fairbanks winter activitiesfairbanks winter activities

This post may contain affiliate links, which means Ill receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. This was one of my favorite things to do in Fairbanks and the #2 rated activity according to TripAdvisor! Fairbanks, AK 99701-4806 The address is 2098 Old Steese Hwy N, Fox, AK 99712-1021. This theme park is a historic village that features a number of original buildings moved from downtown Fairbanks, as well as two museums, and a Gold Rush town street. I was born on the East Coast and currently live in the Midwest but my heart will always be out West. Experience the unique thrill of ice fishing in winter with a chance of seeing the northern lights. While Fairbanks does have ride-share options, you really cant enjoy all that the region has to offer unless you rent a car. Book your trip to go in the winter to Fairbanks. It would have been a bit tight with more than 3 or four people, though. (I also have a longer list of where to stay in Fairbanks including these stays and others I recommend.). They became an interest of the family and its now a family-run business. Your email address will not be published. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. Interestingly, hostels are showing at over $100 a night, so if youre looking to save on accommodation, youre better off looking at the local motels. I cant think of a better draw to Alaska in winter than a northern lights vacation! Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, View All Southcentral & Interior Towns on a Map, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. Those are two fantastic experiences and I hope your wife loves them . Telephone: (907) 456-5774 Denali, (formerly known as Mount McKinley), rises 20,310 feet (6,190 meters). Before I went, I had figured Id spend much of my time indoors, but I was so wrong! 2023 Fairbanks Convention & Visitors Bureau dba Explore Fairbanks. Winter takes center stage for five full months in Fairbanks, and offers extraordinary outdoor winter experiences. Outside was a complete love-fest with the dogs. Its worth a trip! Luckily, rental car companies do a good job to ensure every car they rent has the basics you need to stay safe on the road. Running Reindeer Ranch is open by appointment only and walks are offered most days. It is open from 7-7 Monday through Friday, 9-6 on Saturday, and 11-5 on Sunday. Fairbanks: Dog Sledding and Mushing Experience Enjoy an unforgettable experience of dog sledding Alaskan Huskies in Fairbanks. If you have any other questions, let me know in the comments or join me in my Alaska Travel Tips Facebook Community! There are a number of different sections in the museum, including one with historic and natural artifacts and another with Alaskan art of all mediums and styles. If you want to do a northern lights trip, it is the best place in the United States to do so. Its the #1 place in Fairbanks to eat and was recommended by all of the locals we talked with. There are other brewing companies as well including Silver Gulch Brewing & Bottling Company. Anchorage is the epicenter of winter events in Alaska - though admittedly Fairbanks has some great ones too so you should plan to visit both on your Alaska winter trip. Join me in creating a life we dream about! Many of the options outside of the downtown area are lodges, inns, and B&Bs, and of course, Airbnbs. In fact seeing the magical northern lights is one of visitors top things to do in Fairbanks in winter. 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. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. Check. Sam is a travel-obsessed animal lover on a quest to create a life of travel with her dog. In the winter, they are open Sunday through Tuesday from 5-9:30, Wednesday through Friday from 11:30 to 3, and 5 to 9:30. and one last night of seeing the northern lights. 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. I also have a whole post about planning a northern lights trip to Alaska. (Hint: she succeeded! The location is 1671 Steese Highway, Fairbanks, AK, 99712. If youre up for afull-on winter experience, Alaska in January and February can be otherworldly. The park is open daily in the winter from 6 a.m. to midnight, free of charge. She loves learning new things, snuggling a dog, architecture, hiking, and bold red wine. Featuring fireworks that cant be seen in the summertime, musical and artistic events and shopping for handmade Alaskan items. Within the Museum of the North, there are two really interesting items to make sure you see: You can also see traditional Eskimo and Tlingit clothing and artifacts and other animal and fossilized remains. Lemon Grass Thai Cuisine is at 388 Old Chena Pump Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709. Though we came to see the northern lights, we found a lot of really fun things to do in Fairbanks. Winter Activities - Chena Hot Springs Resort I grew up in Alaska, sure, but I wasnt planning vacations to Fairbanks often its known for sweltering summer heat and bone-chilling winter cold. 1-Hour Dog Sledding Experience // $179 per adult, $159 per child | Available 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Will change throughout the . Glide over the snow on asled thats being pulled by ateam of dogsmany of whom have run the Iditarod, Yukon Quest, or other races. Planning a winter trip to Fairbanks? In addition to the fierce competition, it also a legendary party atmosphere with a full bar, DJs, and live music. The Trans-Alaska Pipeline carries crude oil from Prudhoe Bay on the Arctic . 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. It took over two years for her to raise the funds but she managed). Plunge into awinter wonderland of spruce forests, wide open spaces and wildlife. I also like being able to get groceries and eat in some, as eating out for 2-3 meals a day can be a bit much. I share travel resources and stories based on my personal experience and knowledge. But if youre there for the hot springs, its worth a visit. The Golden North Motel is a popular choice a few miles from the center of Fairbanks on the western side. Get my 70-page ebook for just $9.99! [Photo of gold panner is courtesy the University of Alaska Archives; Musher is David Arlan Rogers.] And even more surprising is the extent of variety for the different places! All over Fairbanks, depending on how strong the aurora is. I fell in love several times. Some are offered on limited days and some may have restrictions. As mentioned, you can also view the aurora from Aurora Pointe Station, which the Eberhart family also owns, or right on the property at a yurt. Sub-zero temperatures. The city offers candy cane streetlights to maintain the ambiance throughout the town. We chose to shop at Fred Meyer. It is located on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus at 1962 Yukon Drive, Fairbanks, AK. Ill be honestI was a little nervous about the ride. Send me an email or comment again and let me know how it goes! Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center, Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center. Show Map Winter Activities Jump to: Dog Mushing Snowmobiling Tours They offer free tours on Saturdays at 4 and sponsor or are involved with a number of community events. The University of Alaska Museum of the North is open from Monday through Saturday from 9 to 5 in the winter from September 1st through May 31st. Tips to plan and make the most of your winter vacation to Alaska, Its easy for anyone to stay warm and dry during awinter trip to Alaskajust follow these fiverules. While the northern lights can be seen from anywhere in town, the best opportunities for northern lights viewing happen away from the city's ambient light. When you get hungry, head over to Pagoda Chinese Restaurant for their huge lunch specials. Its hit or miss with the lights, and it depends on a number of factors. Nearby is Chena Lake Recreation Area with 80 campsites along with a swimming beach, paved bike trails, and canoe rentals. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. Sample avariety of Alaskan activities year-round through this organization thats all about showcasing the community of Two Rivers. The museums are open as well and are worth checking out. This is my list of the top things you wont want to miss. This is an option many car rentals in Fairbanks can offer so its worth considering. Its even in the airport gift shops! People who love wintry landscapes will find an adventure wonderland. 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. 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.) Slip into the calming waters before your return to Fairbanks. Your email address will not be published. Castner Glacier and the Castner Glacier ice caves are about a 2.5-3 hour drive from Fairbanks down the scenic Richardson Highway. Photos of The Spruce House (interior and exterior) are copyright property of Taste of Alaska Lodge. You can visit muskoxen at the Large Animal Research Station (LARS) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. If you had told me Id want to spend winter in Alaska, I might have laughed before going there. The ride is about an hour through some gorgeous pine and birch forests. Winter Activities in Alaska | Travel Alaska Well, we managed to not try salmon, the other must try when visiting Alaska. Its easy when the inky night sky comes alive with an amazing light show like the aurora borealis. If you have a sweet tooth, you pass near the Fudge Pot before you cross the street to access the river. Driving will take you around 2 hours, depending on road and weather conditions. The first time I took a trip to Fairbanks was in 2010 when I was in college. more, Combine the excitement of nighttime ice fishing while looking for the beautiful Northern Lights. Other summer tours include hikes with reindeer and visiting apeony farm. There was a band playing called Tokyo Police Club that my sister and I wanted to see. Today you can stroll the museum floor (usually 65-75 cars are on the floor at any given time) and even pose in one car for photos. The BEST Fairbanks Nature & adventure 2023 - GetYourGuide THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Fairbanks - Tripadvisor Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. Popular things to do Full-day Tours Winter Sports Specialty Museums Day Trips Night Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours 4WD Tours Fishing Charters Top Picks Sporting Events Private Sightseeing Tours Transfers & Ground Transport Likely to Sell Out Walking Tours Luxury & Special Occasions Food, Wine & Nightlife Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours In part due to the appeal of 1.5 lbs of this goodness (for $70), and also because it was our last evening in town and very close to our Airbnb. 18 Top Things to Do in Alaska - U.S. News Travel Our primary focus for this trip was the northern lights, so we didnt plan a lot for other activities beyond having a list of some things to do. I do recommend you do your homework to find a good place that treats their dogs well. Summer and winter dogsled adventures in Fairbanks. Youre surrounded by lots of beautiful birch trees in Fairbanks. Northern lights tours Aurora Winter Train Snowshoeing, The signature Taste of Two Rivers Tour includes adog sled demonstration, gold panning, and an opportunity tomeet&. Im also a not-so-secret space nerd and speak fluent emoji! Rooms start from $195/night. If you were ever curious about what Santa does in the off-season, now is your chance to find out! on roads they know, but you should always go the speed you feel comfortable driving given road conditions. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This website uses affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through a link. What was interesting, though, is that sunrise and sunset seemed quite slow, and it actually took a good hour or two for the sun to fully rise or set. Its two very uniquely Alaskan. All rights reserved. Chena Hot Springs Resort Okay, this one will probably show up first on TripAdvisor anyway, so let me talk about it right off the bat. Northern Lights & Chena Hot Springs Tour | GetYourGuide What was especially interesting were a few tiny coffee shops, around the size of a food truck, located around the city. We went to Pad Thai, near the University of Alaska Fairbanks and it was great. 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. 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. After extensive research, I chose Just Short of Magic. Our owners also had a sprinkling of winter clothing to borrow, and their snow pants really saved my buttliterally! Fairbanks: Moonlight Dog Sled, Dinner & Northern Lights. But, I also knew there was a lot more to do during the short winter days and wanted to share tips on how you can do it all during your trip. There are a number of places in and around Fairbanks to get it. Required fields are marked *. You can see the schedule for the Aurora Train on the AKRR site. After another late night of aurora chasing, start your day with a leisurely breakfast at Taste of Alaska Lodge before heading out on your dog sledding tour. Warm arctic gear is available and our heated van is always close by. How can you not try Alaskan king crab when youre in Alaska? Ive already mentioned a few places to stay in Fairbanks as part of the itinerary, but heres a quick breakdown of the places I stayed on my trip. As mentioned above, Chena Hot Springs Resort also has a restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This wonderful museum has two very different areas, upstairs and downstairs. Things to do in Fairbanks in Winter: 10 Fun Activities for All Ages! Carving runs in the various categories from mid-February through early March. And because it is a resort, you can actually stay here if you choose, though it is a bit on the pricey side ($200-$300 a night). We were not about to miss this treat. Who knew? However, this desert dweller wanted to extend her trip, if that tells you anything! Plus,. Visitor Guide Request: 1-800-327-5774 Then, its just a short trip to Fairbanks. We watched one on the northern lights which was really interesting. Ice art sculptures vary each year and never cease to capture both the mind and the imagination. They are open from 10-6 daily in the winter. The University of Alaska Fairbanks is located here, the founding campus of the university system. Stay warm while seeing the best of winter! There are also hostels as well, mostly in the downtown area. They dont include accommodation but have a wood-burning stove and four fishing holes. Discover fantastic winter activities in Fairbanks, Alaska The Crepery is located right in the heart of downtown Fairbanks at 523 2nd Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701-4769. The best Fairbanks Winter activities are: Fairbanks: Aurora Ice Museum Ticket and Guided Tour. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. Top 21 Things to do in Fairbanks Alaska: Ultimate Winter Guide The BEST Fairbanks Winter activities 2023 - GetYourGuide 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. Winter Activities Map While renowned for its breathtaking views of the northern lights, Fairbanks also offers an abundance of other activities during the winter season. Ready to plan your own Fairbanks winter itinerary? As youre at Taste of Alaska Lodge for a second night, this is a great night to spend with Kory and his team at Aurora Pointe Station. If its not open, there is also an ice museum at Chena Hot Springs Resort, as mentioned above. It makes for very long nights but when you do see them, its nothing short of magic. As youll see, there are an incredible number of other experiences and things to do in Fairbanks in winter too. The Thai House Restaurant is at 412 5th Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701, right in the downtown area, and is open from 11-9 Monday through Saturday. 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. Just ashort 15-minute drive from downtown Fairbanks, wait for the northern lights to appear in awarm, inviting space. 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). Experience Alaska's coastline, rivers, and lakes in vessels of all shapes and sizes, from stand up paddleboards to jet boats to private cruises. But this dog-mushing experience outside of Fairbanks is proof that theres plenty more of Fairbanks to be seen at eyeor even pawlevel. Its peaceful and quiet here, especially in the wintertime. Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "aa5806d9a56d7f621f096f784f803a7a" );document.getElementById("d5809b89a0").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Comment *. 3. THE 10 BEST Fairbanks Tours & Excursions - Tripadvisor This was such a great experience and a must-do thing to do in Fairbanks. Youll ride a snow cat to a yurt and can pop in and out of the building to watch the aurora dance in the sky if its visible. Head to North Pole, Alaska. The ice skating pond is located next to the Pool House. (The only thing I would add is to buy a box of hand and foot warmers for extra help keeping fingers and toes comfortable!). Read more in my Privacy Policy. Having a beer there is supporting Fairbanks! the address is 1470 Ivans Alley, Fairbanks, AK 99709. And last, if booze isnt your thing, there are lots of coffee options around town. Top 21 Things to do in Fairbanks Alaska: Ultimate Winter Guide. There is a Walmart Super Center and a large Safeway nearby. Take part in the thrill of winter and fall dog sledding out of Fairbanks. See all winter activities. Top Things To Do in Alaska | Travel Alaska ? 1800 College Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709-4190 in the Tanana Valley Fairgrounds. 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. North Pole is an ideal place to be based while visiting the Fairbanks area, especially for RVers. (In any event, the dogs will warm your heart once the running part is over.). Your email address will not be published. Want to know more? Alaska is a paradise for all things winter recreation including downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, fat tire biking, and snowmobiling. Named after Hez Houston Ray, acan-do teacher who came to Fairbanks in 1952. The best places to see the lights are outside the city proper, away from the lights of the city and in more remote areas. Here are the best things to do in Fairbanks in the winter - including the aurora, sled dogs, and more! Im Sam, on a quest to create a life of travel pursuing what I want instead of what I should. Arctic animals. Based on my trip in February 2020, I was completely wrecked by the third day of aurora chasing until 3am each night and rising early for 8am breakfast and subsequent tours. Season passes are available for those who wish to visit multiple times. There are three ways to reach Fairbanks in the winter: by plane, by car, or by train. Whether its on ice or snow, Fairbanks is one of the best places to stay cool. A lot of places have limited hours and limited days in the wintertime here. From there you can embark on wilderness tours in winter that include everything from dog sledding and ice fishing to viewing the aurora borealis. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. The downstairs area has some interesting exhibits about the indigenous native American tribes, European settlers, animals, fossils found locally, and the aurora borealis. The Chena River runs through downtown Fairbanks. 7-10 days is the most common. Who knew? You can even meet muskox. Northern lights possibly visible in 17 US states July 13. What to know. Stay: Choose from cozy B&Bs, Aurora Domes, to Hotels. Winter in Alaska is amagical time, with fewer visitors and aserene, snow-covered landscape. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. (Use the same tips I mention in the next section about getting around Fairbanks to choose a car that can handle it!). Why March is the Best Time to Visit Fairbanks Alaska I prefer to stay in Airbnbs when I can for a number of reasons. Many of the Airbnbs we looked at will accommodate a number of people. Several state parks in the area offer fun outdoor adventures year-round, as well as summer festivals for .