The perfect mix of Alaskan city life and natural scenery, Fairbanks offers visitors plenty of things to do. In the more urban areas, you can shop, check out the many museums and art galleries and see what the Alaskan Native Culture is all about. Part of the Alaskan interior, Fairbanks really does blend historic charm and culture with a more modern vibe as well. For the outdoor lover, there is everything from dog mushing excursions to opportunities to pan for gold just as they did in the frontier days. There are several mineral rich hot springs in the area that give you a chance to just soak and relax. For the more active days, skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing should definitely be on your agenda.
This is the optimal place for Northern Lights viewing. People from all over the world come here to see phenomenon that is the Aurora Borealis. There are several tour companies dedicated to providing the best experience possible, whether by flight, dog sled, or from a yurt.
Experiencing the Summer Solstice in Fairbanks is truly unique. The Midnight Sun Festival attracts over 30,000. Live music, vendors, and food trucks line the streets. You also can’t miss the Midnight Sun Baseball Game—it has been voted the #1 Baseball Road Trip.
Fairbanks is proud of its heritage and shows this daily through the various displays of native Alaskan culture, arts, and activities available. From the specialty stores featuring handcrafted goods, to the multitude of festivals throughout the year, to the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics, their roots are on display.
Winter is a good time to visit if your main objective is to see the northern lights. The days are really short and the weather is cold.
Late spring can be a good time to visit to miss the summer crowds (and hotel rates). May daily highs are around 60 degrees.
July and August are the peak tourism months. The days are extremely long (nearly 24 hours of sunshine). Summers are packed with festivals and celebrations.
Early fall is a good time to miss crowds but still get the last bit of summer. The snow starts in October. Many people begin visiting in late fall to see the northern lights.