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, Fairbanks
When: Call for hours
Cost: Free, donations encouraged
Phone: 1-907-451-7159
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 daily along with weekly special programs. Passes to state and federal parks are available at the center. There is a natural history museum with information about Alaska's varied regions as well as a natural history bookstore managed by the Alaska Natural History Association.
Where: 250 Cushman St., Suite 1A, Fairbanks
When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
Cost: Free
Phone: 1-907-456-0527
Web: www.nps.gov/aplic
El Dorado Gold Mine
Take a trip into Fairbanks' gold-mining history. Pan for gold, ride the Tanana Valley Railroad and visit a permafrost tunnel. Transportation available.
Where: Mile 1.3 Elliott Highway, Fox
When: 9:45 a.m., 3 p.m. daily, except for Saturday, when there is afternoon tour only, mid-May to mid-September
Cost: $29.95 adults, $19.95 children
Phone: 1-907-479-6673, 1-866-479-6673
Web: www.eldoradogoldmine.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: 1-907-479-2500, 1-800-354-7274
Web: www.akvisit.com
Georgeson Botanical Garden
Summer's long daylight really helps things grow in Fairbanks. Giant vegetables and beautiful flowers are guaranteed at the garden. Take a trip through the experimental perennial and rose gardens. Watch the Babula Children's Garden take shape, have a picnic or volunteer to pull weeds.
Where: 117 W. Tanana Drive, Fairbanks
When: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
Cost: $2
Phone: 1-907-474-1944
Web: www.uaf.edu/snras/gbg
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. The cabin is near a number of popular attractions including the Milepost, the Bridge of Flags and the Unknown First Family sculpture. The center has telephone and Internet access. Satellite offices are at the Fairbanks International Airport and the Alaska Railroad Depot.
Where: 550 First Ave., Fairbanks
When: Open daily, May 9 to Sept. 16
Cost: Free
Phone: 1-907-456-5774, 1-800-327-5774, 1-907-456-INFO
Web: www.explorefairbanks.com
Pioneer Park
The park is the perfect setting for summer fun in the midnight sun. Activities at the pioneer theme park include a Gold Rush town featuring Alaska gifts and crafts in authentic log cabins, picnic areas, canoe and kayak rental, a playground, an art gallery, a train ride, folk dancing, museums showcasing early Alaska life, President Harding's railroad car 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.
Where: 2300 Airport Way, Fairbanks
When: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, Memorial Day to Labor Day
Cost: Free; many activities have separate prices
Phone: 1-907-459-1087
Web: www.co.fairbanks.ak.us/Parks&Rec/PioneerPark
Riverboat Discovery
Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Chena and Tanana rivers, including a walking tour of the Chena Indian village. See Iditarod champion Susan Butcher's dogs, the wedding of the rivers and Dixie Alexander's Athabascan art.
Where: 1975 Discovery Drive, Fairbanks
When: 8:45 a.m., 2 p.m. daily
Cost: $44.95 adults, $29.95 children ages 3-12
Phone: 1-907-479-6673, 1-866-479-6673
Web: www.riverboatdiscovery.com
Santa Claus House
It's Christmas every day at this unique gift shop in North Pole. Have your picture taken with a 50-foot-tall Santa Claus. See Santa's reindeer, holiday murals on the store's walls and a collection of antique dolls.
Where: 101 St. Nicholas Drive, North Pole
When: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, May to September
Cost: Free
Phone: 1-907-488-2200, 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, crafts and huge Alaska vegetables. There are amusement rides, horse events and music. This year's theme is "Feast or Salmon."
Where: 1800 College Road, Fairbanks
When: Aug. 5-13; gates open at noon daily
Cost: $8 adults, $5 seniors, $5 children ages 6-17
Phone: 1-907-452-3750
Web: www.tananavalleyfair.org
University of Alaska Museum of the North
Located on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus, the museum gives visitors an introduction to the state with its award-winning exhibits. Highlights include the state's largest gold exhibit, an extensive collection of Alaska Native art and artifacts, the world's only 36,000-year-old steppe bison mummy and videos on the aurora, a whale hunt and Alaska Native dances. An audio guide of the Gallery of Alaska features natural soundscapes, samples of Alaska Native languages and conversations with elders, artists and scientists. The museum is completing construction of a new wing to open in September. It will feature a gallery dedicated to Alaska art, an expanded museum store and a multimedia auditorium for performances and presentations. The university, home to about 10,000 students, was founded in 1917. Student-guided tours of the campus are offered during the summer.
Where: UAF campus, 907 Yukon Drive, Fairbanks
When: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, May 15 to Sept. 15
Cost: $5 adults, $4.50 seniors, $3 youths, free for 6 and younger
Phone: 1-907-474-7505
Web: www.uaf.edu/museum
World Eskimo Indian Olympics
The olympics bring together athletes and dancers from several cultures. Events include one- and two-foot high kicks, drop the bomb, the four-man carry and the ear-pull competition.
Where: Big Dipper Ice Arena, Fairbanks
When: July 20-23
Cost: Free for daytime sessions; evening sessions are $8 for adults, $6 for students and seniors, and free for children 5 and younger
Phone: 1-907-452-6646
Web: www.weio.org
Yukon 800
Racers enjoy one of Alaska's oldest sporting events, chasing each other from Fairbanks to Galena and back along the Chena, Tanana and Yukon rivers. The 800-mile riverboat race is more than 45 years old.
Where: Starts on Chena River in downtown Fairbanks
When: June 25-26
Cost: Free to watch
Web: www.yukon800.com
