Fairbanks Community

In August, take the kids for an elephant ear at the local Tanana Fair. Ride the Ferris wheel, turn a few times in the gut crunching, spinning tilt-a-whirl, and then head off for some lively entertainment at the main tent. Those who visit Fairbanks, the Golden Heart of Alaska, might also enjoy a bush-plane tour of the Chena and Tanana River that parallels the cityscape of Fairbanks. In any given month, visitors can take part in hearty festivals, musical performances, or theater presentations.

Fairbanks has a lot to offer the younger generation, with everything from the summer fair to the Winter Folk festival. The community comes out in force for the winter festival held in February each year. The festival hosts a number of live musical acts, brings in many different vendors, and provides a variety of food options all with no admission fee. At Pioneer Park, children and young adults can learn Bluegrass music in a four day camp or enjoy other smaller seasonal functions meant to entertain the younger crowds.

Have you ever wanted to walk up to 36,000 year old mummified steppe bison? At the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the Blue Babe bison lays on display. The bison was found in 1979 just north of Fairbanks by a gold miner. Fairbanks has many mining nodes all around the city. The city has a rich gold mining heritage, helping put it on the map at its inception. The Blue Babe, as the historic bison has been warmly named, can be seen throughout the year. It's a truly remarkable piece of ancient history.

The University's Museum of the North offers a glimpse at Blue Babe along with a variety of other culturally significant exhibits, like the American Aleuts historical detention during the world war. The museum charges a $10 entry fee. Don't be shocked by the architecturally beautiful exterior of this museum. The sharp jutting features, crisp white exterior, and expansive interior house some of the region's finest exhibits for a small price.

Take a lazy cruise on a real steamboat with the Riverboat Discovery Tours. The group tour attraction provides a unique overview of Fairbank's geography, people, and community. The tour includes local activities taking place on shore, with a guided simulation of a real native village. The trip leaves many wanting more and exclaiming they had no idea how involved it would actually be. It's a treat.

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The Pump House : Situated on the beautiful Chena River

In the summer months, diners can bask in the sun, watching the ferry float by as they dine on brunch, lunch, or dinner entrees.

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More Fairbanks Attractions »Fairbanks Attractions

Aquarium of the Bay: Nature center focusing on the marine animals

The ice museum offers visitors unique thrills like a trip down an ice slide, a cavernous refrigerator that houses all the previous ice sculptures, and the simple experience of cold, brisk winter.

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