Alaska Bird Observatory
The nature center on the grounds of Wedgewood Resort provides information, exhibits and programs on a variety of Alaska birds. Guided bird walks and local birding information are available. The center has a gift shop and easy trail access to Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge.
Where: 418 Wedgewood Drive
When: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
Cost: Free; donations encouraged
Phone: 451-7159
Web: www.alaskabird.org
Alaska Public Lands Information Center
This is the ultimate resource center in town for all federal and state recreation areas. Free films are shown at 11 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. daily along with weekly special programs, including an orientation to Denali National Park. Passes to state and federal parks are available at the center. There is a natural history museum and bookstore.
Where: 250 Cushman St., Suite 1A
When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
Cost: Free
Phone: 456-0527
Web: www.nps.gov/aplic
Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge
The 2,000-acre refuge started life as a dairy farm during the Gold Rush. Today, both migratory and resident birds visit the refuge; they include Canada geese, sandhill cranes, pintails, golden plovers, shovelers, ravens, owls and mallards. In addition to open spaces and wildlife, there are about five miles of nature trails for visitors to enjoy. Weekdays from Memorial Day to Labor Day there are naturalist-led walks in the refuge at 10 a.m.; an evening walk is offered at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. There is an artist-led program from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays in June, July and August. The farm buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. The trails are always open and there are special events year-round, including the Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival Aug. 22-24.
Where: 1300 College Road
When: Open daily; visitor center open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, May 17 to Sept. 15
Cost: Free
Phone: 459-7307, 452-5162
Web: www.creamersfield.org
El Dorado Gold Mine
Take a trip into Fairbanks' gold-mining history. Ride the Tanana Valley Railroad, pan for gold and visit a permafrost tunnel.
Where: Mile 1.3 Elliott Highway, Fox
When: 9:45 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily, mid-May to mid-September
Cost: $34.95 adults, $22.95 children ages 3-12
Phone: 479-6673, 1-866-479-6673
Web: www.eldorado goldmine.com
Ester Gold Camp
Old-time rustic charm comes through in the camp's historic buildings and at the Malemute Saloon, where nightly entertainment reflects the history of the Gold Rush era. There also is a northern lights show and a crab buffet dinner. The camp dates to 1900 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Where: 2660 Main St., Ester
When: 5 to 9 p.m. daily, mid-May to Labor Day
Cost: Varies
Phone: 452-7274, 1-800-354-7274
Web: www.akvisit.com
Fairbanks Ice Museum
See what it's like to experience Fairbanks in the winter. In addition to a movie, there are at least 20 larger-than-life ice sculptures and an ice slide inside the historic Lacey Street Theater. There also is an ice-carving demonstration.
Where: 500 Second Ave.
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
Cost: $12 adults, $6 children
Phone: 451-8222
Web: www.icemuseum.com
Georgeson Botanical Garden
Explore the gardens and discover what can be grown under the midnight sun. Thanks to summer's long daylight, giant vegetables and beautiful flowers are guaranteed at the garden. Take a trip through the experimental perennial and rose gardens. Play in the Babula Children's Garden, have a picnic or volunteer to pull weeds.
Where: 117 W. Tanana Drive
When: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
Cost: $2
Phone: 474-1944
Web: www.uaf.edu/snras/gbg
Golden Days
The festival of summer and Fairbanks' Gold Rush history includes a parade, pancake breakfasts, historic re-enactments, a river regatta, music and the Rubber Duckie Race.
Where: Downtown Fairbanks
When: July 16-20
Cost: Free
Phone: 452-1105
Web: www.fairbankschamber.org
Large Animal Research Station
See musk oxen and caribou up close at the University of Alaska Fairbanks facility. The tour presenters have a natural-science background and offer information about the unique Alaska animals.
Where: Yankovich Road
When: Hourly from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, May 26 to Sept. 1
Cost: $10 adults, $9 seniors, $6 students
Phone: 474-5724
Web: www.uaf.edu/lars
Log Cabin Visitor Information Center
The Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau's knowledgeable staff and volunteers are always ready to help visitors. The sod-roofed cabin was built in 1958 and adjoins Golden Heart Plaza along the banks of the Chena River. The cabin is near a number of popular attractions, including the Milepost, the Bridge of Flags, the Unknown First Family sculpture and the new Lend Lease Memorial. The center has telephone and Internet access, along with maps and brochures. Satellite information centers are at the Fairbanks International Airport, the Alaska Railroad Depot and Pioneer Park.
Where: 550 First Ave.
When: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, May 10 to Sept. 25
Cost: Free
Phone: 1-800-327-5774, 456-INFO
Web: www.explorefairbanks.com
Midnight Sun Festival
Fairbanks' largest one-day festival takes place on the longest day of the year and usually draws 40,000 people. The festival features live music, performing arts, crafts, dancing, food, a vintage car show, gold panning, games and contest prizes.
Where: Downtown Fairbanks
When: Noon to midnight June 21
Cost: Free
Phone: 452-8671
Web: www.downtownfairbanks.com
Pioneer Park
The park is the perfect setting for summer fun in the midnight sun. Activities at the historic theme park include a Gold Rush town featuring Alaska gifts and crafts in authentic log cabins, picnic areas, canoe and kayak rental, an art gallery, a train ride, a playground, President Harding's railroad car, folk dancing, museums showcasing early Alaska life and a diorama of the Yukon River aboard the stern-wheeler SS Nenana. The park also has live shows with music and comedy skits about early Fairbanks. Park-wide Wi-Fi is available.
Where: 2300 Airport Way
When: Noon to 8 p.m. daily, Memorial Day to Labor Day
Cost: Free; many activities have separate prices
Phone: 459-1087
Web: www.co.fairbanks.ak.us
Riverboat Discovery
Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Chena and Tanana rivers, including a walking tour of the Chena Indian village. See late Iditarod champion Susan Butcher's dogs, the wedding of the rivers and Dixie Alexander's Athabascan art.
Where: 1975 Discovery Drive
When: 8:45 a.m., 2 p.m. daily
Cost: $49.95 adults, $34.95 children ages 3-12
Phone: 479-6673, 1-866-479-6673
Web: www.riverboatdiscovery.com
Santa Claus House
It's Christmas every day at this unique gift shop in North Pole, featuring an assortment of Christmas gifts, collectibles, apparel and local crafts.
Where: 101 St. Nicholas Drive, North Pole
When: Open daily
Cost: Free
Phone: 488-2200, 1-800-588-4078
Web: www.santaclaushouse.com
Tanana Valley State Fair
The traditional fair gets an Alaska twist in Fairbanks. More than 1,700 exhibitors will display livestock, hand-crafted items, crafts and huge Alaska vegetables. There are amusement rides, horse events and music.
Where: 1800 College Road
When: Aug. 1-9; noon to 10 p.m.
Cost: Admission charged
Phone: 452-3750
Web: www.tananavalleyfair.org
University of Alaska Museum of the North
With its stunning architecture and award-winning exhibits, the University of Alaska Museum of the North is a must-see for visitors. The museum's Gallery of Alaska gives visitors an excellent introduction to this vast and diverse state. Highlights include the state's largest gold exhibit, an extensive collection of Alaska Native artifacts, the world's only restored Ice Age steppe bison mummy, and videos on the aurora, a whale hunt and Alaska Native dances. The Rose Berry Alaska Art Gallery presents a full range of Alaska art, from 2,000-year-old ivory carvings to contemporary paintings and sculptures. The Place Where You Go to Listen is a unique sound and light exhibit. In summer, there are multimedia programs on the aurora borealis and winter in the new auditorium. The museum offers special exhibits, family programs and lectures throughout the year.
Where: UAF campus, 907 Yukon Drive
When: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, May 15 to Sept. 15
Cost: $10 adults, $9 seniors, $5 youths, free for 6 and younger
Phone: 474-7505
Web: www.uaf.edu/museum
World Eskimo Indian Olympics
The event brings together athletes, dancers and artists from several cultures for a unique Native sports gathering. Events include the blanket toss, one- and two-foot high kicks, drop the bomb, the four-man carry and the ear pull/ear weight competition.
Where: Carlson Center
When: July 16-19
Cost: $8 ages 5 to 15, $10 ages 16 to 60
Phone: 452-6646
Web: www.weio.org
