Chena! Just kidding, but isn’t that the first thing everybody says when you mention Fairbanks? “Oooh you just have to go to Chena Hot Springs!” While I don’t totally disagree, there is so much more to interior Alaska that is worth visiting!
Fairbanks is located more or less in the geographic center of Alaska, which, along with the gold mining history in that area, is where the Golden Heart City nickname comes from. The temperature ranges are crazy, the birch tree forests are plentiful, and it’s definitely a quirky kind of place, but it’s one that I’ve come to really enjoy! Whether you’re an Alaskan looking for a weekend getaway or somebody debating adding Fairbanks to your once-in-a- lifetime trip itinerary, hopefully this list can help!
Birch Hill
Birch Hill is located just outside of Fairbanks as you head north on the Steese Highway and is a (you guessed it!) birch forest with various recreational options depending on the season. Cross country skiing and biathlon are popular in the winter while disc golf is popular in the summer. If you’re feeling more lowkey, a walk is always an option as well! Either way, it’s a beautiful space to get outside. A few other favorites if you’re looking to get outside on the water are Tanana Lakes Recreation Area and Chena Lake Recreation Area.
Black Spruce Brewing
Black Spruce Brewing was founded in 2018 and serves a rotating menu of locally crafted beer. If you’re looking for a small, hometown brewery feel, definitely check them out and enjoy a pint in their beer garden. You’re welcome to bring your own take-out, or they occasionally have food trucks on site. If the tasting room is more your style, there’s usually art from a local artist on display.
Chena River
The Chena is a 100-mile tributary that flows right through downtown, ultimately ending as it feeds into the Tanana River. Whether you’re floating the river or stepping back in time on the Riverboat Discovery, getting out on the water is a wonderful way to spend a sunny summer day!
The Crepery
The Crepery is located downtown and offers a variety of delicious crepes. Whether you’re looking for something sweet or savory, they have a little bit of everything and a full coffee menu to go with it! Once you’re done enjoying your crepes, don’t forget to check out their awesome “Greeting from Fairbanks, Alaska” mural for a photo op.
Creamer’s Field
Creamer’s Field is a good idea, no matter what the season. The site is now a refuge, but was previously a functioning farm, and there are still buildings from that era near the parking lot. There are beautiful boardwalks that you can wander along through a marshy birch forest, and the spot is a popular stop for birds. There is even an annual Sandhill Crane Festival held each summer in honor of the cranes starting their journey south for the winter.
Ester Dome
Ester Dome is a popular hiking and mountain biking spot, plus it offers beautiful views once you get to the top! Driving is also an option if you’re not feeling very active or low on time.
Fairbanks Arts Association
The Fairbanks Arts Association promotes the local arts community throughout the city and is my favorite part of Pioneer Park. I especially love their Youth Art Month show, which features student art during the month of March, but honestly all of their events are pretty awesome! As an art teacher I’m a little biased, but if you’re looking for a good local souvenir option their gift shop in the Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts at Pioneer Park is amazing!
Fairbanks Distilling Company
Fairbanks Distilling Company is located in downtown, with the option of sampling the vodkas or ordering a cocktail. If you’re there in the summer, I’d highly recommend enjoying your beverage of choice on the patio!
Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum
The Fountainhead Museum offers visitors a walk through history via vehicles and their corresponding fashions. I was skeptical at first as I’m not all that much of a car enthusiast, but it truly is a little gem. Don’t be discouraged by the weird location behind a bunch of condos- be brave and go check it out!
Geraldo’s Italian Restaurant
Part of the fence surrounding Geraldo’s outdoor dining area states, “SAY YES TO GARLIC,” and honestly what more is there to say? If you’re looking for saucy, savory, Italian comfort food in the middle of a Fairbanks cold snap, Geraldo’s is your place.
Granite Tors & Angel Rocks
These hiking trails are found along Chena Hot Springs Road and feature tors, large granite structures that are visible now that the area around them has been worn away. They both make great day hikes, and I’ve written previously in more detail about backpacking Granite Tors.
Hoarfrost Distilling
Hoarfrost Distilling is a favorite of mine for First Friday. They usually have an artist’s work on display and yummy drink specials! It’s a cozy little spot, and they change up their events and offerings pretty often, so be sure to check out their social media before you go!
HooDoo Brewing Company
I love the atmosphere at HooDoo, and their beer is pretty great, too! If you’re looking for a tiny local brewery experience HooDoo is one that you should add to your list. They’ve also got a food truck partner that is typically on the premises if you’re looking for food.
Ice Alaska World Championships
Held in Fairbanks every February at the Tanana Valley State Fairgrounds, the World Ice Art Championships is an amazing combination of creativity and the elements. There are many different categories that artists from around the world come to compete in, and the results are amazing! Check out the calendar of events page on their website to catch the artists in action as you wander through this beautiful outdoor “gallery,” and be sure to bundle up! Winter temperatures in Fairbanks are no joke, and the first time I went I thought for sure I was going to end up sacrificing a few toes to the ice art gods!
Plan B: Although the sculptures are up throughout February and part of March, if you can’t make it to Fairbanks during the championships, the Aurora Ice Museum at Chena Hot Springs is open year-round!
Just the Tips
The space is cute, and the food is amazing! Just the Tips is tucked away in a tiny little building off of Illinois St. Their hours are limited and subject to change, so it’s usually best to check in before you visit. Their motto is “Forage to Fork Fare,” and have I mentioned the food is amazing? Seating is limited, but the space is very welcoming and homey. As of March 2023 Just the Tips was indefinitely closed, but I’m hoping they will make a comeback!
Latitude 65 Brewing Company
Latitude 65 is the newest of the breweries on this list, and houses both a brewery and cider house in a building just north of downtown. Their space is beautiful and their beer is good, too!
Midnight Sun Festival
The Midnight Sun Festival is held in the summer to celebrate the longest day of the year- summer solstice! There’s a festival downtown with artists and food vendors, plus lots of events and entertainment. There’s also a midnight baseball game!
Mocha Dan’s
Mocha Dan’s may just be a coffee cart, but they easily have my favorite breakfast in all of Fairbanks. There is nothing quite like a Big Bad Potato Burrito to start your day, plus their coffee is great and their servers are top-notch. Most all of my weekend adventures or day trips from Fairbanks have started with a breakfast burrito and a sweet caffeine fix from Mocha Dan’s, and it’s something I daydream about often in Anchorage!
The Pump House
The Pump House is a nod to Fairbanks’s heritage and the atmosphere is that of a Gold Rush saloon. The big wooden bar is gorgeous, and they also have billiards and shuffleboard tables. Plus the food is good and the Pump House sits right on the Chena River, so there’s a pretty view. If you’re looking for a fancier dinner option, the Pump House might be just what you’re looking for.
Santa Claus House
It wouldn’t be a trip to Fairbanks without a stop in North Pole! No really…Santa lives in Alaska. Just outside of Fairbanks, to be exact. About twenty minutes southeast from Fairbanks you’ll encounter the tiny hamlet of North Pole, complete with candy cane light fixtures and its very own Santa Claus House.
Ski Land
Ski Land is located just 30 minutes north of Fairbanks and is a pretty awesome little ski spot. There’s only one chairlift, and it’s a very low-key operation. If you’re not super worried about lift access, you can always try backcountry skiing on your own.
Tanana Valley Farmers Market
The Tanana Valley Farmers Market is held each Wednesday and Saturday from May until September, and features a wide variety of local makers. If you’re looking for souvenirs it’s a great option, and I like visiting their food vendors for lunch. There’s a little bit of something for everybody.
UAF Museum of the North
The Museum of the North is located on UAF’s campus and is a must see! Art, science, history, the museum has a little bit of everything! The UAA campus also has extensive walking/skiing trails if you want to explore a bit of the area.
Venue
Venue is a gorgeous little coffeehouse downtown that features a whole slew of local Alaskan artists! They’re great for a quick coffee pick-me-up and the space has a great atmosphere. They actually describe themselves as a “community social space,” and after a visit that descriptor totally makes sense. Easily one of my favorite spots in downtown!
White Mountains National Recreation Area
Just north of Fairbanks, the White Mountains offer spectacular views and lots of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors! One of the most popular options is the Wickersham Dome hike. but winter has amazing cross country ski and snowmobile options, too. I’m hoping to do a multi-day skiing trip throughout the White Mountains and their public use cabins in the future!
All in all, Fairbanks can feel a little rough around the edges and very industrial, but in the end there are definitely some gems to enjoy! Honestly this list was pretty difficult to narrow down to just 25 places, and there are so many more that I could add. That being said, hopefully one of these catches your interest, but if not, there’s always Chena Hot Springs!