Once a small mining town in Alaska, Fairbanks is now a well-established and beautiful city on the edge of AK’s Interior and Arctic regions. This city has been called the “Golden Heart of Alaska,” due likely in part to its once-active gold mining industry as well as its proximity to some of Alaska’s most beautiful landscapes.
Fairbanks continues to be a hub of industry, especially to the Interior and Arctic regions of Alaska. This town of approximately 31,000 citizens thrives on its oil, coal, gas, and gold mining; its military; tourism; and the University of Alaska. Visitors to this region can find a diverse culture, rich history, and much to do in Fairbanks, AK.
If you a traveling to Alaska and plan to fly into Anchorage, we recommend that you look into an Alaska RV rental. You can pick up your motor home almost immediately after stepping off the plane, load it up with any supplies that you need, and then travel in comfort and style to Fairbanks. Although the trip is about eight hours, the drive is well worth it as you will see some beautiful scenery, wildlife, and even skirt the edge of Denali National Park, one of AK’s premier parks and gaming preserves. You can even split the drive into two days in case you want to makes some stops along the way.
Not only will you be able to see a lot of the Alaskan countryside traveling by RV in Alaska, but you can also not have to worry about lodging once you reach Fairbanks, Alaska. Fairbanks has several campgrounds and RV parks in and around town; you may even want to stay at the Santaland RV Park that is located right at the North Pole!
Speaking of the North Pole, you can actually visit the town where its Christmas every day of the year. The North Pole is only 16 miles from Fairbanks, and visitors can visit Santa’s house, take a stroll down Saint Nicholas Drive, see reindeer up close, and even take a picture with Santa Claus himself. This Fairbanks area attraction will be especially popular with kids, but adults will enjoy it as well.
Other Fairbanks attractions and things to do include the following:
- Hot Springs – take a long soak in one of the many hot springs in the area. Enjoying the hot springs is one of the best ways to rest and rejuvenate during your AK vacation.
- Dog Mushing – if you are in Fairbanks between the months of November and April, you will need to experience dog mushing for yourself. Considered “Alaska’s State Sport,” dog mushing is a must-do if you really want to connect with Alaskan culture.
- Ice Art – Fairbanks is home to the World Ice Art Championships and other festivities during the month of March. You can check out these ice sculptures if you are in Fairbanks in March, joining almost 45,000 other visitors and over 70 ice sculpting teams from around the world.
- Midnight Sun Sports – in celebration of summer solstice, the longest day of the year, the town of Fairbanks hosts a variety of events on June 21, including the Midnight Sun Run. In addition to other sporting events, you can also enjoy the many booths, live entertainment, food, gold panning, petting zoo, and more.
- Wildlife viewing – the Fairbanks area is a great place to see some of Alaska’s animals and birds with your own eyes. However, exercise caution and do not get close to any wild animals for your safety and to maintain their natural habits and environment.
- Trans-Alaska Pipeline – many AK visitors like to see this 48-inch pipe that carries oil over 800 miles through frozen tundra, rushing rivers, and thick forests. You may also want to check out the Alyeska Visitors Center located just 10 miles north of Fairbanks.
Believe it or not, we have only just begun to describe the many things you can see and do in the Fairbanks, Alaska area. This area of the United States truly is beautiful and offers visitors a variety of vacation experiences. You will be glad you chose Fairbanks as your Alaska getaway destination.
