They offer savory and sweet crepes, as well as salads and a fairly extensive coffee bar. But there are so many amazing things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska. Fairbanks: Dog Sledding and Mushing Experience. Winter Activities Abound Fairbanks winters may have a reputation for being too cold and dark for humans to function, let alone have any fun, but there is plenty to do here even in the winter. Located on aquiet ridgeline outside of Fairbanks, the Borealis Basecamp offers 20 elegant igloos and anew village with 5aurora-viewing cubes, including afamily suite custom-designed and specifically positioned to maximize your viewing of the Northern Lights. Sample avariety of Alaskan activities year-round through this organization thats all about showcasing the community of Two Rivers. University of Alaska Museum of the North 1962 Yukon Dr Fairbanks, AK 99775 (907) 474-7505 The University of Alaska Museum of the North used to be situated in what is now known as Signers' Hall. The event is themed, which means teams are encouraged to dress up as they curl around the clock. (I also have an Alaska winter itinerary if you want to visit more than just Fairbanks during your trip.) Explore the vast landscapes on guided and self-guided hiking , backcountry camping, glacier trekking, skiing, and biking trips. Fairbanks Winter Activities In Fairbanks for the winter? Meet some reindeer See birds, foxes, moose at wildlife sanctuary, Get up close and personal with these magnificent animals. If you dont have a preferred rental car company, you can check prices on travel aggregators like Skyscanner, Kayak, or rentalcars.com. I lived for 15 years in Alaska, as well as four years each in California and Washington. Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. Experience the unique thrill of ice fishing in winter with a chance of seeing the northern lights. Fairbanks is the largest city in the interior region of Alaska. Fairbanks: Moonlight Dog Sled, Dinner & Northern Lights. The restaurants and shops all close in the winter, however, you can still walk around and get a great idea of Fairbanks of the past. I recommend that if you are going there to view the Aurora, you consider staying over for safety. Listen to a local guide and musher talk about their four-legged family members, who are raised as puppies and cared for by this elite team. Good luck getting a view of the Northern Lights! There are also plenty of drink options, detailed a bit more below too: Okay, so given how much there is to do, let me try to string it all together into a 3-day Fairbanks winter itinerary for you! The location is at 56.5 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK, 99712. If you have a choice, I recommend the midday arrival time (when I checked before writing, theres a flight that arrives between 2pm and 3pm each day and fits my suggested Fairbanks winter itinerary perfectly). Very glad to help, Bruce! more, Chase down the stunning Northern Lights with Salmon Berry Tours; the aurora borealis makes for an unforgettable Alaskan winter. My trip to Fairbanks was supported by Explore Fairbanks and this post was published as part of an agreement with them. From mid-August through mid-April, Fairbanks is one of the best places to view the northern lights in Alaska due to its location, hours of darkness in the winter, and auroral activity. This was one of my favorite things to do in Fairbanks and the #2 rated activity according to TripAdvisor! 101 Dunkel Street, Suite 111
There are so many fun things to do in Fairbanks, even in the winter. We tried five in all and especially liked a savory special called the Vegetariano. I visited Iceland in the winter a few years ago but didn't see them come out during that trip. This provided a lot more time than we expected to do things in Fairbanks, and we didnt plan that very well, unfortunately. (Getting ready = adding many layers and bundling up in the super warm clothing they have available.). We did book two tours, for Running Reindeer Ranch and Just Short of Magic dog sledding. You get a salad bar, fresh-baked loaf of bread, baked potato and they conveniently split it all for two. Experience the fabulously unique sport of ice fishing in winter. The best Fairbanks Winter activities are: Fairbanks: Aurora Ice Museum Ticket and Guided Tour. Winter Solstice Celebration Week of December 21 Nordic Skiing, Running, Disc Golf, &More. I will travel to Fairbanks soon, and I would like to know if I will be able to buy tickets for this activities once I get there? I hate roller coasters and get really sick, so I was afraid it would be bumpy like that. The Museum of the North is not a Game of Thrones thing Instead, its a museum operated by the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and has the citys most historic galleries and exhibits. The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, could appear over 17 U.S. states on July 13. If youve timed your flights to leave in the afternoon or evening, its time to head to the airport. Other winter happenings highlight artistic and cultural events. more, Combine the excitement of nighttime ice fishing while looking for the beautiful Northern Lights. Glide over the snow on asled thats being pulled by ateam of dogsmany of whom have run the Iditarod, Yukon Quest, or other races. This tour is a 2.5 hours long, so you may want to do this before or after lunch depending on your schedule for the day and departure time. Though we came to see the northern lights, we found a lot of really fun things to do in Fairbanks. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. There is also a shopping mall if youre into that kind of thing. There are a lot of rental options in the Fairbanks area and I do recommend considering one. Alaska Fishing & Raft Adventures offers a number of ice fishing tours, including one that ends with aurora viewing. I am glad you liked it and really appreciate your feedback and support. 15minutes from downtown Fairbanks, wait for mother nature to put on ashow in aa warm, inviting. Portions are huge and delicious be sure to try one of the Chena Fresh lettuce salads (grown on the property), and the Borealis Martini (Northern Lights in a Glass). There is also a sign that tells the story about the 1967 Chena River flood which was quite interesting and shows just how high the waters rose. It grew into a large, magical shop for Christmas cheer all year round. Its the #1 place in Fairbanks to eat and was recommended by all of the locals we talked with. Its not very big, but its the most convenient way to go to Fairbanks, especially in the winter. Well, we managed to not try salmon, the other must try when visiting Alaska. Bill Lewis. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. Youll have access to the Activity Center, hot springs, and be able to enjoy the property once the day-tripping crowds have left. Fairbanks, AK 99701-4806
What are the best Fairbanks Winter activities? There is also a small museum-like area that talks about some of the native American tribes local to the area, the settlers in the area, and the animals that you can find. Warm arctic gear is available and our heated van is always close by. If you have a sweet tooth, you pass near the Fudge Pot before you cross the street to access the river. Explore Fairbanks and the surrounding area on this afternoon tour. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. You can see the schedule for the Aurora Train on the AKRR site. Another ice event in Fairbanksis the International Ice Art Classic that also features numerous ice sculptures, ice slides, and an extensive ice playground. The entrance fee for the Aurora Ice Museum is $15. You May Also Like Planning for a Northern Lights Vacation in Fairbanks. Named after Hez Houston Ray, acan-do teacher who came to Fairbanks in 1952. This is also one of the areas that are known to be good for viewing the northern lights as it is so far from the city. This is my list of the top things you wont want to miss. The Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center is open daily in the winter from 8-5 and is located at 101 Dunkel Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701. 1/2-hr Dog Sledding Tour // $89 for adults; $79 for children | Available 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Will change throughout the season depending on daylight.) Visiting Chena Resort is one of the popular things to do in Fairbanks, AK. The Crepery is located right in the heart of downtown Fairbanks at 523 2nd Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701-4769. It had sun-roasted tomatoes, calamata olives, artichoke hearts, and cheese. Thank you so much! There arent a lot of direct flights and many do go through Seattle. You can even meet muskox. The Jazz Bistro is located at 527 4th Avenue, Fairbanks, Alaska. Snowshoe through a winter wonderland? While renowned for its breathtaking views of the northern lights, Fairbanks also offers an abundance of other activities during the winter season. Running Reindeer Ranch is open by appointment only and walks are offered most days. Owner Tim Cerny and his wife combined their passions (his for cars, hers for clothes) to create an incredible museum collection. In the winter, tours run several times a day and once you pick the tour you want, there is a handy online calendar for booking. There are several events worth planning a trip around: New Year's Eve, which includes a fireworks display over downtown Anchorage. If you want to make the most of your time at Chena Hot Springs, its worth booking one night (or more) at the resort. Please readfull disclosurefor more information. The . Thank you for sharing your great ideas! The Big Dipper features an 85 x100 indoor ice rink with spectator seating for 2,200 that offers youth and adult hockey, speed skating, recreational skating, and sheet rentals for private parties. 8 reviews Activity provider: 1st Alaska Tours Add to wishlist Relax in the calming Chena Hot Springs. There is something so beautiful about Alaska in winter. This arch is made up of more than 100 moose and caribou antlers collected from all over Interior Alaska. Winterfest & Holiday Bazaar The town comes alive in December with the annual North Pole Winterfest & Holiday Bazaar, which draws crowds with activities, local vendors selling crafts and gifts, and a fireworks show. Photos of The Spruce House (interior and exterior) are copyright property of Taste of Alaska Lodge. All rights reserved. As mentioned above, Chena Hot Springs Resort also has a restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In Fairbanks, ice art is not only remarkable, but common place during the winter months. Join Alaska Wildlife Guide in exploring one of Alaskas most desired attractions, Chena Hot Springs Resort. Particularly in the winter. The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center is home to the Fairbanks tourism information desk, an info desk for the state and national parks near Fairbanks, and an amazing gift shop with Native Alaskan arts and crafts. Fairbanks is also a winter wonderland with dog-sledding, snowshoeing, skiing, curling, ice hockey, ice fishing and more. FS#10 Fairbanks Winter City Sightseeing Tour. Winter in Alaska is amagical time, with fewer visitors and aserene, snow-covered landscape. This wonderful museum has two very different areas, upstairs and downstairs. Theres a lot to consider when planning your trip to Fairbanks, Alaska. Guys, Im becoming a museum person or maybe its just that museums are getting way cooler in the past few years! We would sleep from 4 a.m. to 8 or 9, and then for 2-3 hours in the early evening before heading out. Wearing layers so thick you can hardly bend your hands. It includes paintings, sculptures, and other art from local people. A day pass from Ice Alaska costs $16 and lasts all day. No matter which you choose, youll be warmed up from the inside before dinner (try The Pump Room tonight!) Book on Booking.com, Hotels.com, or directly with Sophie Station Suites. Our goal was to find one store that would meet all of our needs, and we found that in Fred Meyer. All rights reserved. Fred Meyer is located at 930 Old Steese Highway, Fairbanks, AK, 99701. Without digging too much into Fairbanks food and drink scene, here are the meals I had on my trip, to help you choose your own. Here are the best things to do in Fairbanks in the winter - including the aurora, sled dogs, and more! The muskox population disappeared in the 1920s and was later reintroduced to Alaska. In fact seeing the magical northern lights is one of visitors top things to do in Fairbanks in winter. Ill be honestI was a little nervous about the ride. This amazing collection even includes some one-of-a-kind cars that cannot be found elsewhere. Here are some of the top things. Email:info@explorefairbanks.com
Fairbanks, Alaska has an international airport (FAI). Telephone: (907) 456-5774
(December 31-January 1, of course!) Come visit and you might see up to 15 different kinds of mammalsfrom beavers to red foxes, flying squirrels, snowshoe hares, and even mooseand several species of birds. As you might expect, a large number of Made in Alaska type stores like the Arctic Circle Trading Post. Also amazing were the creme brle, prosciutto, fig, and blue cheese, and a simple one with brie cheese drizzled with honey and sprinkled with walnuts. Hi Sam. If youre an animal lover, this is the place for you. Sample Alaska is a great brand to try and you can find it in a lot of local stores. There are a number of great Thai places around Fairbanks. From visiting the most northern Ice Museum, soaking in the all-natural hot springs to viewing the breathtaking Northern Lights dance across the sky, this tour will be ahighlight of your Alaskan experience. Gardening is big in the Interior. They are very social and with just a couple of exceptions, are very outgoing. When you arrange a rental, be sure to consider: When it comes to driving on snow and ice in Fairbanks, here are some quick tips: It can be a little intimidating, but you can totally handle Alaskan winter roads with a well-equipped car and a safety-conscious attitude toward driving. Plus,. Skiing, ice sculpting, curling and snowmobiling are just a few of the options youll find here. You helped my lay out my first visit to Alaska. Warm up by a fire and look at stars as you wait for the Northern Lights, Visit the Ice Museum, warm up as you soak in the all-natural hot springs, look for the northern lights dancing. Car, train, or group tour. The tour price includes: hotel transfer, arctic gear, fishing license, tackle, hot beverages and lunch. Featuring dog sledding, a 5K race, snowshoeing, hiking, park ranger programs and more. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, The 9 Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse! These are available generally from December through March, depending on weather conditions. Your city tour starts right from your hotel and combines fun with Fairbanks history, Alaskan craftsmanship and Alaska winter activities. We didnt start here, and we were sorry about that. All offer similar and expected Thai cuisine and would be worth going to, depending on what part of town you are in. This was one of the main reasons for my journey, and I was so thankful to have a chance to experience them. Send me an email or comment again and let me know how it goes! Before I jump into all the incredible winter experiences you can have in Fairbanks, I want to cover a few quick travel tips and FAQ that will help answer all of your questions and plan your itinerary. Your first stop is the Santa Claus House in North Pole. The ride is about an hour through some gorgeous pine and birch forests. Here are the best things to do in Fairbanks in the winter - including the aurora, sled dogs, and more! You can go by car, train or a tour. Whether it's on ice or snow, Fairbanks is one of the best places to stay cool. You can find guided ice fishing tours if youre interested. Next, the sculptures are judged, and last, colored lights are added for display. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. Just Short of Magic is located at 5157 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712. North Pole is an ideal place to be based while visiting the Fairbanks area, especially for RVers. However, several of the locals did mention that its open sporadically during the wintertime. About this activity Free cancellation You May Also Like Dog Sledding in Alaska: A Top Thing to Do in Fiarbanks. Visit the tallest peak in North America at Denali National Park and Preserve. Youll experience the sport with one of Alaskas longest-running dog tour companies. If you love animals, dogsledding is a must but you can also meet reindeer and walk with them in the woods. Its a little over an hour from the downtown area, depending on weather and road conditions. All over Fairbanks, depending on how strong the aurora is. For one last activity if you have the time, arrange to do a reindeer walk at Running Reindeer Ranch. This town is pretty big into Christmas, and there are huge year-round landmarks like a towering Christmas tree and Santa to match. If you have a little more time and find better flight options into Anchorage, this may be a good option. I highly recommend stopping in this visitors center early in your trip as it provides a lot of information about things to do in Fairbanks. Downtown Fairbanks comes alive on and around the winter solstice, December 21 the day that heralds the return of the light. Im already considering when I can go back to Alaska during the summertime to see more of this gorgeous and fun state. And last, if booze isnt your thing, there are lots of coffee options around town. We got an all-wheel-drive car, which was helpful, but we did slip around a bit and studded tires would have been a big help. If youre looking for a detailed guide about what clothing to bring on this trip and some product recommendations, check out my post: Planning for a Northern Lights Vacation. See the Northern Lights from these elegant, clear-roofed igloos, just outside Fairbankstheyre the only ones in North America. If you fly into Anchorage instead, you can reach Fairbanks by car or by train. Glide over the snow on asled pulled by ateam of dogsmany of whom have run the Iditarod. The museum is located at 212 Wedgewood Drive, Fairbanks, Alaska, 99701. There is a large shop filled with everything Christmas you can imagine and even has a letter from Santa that you can send to your favorite child. From dogsledding adventures to snowmobiling, ice fishing, and skiing, youll find something for everyone to enjoy. Its an easy and memorable way to travel north and experience the aurora borealis, or even do aweekend getaway to Talkeetna. Viator offers a number of different tours, depending on your interests. They became an interest of the family and its now a family-run business. It smelled wonderful when we walked in and we enjoyed our chicken satay and nice and spicy, hot Tom Yum soups. Before I went, I had figured Id spend much of my time indoors, but I was so wrong! Almost all of the cars are still driven. There, you can get oriented to Fairbanks history, check on any tours you need to arrange and the upcoming aurora forecast and weather, and just generally get your bearings. The address for Pioneer Park is 2300 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99701. Witness the eerie northern lights on an overnight trip from Fairbanks to Coldfoot, above the Arctic Circle, withextra, Spend some time above the Arctic Circle under the mysterious, eerie northern lights. You can go dog sledding, northern lights viewing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and more! In the afternoon its a good time to try your luck at ice fishing, if thats your thing. There are a lot of activities geared towards children and a separate small childrens center. Then drive south and get aclose up of all the terrain in between, seeing (Be aware that the tours typically run until either 2am or 3am so this is a late night!). Your email address will not be published. Throughout the Sanctuarys trail system there are 14 interpretive signs, so you can learn how the birds, fish, frogs, and mammals survive in interior Alaskas tough climate. The best places to see the lights are outside the city proper, away from the lights of the city and in more remote areas. They are open from 10-6 daily in the winter. Be sure to spend time exploring all of the galleries on both floors. If you want to fly to Fairbanks, Alaska Airlines is the primary airline that offers year-round flights from Seattle. Daily tours at the Robert G. White Large Animal Research Station (LARS) at University of Alaska Fairbanks provide visitors with the chance to view muskoxen and reindeer while learning about ongoing research studying the adaptations enabling these arctic animals to survive and thrive in extremely cold temperatures. Winter temperatures can plummet to 40 below zero, especially during December, January and February. I really loved it in Fairbanks and hope you will as well. Hike to the Castner Glacier Ice Caves. In winter, go dog sledding (day or multi-day expedition) and view the northern lights. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. Snowmobile through forests, over frozen lakes, view wildlife, listen to fascinating stories and meet the world-famous Bison. Sub-zero temperatures. There is a little bit of information about the pipeline and a segment where you can see just how big it is and what is inside. Once you get used to the speed youre going, its smooth and relaxing. Flights arrive throughout the day, with arrival times in the morning, midday, and late at night. It has the core of what you need for any trip and it can be customized for any special things youll need. Its also home to an awesome free set of exhibits (I think you could call it a museum) that will teach you all about what brought people to Fairbanks throughout history; why people live and work here today; and what life is like in Fairbanks year-round. Winter takes center stage for five full months in Fairbanks, and offers extraordinary outdoor winter experiences. I spent the last few normal days in a winter wonderland and I hope that by winter 2021 you can do the same! All of the main rental agencies are available in Fairbanks, including Avis, Hertz, Budget, Thrifty, and National. The city of Fairbanks is an ideal base for those seeking an authentic taste of life in Alaska. We drove past this several times before realizing that this was THE Alyeska Pipeline Viewing Point to visit the Alaskan pipeline. It's about a 2 hours winter drive from Fairbanks.
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