the mountains and soaking in luscious hot springs. At nearly 400 square miles and only a 30-minute drive from Fairbanks, the Chena River State Recreation Area is a perfect spot for hiking, rock climbing, or even canoeing on the Chena River. Several ponds are stocked with rainbow trout and Arctic grayling. A pleasant hike option is the Angel Rocks Trail, which is a 3.7 mile loop with a sweeping view of the area. While short, the trail gets a bit steep.
After you’ve tired out your muscles, drive just a bit further to Chena Hot Springs Resort. Here you can soak in the warmth and minerals of the beautiful rock pools, which you can see steaming in the distance as you approach. If you overheat, grab an appletini (in an ice martini glass, no less) in the Aurora Ice Museum. Tours of this 1000-ton ice building last 45 minutes, and you can borrow a warm parka for the duration.
You can dine at the resort or head back to Fairbanks to sup at one of the city’s many restaurants.
Day 3:
Today you have two options: an Arctic Circle Tour, or a visit to North Pole (the town, not the actual north pole).
You can reach the Arctic Circle via the Dalton Highway, an unpaved gravel road that stretches all the way to Deadhorse near Prudhoe Bay. It’s the only road to cross the Arctic Circle in Alaska, 200 driving miles north of Fairbanks. Most rental cars are not allowed on the Dalton, so you’ll need to join a full-day tour – these are great not just for seeing the Arctic Circle, but also for learning about the natural history of the region.
An alternative to the Arctic Circle is to drive your rental car to North Pole, a small town that’s only a 15-minute drive south of Fairbanks. The real Santa may not actually live here, but the holiday spirit thrives year-round. Get your Christmas shopping done in July at the Santa Clause House, where you’ll find aisles of Christmas-themed gifts as well as yummy treats. You can even sit on a Santa’s lap and give him your Christmas wish list. Outside is a massive Christmas tree, and plenty of photo opportunities for your Christmas cards.
After you’ve checked everything off your Christmas list, return to Fairbanks for your final evening in town. Enjoy a riverside dinner at either Pike’s Landing or the historic Pump House Restaurant.
