Best Things to Do in Fairbanks, Alaska 

Wander Through the Georgeson Botanical Garden 

The Georgeson Botanical Garden is a five-acre garden located at the University of Fairbanks. This lush green space is filled with flowering paths, a native Alaska plant garden, wooden bridges, and plenty of areas to sit.  

You can only visit this garden between the months of May and September. So, plan your family vacation in Fairbanks carefully if this is on your must-see list.  

While you are visiting this university, you may also want to stop in the Museum of the North. Inside, you will see displays of gold, modern art, and so much more.  

The most popular display is Blue Babe. That is a thirty-six-thousand-year-old mummified and preserved Alaskan Steppe Bison. Oh, and don’t skip seeing the elaborate Alaskan outhouse.  

Take a Hike at Chena River State Recreation Area 

One of the best places to hike in Fairbanks is the Chena River State Recreation Area. There is a loop called the Angel Rocks Trail. It is just over eight miles long. During your hike, you can see the Alaska Range, Bear Paw Butte, and the Chena Dome.  

After your hike, head to the Chena Hot Springs to soak in the healing water. But before you do that, check out the Aurora Ice Museum. This museum is open all year long and is kept at twenty-five degrees Fahrenheit.  

Take a Ride on the Wilderness Express Train 

A trip on the Wilderness Express Train will take you to Anchorage, Talkeetna, or Denali National Park from Fairbanks. I recommend heading to Denali National Park. There are quite a few things to do within this park. They will all enhance your experience while on vacation in Alaska.  

The curved glass dome will allow your family to see three hundred sixty-degree views from your seats.  

This is one of the best things to do in Fairbanks that you must plan in advance. I can make your reservations for you as I am personalizing your family vacation itinerary for your Alaska trip.  

Check Out Pioneer Park 

There are plenty of things to keep you busy at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks. Start at the Queen of the Yukon display. This is where parts of the Riverboat Nenana sternwheeler are scattered about.  

Then head over to the Tanana Valley Railroad Museum, Pioneer Air Museum, Pioneer Hall, or the Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts. Each one will share the history of this area, as well as the people who live there.  

Grab Pictures at the Antler Arch 

The Fairbanks Antler Arch is one of the best places to take family pictures while in Alaska. This arch is made from caribou and moose antlers. Stand underneath and get some pictures making funny faces or doing silly poses to make this an incredible experience.  

Take a Ride on the Riverboat Discovery 

There are a few different options for Riverboat Discovery rides in Fairbanks. I recommend doing the one that takes you to the Chena Indian Village Living Museum. You will learn a lot about Alaska Native culture and traditions at this living museum.  

Meet the Sled Dogs 

There are quite a few places to meet sled dogs in Alaska. However, when you are in Fairbanks, you will most likely go to the Trailbreaker Kennel or Paws for Adventure. You can usually participate in sled dog riding tours during your visit. Just don’t forget to snuggle with the puppies during your visit.  

See the Birds at Creamer’s Field 

Creamer’s Field used to be a dairy farm in Fairbanks. Now, it is a field where migratory birds spend their time. A visit here will have you seeing Tundra Swans, Trumpeter Swans, Snow Geese, and Canadian Geese. You may even spot a moose or two if you are lucky.  

Check Out the Midnight Sun 

You must plan your family vacation in Fairbanks carefully if you want to experience the Midnight Sun. The sun stays out past midnight for quite a few days each year. There is a total of seventy-two days where it is never night in this part of Alaska. That’s a lot of sunlight to experience and extra time to check things off your list!  

If you miss the Midnight Sun, you may be able to capture some of the Northern Lights in Fairbanks. Those dancing lights will make you forget all about constant sunlight!  

Pan for Gold at Gold Dredge 8 

One of the best things to do in Fairbanks is learn about the gold rush in Alaska and pan for gold. During an open-air train car ride at Gold Dredge 8, you will learn about the gold mining history. After the ride, you will pan for gold and hopefully discover a nugget or two.  

Celebrate Christmas at the Santa Claus House 

Christmas is every day at the Santa Claus House at the North Pole! This is an excellent place to stock up on ornaments and other decorations.  

Of course, you can’t miss out on a visit with the jolly ol’ Saint Nick and his reindeer. Take some family photos. Bribe the kids with fudge afterwards and you will be amazed at how good the pictures turn out!  

Purchase Local Foods at the Tanana Valley Farmers Market 

The Tanana Valley Farmers Market is only open on Wednesdays and Saturdays during the summer months. Therefore, you must plan your visit carefully if you want to try local foods.  

This outdoor market is the perfect place to grab fresh produce, as well as local souvenirs. Check out the native handicrafts and pottery for unique souvenirs.  

Get Close to Reindeer 

If you didn’t get enough of the reindeer at the Santa Claus House, you may want to add the Running Reindeer Ranch to your itinerary. When you arrive, you will learn numerous fascinating facts about reindeer.  

Afterwards, you will be allowed to wander through the forest amongst the reindeer. Interacting with these creatures will be your favorite thing to do in Fairbanks! Just don’t forget to snap a few pictures, so you can remember this time forever.  

These are some of the best things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska. There are many others, and I can include as many of them as you want when I personalize your Alaskan vacation itinerary. We can discuss it all during our planning session, as I get to know the likes and dislikes of your family. I know you want this to be a special vacation where you make tons of memories, and I will make sure that happens!  

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your trip to Fairbanks or another destination?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family planning session with me. When you click the link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.  

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Looking for an Amazing Experience with Your Family? Check Out the Northern Lights in Alaska!

Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Alaska

You are definitely not alone when it comes to wanting to check seeing the northern lights off your travel bucket list! However, if you want to see the Aurelia Borealis in Alaska, you must know when to visit.

The best time to see the northern lights in Alaska is between the months of November through March. The nights are colder and longer, and that means the darker skies are perfect for viewing this dancing light show.

You may be able to capture the northern lights in Alaska in September, October, April, and May. But since the skies are getting brighter during those months, you really need to plan your viewing options carefully. Plus, you need to be prepared for disappointment if you don’t catch the northern lights during those months.

Where to See the Northern Lights in Alaska

Fairbanks

Seeing the northern lights in Fairbanks, Alaska is quite easy. This city is considered one of the best places to see the northern lights in Alaska. If you don’t want to go out searching for the best place to see the Aurelia Borealis, we can always plan to have you join a tour during your vacation in Alaska.

Anchorage

The northern lights in Anchorage, Alaska are pretty incredible. But they are not as good as they would be up in Fairbanks. It is best to go outside the city, where there are no bright lights, for the best northern lights experience.

Juneau

If you are considering a cruise to Juneau, you may be able to capture the northern lights from the ship. Many cruise lines will offer northern lights excursions too and we can check into those as we are planning your vacation.

Denali National Park

Everyone loves spending time in Denali National Park when they are on vacation in Alaska. I recommend extending your stay at the park a little, so you can catch the northern lights. There is no light pollution within this park, so the lights will be bright and beautiful!

Where to See the Northern Lights Outside of Alaska

Do you have no desire to visit Alaska? Not a problem! There are many other parts of the world to see the northern lights!

A few places to capture the beauty of the northern lights include:

• Iceland
• Finnish Lapland
• Lofoten Islands, Norway
• Greenland
• Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
• Abisko, Sweden
• And of course, you may also want to consider seeing the southern lights when you are on vacation. Not as many people are aware of the southern lights or have taken the time to see them. So, if you are looking for a truly unique adventure with your family, you may want to consider checking out the southern lights instead!

Checking out the northern lights in Alaska is an amazing experience you can have during your next family vacation! And the memories you make with your family will be worth the trip.

So, are you ready to see the Northern Lights during a family vacation in Alaska?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you aren’t ready to book your next family vacation, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you continue to receive all the travel information I share.

The post Looking for an Amazing Experience with Your Family? Check Out the Northern Lights in Alaska appeared first on integritylawfirmcmr.com.