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: 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 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, Fairbanks
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 1,800-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, there are naturalist-led walks in the refuge. Saturday mornings, there is a artist-led program. The farm building is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Design Alaska Wild Arts Walk is June 2, and the annual Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival is Aug. 24-26.
Where: 1300 College Road
When: Open daily; interpretive center open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
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. Transportation available.
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.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: 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., Fairbanks
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
Cost: $12 adults, $8 children, $2 for 5 and younger
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. 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, Fairbanks
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 reenactments, a river regatta, music and the Rubber Duckie Race.
Where: Downtown Fairbanks
When: July 18-22
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, Fairbanks
When: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, May 29 to Sept. 4
Cost: $10 adults, $9 seniors, $6 students for hour tour; $6 for
30-minute tour
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. 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. Satellite offices are at the Fairbanks International Airport and the Alaska Railroad Depot.
Where: 550 First Ave., Fairbanks
When: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, May 7 to Sept. 16
Cost: Free
Phone: 1-800-327-5774, 456-INFO, 456-5774
Web: www.explorefairbanks.com
Midnight Sun Festival
Fairbanks' largest one-day festival takes place on the longest day of the year and features music, food and family fun. Three stages of live music keep the beat going, and other events include performing arts, gold panning, a vintage car show, dancing and games.
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 pioneer theme park include a Gold Rush town featuring Alaska gifts and crafts in authentic log cabins, picnic areas, canoe and kayak rental, a train ride, an art gallery, a playground, President Harding's railroad car, folk dancing, museums showcasing early Alaska life, dog sled rides 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, Fairbanks
When: 11 a.m. to 9 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, Fairbanks
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 amazing 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, Fairbanks
When: Aug. 3-11; noon to 10 p.m.
Cost: Admission charged
Phone: 452-3750
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. In summer, there are multimedia programs on the aurora borealis and winter in the new auditorium as well as short presentations on Alaska art, culture and wildlife. This summer, the special exhibit will be "From the North: Contemporary Alaska Native Art." The Museum Store has a wide selection of Alaska Native art and books.
Where: UAF campus, 907 Yukon Drive, Fairbanks
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
