'GOLDEN': University town has history, art, even a stern-wheeler.
Fairbanks, dubbed the "Golden Heart City," is known for hot summers, cold winters, year-round attractions and some of the state's most phenomenal views of the aurora borealis, or the northern lights.
"In my own mind, I'd love to think about Fairbanks as named for the golden rule of caring for people," said Mary Walker, director of Alaska Interfaith Power & Light, a local nonprofit. "We do have a very warm heart here."
The city's mix of urban downtown, a suburban area and outlying cabins creates what Walker calls a frontier vibe that other travel destinations may not offer.
In March, ice sculptors from around the world congregate in Fairbanks, taking over the town with intricate ice constructions. The ice celebration includes award ceremonies, ice carving demonstrations, ice skating and playground equipment made of ice.
During the summer, downtown is filled with amusements. "Fairbanks has a fun nightlife," said Walker, who recommends the bar float on the Chena River as one of the best ways for people to stay cool during the long sun-filled summer days. Visitors -- who should be sure to wear life jackets -- can float down the river from one bar deck to the next.
The University of Alaska in Fairbanks is a big draw, featuring the Museum of the North, educational workshops, concerts and other arts events.
For visitors hoping to get a glimpse of local wildlife including the famed musk oxen, both the Large Animal Research Station (LARS) and the Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary offer tours featuring mammals, including moose, flying squirrels and red foxes.
Pioneer Park is another great place to get a sense of Fairbanks' past, with historic buildings and museums and a carousel, mini-golf course and food vendors.
ATTRACTIONS
Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge
The 2,000-acre refuge started life as a dairy farm during the Gold Rush. Today, migratory and resident birds including Canada geese, sandhill cranes, pintails, golden plovers, shovelers, ravens, owls and mallards visit the refuge. In addition to open spaces and wildlife, the refuge has about five miles of nature trails. The farm buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. The trails are always open, and special events are held year-round.
Where: 1300 College Road
When: Open daily
Cost: Free
Phone: 907-452-5162
Web: creamersfield.org
Fairbanks Ice Museum
The Fairbanks Ice Museum showcases the creation of ice art in a slide show. The museum also offers ice carving demonstrations and tours of sculptures.
Where: 500 2nd Avenue
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
Cost: $12 for adults, $6 for children, $2 for children 5 years and under
Phone: 907-451-8222
Web: www.icemuseum.com
Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum
More than 50 rare cars from the turn of the century to the late '30s are paired with vintage clothing from their times. Walls feature a collection of historical Fairbanks photos.
Where: 212 Wedgewood Drive
When: Summer hours 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday-Saturday; winter hours noon to 6 p.m. Sunday only
Cost: $8 adults, $5 ages 3-12; discounts for Fountainhead Hotel guests
Phone: 907-450-2100
Web: fountainheadhotels.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, May through September
Cost: $3, children under 6 free
Phone: 907-474-1944
Web: www.uaf.edu/snras/gbg
Golden Heart Plaza
This park, with fantastic views of downtown and the Chena River, is a hot spot for local happenings.
Where: Downtown Fairbanks
When: Year-round with community events in the summer; call the Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau for updated information
Cost: Free
Phone: 907-456-5774
Web: www.explorefairbanks.com
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 provide authoritative information about the Alaska animals.
Where: 2220 Yankovich Road
When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $6 for students
Phone: 907-474-5724
Web: www.lars.iab.uaf.edu
Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center
This is the starting point for a visit to Fairbanks and the Interior. The center, which opened in 2008, comprises the Alaska Public Lands Information Center, the Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Alaska Geographic Store and other helpful resources. Free films are shown daily at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.
Where: 101 Dunkel St.
When: Summer hours 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily; winter hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Phone: 907-459-3700
Web: morristhompson center.org
Pioneer Park
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 rentals, an art gallery, train rides, playgrounds, President Warren G. 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. Parkwide 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: 907-459-1087
Web: www.fnsb.us/pioneerpark
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 kennel, a floatplane display and the wedding of the rivers.
Where: 1975 Discovery Drive
When: 8:45 a.m., 2 p.m. daily
Cost: $54.95 adults, $37.95 children ages 3 to 12
Phone: 907-479-6673, 866-479-6673
Web: riverboatdiscovery.com
Santa Claus House
It's Christmas every day at this unique gift shop in North Pole, with its assortment of Christmas gifts, collectibles, apparel and local crafts.
Where: 101 St. Nicholas Drive, North Pole
When: Open daily in 2011 from April 18 through Dec. 31; winter hours (Jan. 1 through April 17) are Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Closed Jan. 1-2, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and Dec. 26.
Cost: Free
Phone: 907-488-2200, 800-588-4078
Web: santaclaushouse.com
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. 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 displays a full range of Alaska art, from 2,000-year-old ivory carvings to contemporary paintings and sculptures, and there is, in addition, a great museum store that specializes in Alaska Native art and showcases artists' work from all over the state. The Place Where You Go to Listen is a unique sound-and-light experience. In summer, the auditorium has multimedia programs on the aurora borealis, winter and Alaska's art. The museum offers special exhibits, family programs and lectures throughout the year.
Where: UAF campus, 907 Yukon Drive
When: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, May 15 to Sept. 15; winter hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday
Cost: $10 general admission, $9 seniors, $5 youths, free for children under 7; movies are an additional $5
Phone: 907-474-7505
Web: www.uaf.edu/museum
EVENTS
Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival
Each summer artists visit Fairbanks to celebrate and teach dance, drumming, jazz, opera and fine arts. Individuals can register for workshops and classes on topics including theatre and opera.
Where: University of Alaska Fairbanks
When: July 17-31
Cost: Daily free concerts, with prices from $10-$25 for other individual events. A season pass is $300.
Phone: 907-474-8869
Web: www.fsaf.org
World Ice Art Championships
In its 22nd annual year, the World Ice Art Championships have over 70 teams participating from all over the world who create large-scale ice sculptures. The event draws thousands of visitors each year to see their favorite artists and artworks constructed entirely of ice.
Where: Fairbanks
When: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, Feb. 22 through March 27
Cost: $10 for adult day passes, $5 for children day passes and free for children 6 and under
Phone: 907-451-8250
Web: www.icealaska.com
Midnight Sun Festival
The largest one-day event in Fairbanks offers music, food and family fun on the longest day of the year. Enjoy a vintage and classic car show, children's rides, petting zoo, gold panning, military display, Alaska craft vendors, strolling entertainers and more.
When: June 21
Where: Downtown Fairbanks
Cost: Free
Phone: 907-452-8671
Web: downtownfairbanks.com
106th Midnight Sun Baseball Game
The Alaska Goldpanners baseball team begins their contest at 10:30 p.m. and continues past midnight without artificial lighting. The "high noon at midnight" classic is an annual ritual on the longest day of the year.
Where: Growden Memorial Park
When: 10:30 p.m. June 21
Cost: $15
Phone: 907-451-0095
Web: goldpanners.com
Golden Days
Golden Days is five days of summer festivities with activities for everyone, including the largest parade in Alaska, pancake breakfasts, historic re-enactments, a beer festival, a river regatta, music and the Rubber Duckie Race.
Where: Downtown Fairbanks
When: July 20-24
Cost: Free
Phone: 907-452-1105
Tanana Valley State Fair
With arts and crafts, live entertainment and food, the Tanana Valley State Fair highlights the extensive farming, and the resulting large vegetables, that interior Alaska is known for.
Where: Fairbanks
When: Aug. 5 - 13
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for children, season passes also available
Phone: 907-452-3750
Web: www.tananavalleyfair.org
