There’s a tendency to regard Fairbanks Alaska as
nothing more that the gateway to Denali National Park, but this attitude
does an injustice to the largest city in Alaska’s interior. There’s
plenty to do in and around Fairbanks, and enough outdoor adventure to
satisfy almost any visitor.
The Chena River runs through downtown Fairbanks, offering a number of
water-based activities. Fishing here is good year-round (providing you
enjoy ice-fishing). Boaters will have fun rafting and canoeing on the
Chena, whether it’s only for an afternoon or an overnight trip.
The Riverboat Discovery is a sternwheeler boat that provides cruises.
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The beautiful Alaskan outdoors is within easy reach of Fairbanks, and
hikers or bikers won’t have far to go to enjoy it. The Chena River
Recreational Area gives guests the choice of several short hikes or
the hardy 29-mile trek along the Chena Dome Trail. Mountain bikers can
even ride in the snow if they rent bikes with studded tires.
The Fairbanks area is jam-packed with skiing, sledding and snowmachining
opportunities. Mushers can get their fix on the sprint tracks at Jeff
Studdert Race Grounds or the tranquil trails along Chena Lakes at Lake
River Park. Snowmobile lovers can ride on the trails at Broad Pass south
of Cantwell or hit the Denali Highway. Cross-country skiers will find
some smooth skiing along the trails in Salcha while downhill aficionados
plunge down the slopes at the Moose Mountain Ski Resort. The Birch Hill
Recreation Area has both downhill and Nordic skiing as well as snowboarding
runs.
The Fairbanks Alaska area is home to several hot springs. Visitors can
soak their bones at the rustic Tolova Hotsprings or the fancier pools
at Circle Hotsprings, Manley Hotsprings or the luxurious Chena Hotsprings
Resort. There are also undeveloped springs where visitors can camp over
night (if they can find a place to put their tent), but it’s a
good idea to get some information from the Alaska Public Land Information
Center at 250 Cushman Street in Downtown Fairbanks beforehand.
Fairbanks Alaska is the home of the University
of Fairbanks Alaska.
The University Museum in Fairbanks has
many fascinating exhibits on Alaskan culture and history, including
the 36,000 year-old Blue Babe, a frost-mummified Steppe Bison.
Fairbanks’ Pioneer Park is the city’s
largest attraction and features historical displays.
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