Northern Highlights: Cool Things to Do in Fairbanks, Alaska
What if I told you there’s a place where you can go for the gold, have a drink in an ice bar, visit some of the most remote places in the country, soak in hot springs, sleep under the aurora borealis (and have the best chance to see them in the world), plus visit Santa?!
All in one place? YES! These are just some of the best things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska – one of the most memorable trips of ours to date!
This guide to Fairbanks, Alaska is perfect for first-timers as it covers the highlights, top attractions, plus great aurora viewing spots along with a suggested 5 day Fairbanks itinerary at the bottom of the post.
Our suggested Fairbanks itinerary takes into consideration that you’ll need to sleep in as you will most likely be out late at night until the wee hours of the morning chasing the aurora borealis (and if you weren’t planning on doing that, you will be convinced to do so by the time you’re done reading this guide!).
So sit back and know that researching for what to do in Fairbanks on your trip to Fairbanks is taken care of, all you have to do is book your activities and decide which of our recommended stays to book! (Hint: some have aurora viewing on site!).
Disclaimer: This post contains commissionable links.
But first, what is the best way to get to Fairbanks?
There are several ways to get to Fairbanks and the best way to get here is dependent on how much time you have in Alaska and how you want to travel.
If you want to save time, fly. If you want to take the most scenic way, take the Alaska Railroad then rent a car when you’re here. If you want to take your time, drive!
We were coming from a few days around Anchorage and revisiting Girdwood (which is lovely if you get the opportunity to visit) and flew to Fairbanks. By the way, it’s a scenic flight that passes Denali, so try to get a window seat or befriend the window seat!
Once you’re in Fairbanks, you’ll need a vehicle to get around. Alaska is not a walkable destination. Be sure to book a car in advance. We recommend getting a vehicle that’s good to drive in snowy conditions with AWD or 4WD.
What to do in Fairbanks
Aurora Borealis Viewing
Undoubtedly, one of the most memorable things to do in Fairbanks Alaska is see aurora borealis.
You might have heard of other people viewing sites like Iceland or the Northern Territories of Canada. However, Fairbanks is an optimal locale within the “auroral oval,” the area with the largest concentration of northern light activity.
Typically, you’ll drive away from the city center to view the aurora, because you want minimal light pollution. You’ll find a variety of different Northern Light tours with transportation, as well as places where you can stay and visit.
Aurora Pointe is a great spot to see the northern lights in Fairbanks. You pay an admission fee, which gives you access to the building (which you’ll find is great when you’re sitting around at night in the cold waiting for the lights!).
Enjoy refreshments like hot chocolate, tea, cookies, and wine while you mingle with other visitors. Our favorite part was the informational session all about the science behind aurora borealis and tips. And if there’s activity, they let you know and even take your photo with the lights!
And while there are a few excellent hotels you could stay at for optimal views, a bucket list experience for many is to stay at one of the igloos at the luxurious Borealis Basecamp!
Keep in mind that while this is one of the best places to see the lights, they can be unpredictable and it isn’t guaranteed. Your best chances are between the fall and spring equinox.
Also, aim for a trip that’s at least 3 to 5 days long for the highest chances of seeing them. You have a 90% chance of seeing aurora activity if you go at least 3 nights during this period in Fairbanks – it’s one of the best places in the world to see them!
We were in Fairbanks Alaska in September and were lucky to see aurora borealis all 3 nights we went! But we met a lot of people who paid a premium to stay in aurora hotspots and didn’t have as much luck just a week earlier.
Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum
This one really surprised us. Never in my wildest dreams did I think a car museum would have been one of my favorite activities at any destination, let alone a destination known for its aurora borealis and Alaska beauty!
The Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum is another top-notch destination to add to your Fairbanks itinerary, especially as a great day activity. Located on the Wedgewood Resort, it’s one of the most impressive automobile museums in the world.
The museum is home to almost 100 American-made cars, as well as the most expansive collection of vintage clothing in the PNW.
Around 70 cars are kept in rotation at any given time, most of which are working (they even take cars out for a spin, which you can see on their IG channel).
You’ll see horseless carriages, steamers, speedsters, and more alongside period-dressed mannequins, ranging from the Victorian era to the Great Depression.
The clothes are stunning by themselves, and some actually belonged to famous celebrities, like Bing Crosby and Joan Crawford! It’s all fascinating and you’ll need a few hours to cover it all!
The Fountainhead Museum holds different hours depending on the season, so check before you visit. Parking is free, and docent tours are available for a fee in addition to your general admission.
Go for the Gold at Gold Daughters
For a unique Alaskan experience, head to Gold Daughters. Here, you can learn all about gold panning and then do it yourself! But after I break down how the gold panning works, I’ll mention my favorite part.
And yes, it’s as simple as it sounds, and we had a lot of fun. Located in the mountains just north of Fairbanks, Gold Daughters allows you to pan for gold at outdoor troughs, just like it’s been done for over a century.
This is how it works: You pay a basic admission fee and receive a small bag of dirt from nearby gold mines that you take to the panning stations. You can also go for the big payload and do a $500 to $1000 bag!
It’s a fun way for beginners. You can also pan gold in the left-over dirt pile to see if you can get any gold anyone missed (which is very likely as it’s a simple but tough technique to get down your first time).
In the gift shop they even have jewelry like a locket necklace and other unique ways to save and keep your golden memories with you forever!
Plus, you won’t just find gold! You MUST see their collection of Ice Age fossils, pyrite, quartz, and more!
In the gift shop you’ll notice giant mammoth tusks they’ve found on their property.
During our visit, they were working on the “bone dome,” which gave us a sneak peek at what’s to come for visitors. They’ve found a huge collection of Ice Age fossils, and the collection is HUGE!
Apparently that’s only about 3% of what they’ve found! To give you an idea, they have SEVERAL complete sets of mammoth bones. WHAT!
The site where they find the fossils is undisclosed for obvious reasons, but its nearby and there are even documentaries about their findings since some of their findings include dire wolves, which were never known to be this far north.
It’s all so fascinating, we were both so blown away by the fossil collection and the size of the mammoth bones and tusks they found!
Gold Daughters is open seasonally, so you can check them out from Memorial Day through mid-September.
UA Museum of the North
While you’re in Fairbanks, plan to visit the Museum of the North. Located on the University of Alaska campus, this museum is an excellent introduction to Alaska.
Famed architect Joan Soranno designed the newest wing of the museum in 2005, and it’s a work of art by itself.
Inside, you can explore award-winning exhibits spotlighting the Northern Lights, regional wildlife, Alaska Native peoples, prehistoric fossils, and more.
A few notable exhibits at the Museum of the North include the first-ever Ice Age steppe bison mummy and Alaska’s largest collection of gold. The Rose Berry Alaska Art Gallery, featuring a wide range of Native and non-Native art.
The newest addition to the museum is Bus 142, from “Into the Wild,” where Chris McCandless spent his last days. This bus was risking too many lives for people curious about this spot deep into Alaska’s wilderness near Denali National Park that it was actually moved for safety reasons.
Now anyone who admires Chris McCandless’s adventures and life can memorialize him here at the bus’ new permanent location along with an exhibit about modern Alaska.
Another exhibit worth checking out is The Place Where You Go To Listen, pictured above, it’s a sound and light experience reflecting Alaska’s natural forces and rhythms.
The museum is open year-round but holds different hours depending on the season. A downloadable audio tour is included with your general admission fee.
Chena Hot Springs Resort
Natural hot springs, cozy log cabins, deep tissue massages, and aurora viewing – what more could you ask for?
Chena Hot Springs Resort is a century-old resort located about an hour north and considered one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis.
You can come here for the day or spend the night. There’s a variety of lodgings available, including yurts, cabins, rooms, and suites.
On this Fairbanks trip we only came for the day, for the hot springs and the Aurora Ice Museum (more on that in a moment). On a return visit though, we’d be down to stay here and try to witness the aurora activity from their property.
What’s nice about Chena Hot Springs Resort is that they offer a variety of the most popular things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska all on the property which is great for travelers who don’t want to drive around a lot, especially to places to see the aurora borealis.
But the resort is best known for its mineral-rich hot spring pools and aurora viewing area. The hot springs are around $20 to visit per person. Bring a towel and quarters so you can lock up your personal belongings in a locker.
Aurora Ice Museum
I promised more on this, and here it is! At the Chena Hot Springs Resort, you can also visit one of the coolest museums in Alaska, the Aurora Ice Museum.
You can only visit by tour, which take place at 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM, 5 PM, & 7 PM. You have to go to the Activity Center at the resort to get your tickets, you’ll want to show up a little early and get your tickets right away to make sure you get the time slot you want.
Inside, your tour guide will tell you all about the stunning interior, made complete from snow and ice. It’s packed with gorgeous ice sculptures created by artists from around the world.
When you first enter, you can also borrow one of their thicker jackets and walk through the room where the ice sculptor is hard at work creating pieces for the ice bar and museum. But even if you plan on borrowing a jacket, dress warm, because the whole place is kept at 25 degrees Fahrenheit all year long!
The entire place has an ethereal glow with ice backed by jewel-toned lights that almost mimic the feel of the aurora.
The most fun part is having a martini at the ice bar out of an ice glass! Wear gloves, because the ice glasses are very cold and slippery to hold!
Take an Arctic Circle Day Trip
One of the most memorable things to do in Fairbanks Alaska is taking an Arctic Circle day trip. This was absolutely one of our favorite travel highlights of the year and of all the visitors that come to Alaska, only 3% make it this far north!
When you book with Northern Alaska Tour Company, you can choose from a few different routes, depending on what kind of experience you want. We chose the fly/drive option, and while it made for a LONG day, it was worth it!
We shared a guide covering our experience doing the Arctic Circle day trip so you can get a better idea of what to expect and what it’s like.
The experience is a really long day, so you’ll want to prepare for that. The day kicks off at 11:30 AM at a small airport where you’ll board a bush plane that flies you over the Arctic Circle. The flight offers breathtaking views of Alaska’s remote wilderness.
After landing in Coldfoot, you’ll start the return leg by driving back along the famous Dalton Highway that follows the Trans Alaska Pipeline. There are stops along the way to stretch and take in the scenery of the Yukon River.
The final highlight is a midnight aurora viewing! By the time you arrive back in Fairbanks around 3:30 AM, you’ll have had a full day of unforgettable Alaskan experiences.
If you’re exploring Fairbanks Alaska in September like us, you don’t want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Walk with Reindeer at Running Reindeer Ranch
If you have always wanted to see reindeer, you have a chance to add this experience to your Fairbanks itinerary! Running Reindeer Ranch gives visitors to Alaska the opportunity to get up close to learn about and meet their herd of reindeer (including a walk through the forest together).
Yes, there are reindeer in the wild in Alaska, but we call the caribou. Reindeer are actually the domesticated caribou.
This experience was a cool way to get close to the reindeer, but there’s a few things you should know before booking.
The experience starts with a 90 minute introductory speech while you sit in the cold. They have a few blankets, but those do not do much! I highly advise to wear the warmest layers and clothing you have and bring hand warmers.
The owner Jane, is very passionate and shares the story of how their ranch came to be. Then she details reindeer safety along with educational information on how to interact with the reindeer, which is very important and I am glad they do this as it protects the visitors and the reindeer.
Then, you’ll meet each one of the reindeer in their menagerie one by one as they are brought out and introduced to you.
Jane does a great job sharing her passion and essential information you should know when interacting with these animals, I wish that this portion of the tour was a bit shorter as it’s a bit difficult to sit in the cold that long and I can’t imagine how restless children could get.
After the introductions, this is when you’ll be invited to walk along the forest on an uphill path alongside the reindeer. They sort of stick to the forest, but they are close enough for you to get a good look.
Once you get to the top of the hill, you’ll have an opportunity to take photos holding the lead of the reindeer. This was my favorite part because this is when we got the closest to the reindeer, but this part goes fast!
It’s also evident that these reindeer are well cared for, which is comforting to know when it comes to animals and tourism. They do a really good job educating visitors and keeping both visitors safe and the reindeer happy.
Once you’re done, they do bring out a table of homemade cookies and hot chocolate, which is a sweet way to end the experience.
Visit the North Pole!
If the reindeer got you thinking about Santa Claus, then you can actually go visit him! Just outside Fairbanks is North Pole, Alaska, a town that celebrates the Christmas spirit year-round.
As you drive through, you’ll see candy cane-striped light posts lining the streets, and even McDonald’s has a candy cane-striped pole below the iconic golden arches!
One of the best things to do in Fairbanks Alaska is to visit the famous Santa Claus House located in North Pole. This spot is packed with holiday cheer, offering unique Christmas and Alaskan souvenirs.
While we missed Santa on our visit, he’s usually there, greeting guests and taking Christmas wishes. You can also send a letter postmarked from Santa, a 70-year-old tradition at the Santa Claus House that’s perfect for the child in your life (or the child at heart!).
This is also the perfect place to shop for all kinds of Christmas gifts and decor, as well as all kinds of Alaskan souvenirs.
Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center
Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center is a must-see attraction located in the heart of downtown Fairbanks.
It functions much like a museum, with interactive exhibits and displays that celebrate Alaskan culture, nature, and history. But it’s also a visitor center offering travel resources and tips to help you explore the Fairbanks area.
Just outside the center, you’ll see the moose antler arch, crafted from dozens of Alaskan moose antlers! Take the opportunity to snap a few photos here. We went a little wild here because we were having fun getting photos under the arch.
And inside, you can explore a collection of beautiful displays showcasing Alaskan culture, history, and wilderness. Plus, they’re free for visitors to explore.
Exhibits at the visitors center are interactive and immersive, packed with artifacts and interesting facts. You’ll learn Native Alaskan traditions, regional wildlife, and the wonders of Alaska, including the Northern Lights.
Anyone planning a Fairbanks, Alaska itinerary will appreciate a stop here. The center has a gift shop and a variety of free resources and maps to help you plan your travels. Friendly staff members are available to answer any questions you may have.
Whether you’re starting your journey or just looking for an engaging place to visit, the Morris Thompson Center will only add to your Alaskan adventure.
Hoarfrost Distillery
We always love trying to fit in a few local craft beverage stops on our trips, and while Fairbanks has a few, we only made it to one and it was definitely a solid choice!
Hoarfrost Distillery has a range of infused and flavored vodkas and liqueurs. Try one of their tasting flights so you can sample a few flavors. They also have cocktails you can enjoy here too.
You can try a variety of vodka infusions made with Alaskan ingredients like Spruce Tip and Mountain Ash. Or try one of their specialty liqueurs, in flavors like Alaskan Chokeberry or Blackcurrant!
When you visit the tasting room, your mixologist will talk you through what you’re tasting and help point you in the right direction if you’re not sure where to start.
You won’t be able to leave without being tempted to purchase a few bottles. And we noticed they also sell their liquor at the airport if you want to get it after you go through security if you’re team carry on only like us.
Dine at The Pump House Restaurant & Saloon
The Pump House Restaurant & Saloon is a legendary spot and an essential stop during your Fairbanks itinerary.
This surf ‘n’ turf restaurant offers a timeless experience with an Alaskan flair. Set along the scenic Chena River, it’s a popular dining destination known for its rustic decor, complete with old mining and fishing artifacts.
During the warmer months, there’s outdoor dining on the deck with river views. And the menu features Alaskan favorites, including fresh seafood, reindeer sausage, and wild game, along with locally sourced produce.
Inside the Senator Saloon, you can play pool on a 125-year-old billiards table, place an order at the oyster bar, or grab a stool at the solid mahogany wood bar. Enjoy the feel of a classic Gold Rush-era saloon!
The Pump House has been serving guests since the 1970s, we did their weekend brunch buffet which was a great way to fuel up for a long day of sightseeing around the best things to do in Fairbanks!
Try Thai Food
Surprisingly, yes. This is a thing! There are dozens of Thai restaurants in Fairbanks! While there are a few theories as to why there are so many, I don’t question it.
It’s the perfect way to warm up on a cold day while you’re exploring all the best things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska to warm you up from the inside out with tasty Thai cuisine.
If you can’t make up your mind just which Thair restaurant to visit, we suggest going where we went – Lemongrass Thai Cuisine! I got the green curry with the fresh seafood protein and it did not disappoint, Scott tried the Khao Soi and that was also great. I mean it doesn’t get better than a hot bowl of curry or soup on a cold day!
This is a great option if someone in your party is vegetarian or vegan, too. Every day but Sunday they open for lunch from 11 AM to 3:30 PM and then again for dinner from 5 PM to 9:30 PM.
Where to Stay in Fairbanks
While you’re enjoying all the best of Fairbanks Alaska, we have some suggestions for where to stay:
Pike’s Waterfront Lodge
Located near the airport, Pikes Waterfront Lodge is a nice option for exploring all the great things to do in Fairbanks if you plan on covering as much ground as we did on our Fairbanks itinerary.
Guests can choose from rooms in the lodge, rooms in their airport hangar-themed rooms in a new addition to the hotel, and cabins with riverfront views that you can’t wait to come back to at the end of the day.
Cabins come with private porches and outdoor seating to enjoy river views. They have a few activities for families here on site too. The rooms are a bit dated, but we really spent minimal time here and it had everything we needed.
Chena Hot Springs Resort
While Chena Hot Springs Resort is about an hour from downtown Fairbanks and many of the attractions we’ve mentioned, it’s a trade-off with all the amazing amenities offered here and one of the best places to stay if you want to do aurora viewing without having to get in a car and drive somewhere.
At the resort, you’ll be close to nature with some of the best chances for nightly aurora viewing, and you’ll have access to hot springs! It’s also easy to plan a visit to the Aurora Ice Museum and enjoy their other on-site activities as well as access to nearby hiking.
You can also enjoy an onsite restaurant, bar, and café, as well as a massage studio and a variety of other attractions and guided activities.
Borealis Basecamp
A stay at the Borealis Basecamp is definitely a bucket list experience! Fingers crossed the aurora borealis is on your side, but even if you don’t see the lights, you’ll have a gorgeous view from their unique accommodation options.
Imagine staying in one of their glamorous igloos, complete with a glass ceiling! Or stay in a cozy cube, which features floor-to-ceiling windows so you can enjoy woodland views all night.
Igloo and cube packages include roundtrip transportation from the airport, unforgettable guided activities, and meals at the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant, Latitude 65.
You have to commit to a minimum of 2 nights when booking here.
Suggested Fairbanks Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive, Visit a Museum, Rest, & Aurora Activity
Arrive to Fairbanks via Alaska Railroad, Fairbanks Airport, or by driving. You’ll need a car for all the things to do in Fairbanks we recommend. Be sure to book a car in advance. We recommend getting a vehicle that’s good to drive in snowy conditions with AWD or 4WD.
This day on your suggested Fairbanks itinerary we are going to recommend to arrive, enjoy one activity and a meal before resting and heading out to aurora viewing. Keep in mind that optimal aurora viewing is from 10 PM – 2 AM, so you’ll be sleeping at irregular times and your schedule needs to reflect that.
- Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum (give yourself a minimum 2 hours)
- enjoy a meal, relax until it’s time to head out for aurora viewing
- Aurora viewing at Aurora Pointe, plan on arriving around 9:45 – 10:00 PM.
Day 2: Slow Morning Before Your Big Arctic Circle Adventure & Aurora Viewing
This is going to be an action-packed day! We recommend having breakfast then stopping by for a quick visit to the exhibits focused on Alaskan culture, nature, and history at the Morris Thompson Visitor Center before making your way to the interior hub of Fairbanks Airport for your Arctic Circle Day Trip!
We recommend booking the fly/drive option with aurora viewing on your way back to Fairbanks. If the weather is terrible and aurora viewing seems like a low probability, you can always see if you can go back to Fairbanks with the folks on the tour who didn’t book the aurora activity earlier.
It’s going to be another LONG day so if you need extra sleep, skip the Morris Thompson Visitor Center and catch a few extra z’s.
- Grab a quick breakfast
- Visit the Morris Thompson Visitors Center (we recommend spending no more than an hour here)
- Go to the interior hub of Fairbanks Airport to meet for your Arctic Circle Day Trip with Northern Alaska Tours (11:30 AM is check in for the fly/drive tour, if you do the aurora viewing you will be dropped off at your hotel around 3:30 AM the following morning). *meals and stops are included on this tour.
Day 3: Rest & Relaxation Day at the Hot Springs + Aurora Ice Museum
After a big day, you deserve some R&R. Sleep in. If you’re staying in Downtown Fairbanks, plan to drive an hour to Chena Hot Springs Resort for a day of activities.
If you’re open to moving hotels, this is a great day to do so and stay at Chena Hot Springs so you can do some late-night aurora viewing here. Chena Hot Springs Resort also has a restaurant you can plan on dining at once you’re here.
Another option is to enjoy the daytime activities around Chena Hot Springs and move to Borealis Basecamp if you are able to splurge.
Keep in mind Borealis Basecamp requires a minimum of 2 nights, so you may want to move your activities around. It’s a 1.5-hour drive from Chena Hot Springs to Borealis Basecamp which gives you plenty of time to enjoy a few hours at Chena Hot Springs Resort before heading to Borealis Basecamp for dinner and Aurora viewing.
- Sleep in and catch some z’s!
- Soak in the Chena Hot Springs and enjoy the property.
- Tour the Aurora Ice Museum
- If you’re staying here, rest up before another evening of aurora viewing or drive to Borealis Basecamp.
Day 4: Museum, The North Pole, + Rest (or More Aurora Viewing if you’re Hooked)
For your final days, we recommend having more low-key days and fitting in anything you wish you could have got to the other days. If you’re spending two nights at Borealis Basecamp, you’re only a 45-minute drive to activities in Downtown Fairbanks making it easy to fit these in on your final days.
If you’re staying at Chena Hot Springs, you’re only just an hour and some change away from downtown Fairbanks.
- UA Museum of the North (plan on spending 1.5 hours here)
- Visit the North Pole and be sure to drive around to see the candy cane posts and other fun landmarks in the North Pole
- lowkey evening or rest up before another night of aurora viewing! (especially if you’re spending the night at an accommodation with a prime spot!)
Day 5: Reindeer & Gold!
Your final day of our suggested Fairbanks itinerary will be getting you back closer to downtown Fairbanks for an easy departure. You’ll want to book your Running Reindeer Ranch experience in advance (they do not accept walk-ins and same day bookings are slim) and be sure to make sure Gold Daughters is open as they are seasonal!
- Running Reindeer Ranch (the experience is 2 hours, we found it to be a bit longer)
- Gold Daughters gold panning experience (plan on 60 minutes for gold panning only)
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