Guide Book - Fairbanks Alaska

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🍴 Dining & Food

East Ramp Pizza (18 min)
Choose your own toppings to be baked in a wood‑fired oven. Relax and watch the action on the runway. In our opinion this is the best place for pizza in Fairbanks!
Address: 3788 S. University Ave, Fairbanks, AK / Phone: (907) 451-7492

The Crepery (23 min)
Cozy downtown café serving sweet & savory crepes with a local art vibe.
Address: 523 2nd Ave, Fairbanks, AK / Phone: (907) 450-9192

Blue Roof Bistro (23 min)
The best place for a burger or our favorite, smoked salmon sliders - Great service & Great Food!
Address: 13 Timberland Dr, Fairbanks, AK / Phone: (907) 799-5913

Jazz Bistro on 4th (25 min)
Intimate, refined dining with Cuban‑inspired cuisine, craft cocktails, and live jazz.
Address: 529 4th Ave, Fairbanks, AK / Phone: (907) 328-3663

HooDoo Brewing Company – Taproom (20 min)
Local brewery with exceptional beers, rotating food trucks, with a community‑driven vibe.
Address: 1951 Fox Ave, Fairbanks, AK / Phone: (907) 459-2337

Turtle Club (34 min)
Rustic but upscale log-cabin roadhouse, known for prime rib, seafood, and a hearty salad bar.
Address: 2098 Old Steese Hwy N, Fairbanks, AK / Phone (907) 457-3883

Silver Gulch Brewing & Bottling Co. (35 min)
America’s northernmost brewery offering hearty pub fare, excellent ales, and a fun frontier retreat atmosphere.
Address: 2195 Old Steese Hwy N, Fairbanks, AK / Phone (907) 254-2739

🥾 Hiking

Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary Trails (10–15 min)
Peaceful boreal forest loops around ponds with excellent birdwatching.
Address: Adjacent to Wedgewood Resort, 212 Wedgewood Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99701

UAF North Campus Trails - (15 min)

West Tanana Dr Parking area. Trail access is across the road.
Address: 2314 W Tanana Dr. Fairbanks, AK

8 miles of winter walking / snowshoeing trails

14.7 miles of groomed ski trails + 2 miles of un-groomed trails
 

Georgeson Botanical Garden & Trails (15 min)
Seasonal subarctic garden with native plants, peonies, and small walking paths.
Address: 117 West Tanana Dr, Fairbanks, AK (UAF campus)

Creamer’s Field Refuge (15 min)
Easy walking paths with migratory bird photography opportunities.
Address: 1300 College Rd, Fairbanks, AK

Ester Dome Trails (15–20 min)
Popular local hike with switchbacks to panoramic ridge views—great for sunsets and aurora watching. Trail Access: From Sheep Creek Rd, park near the junction with Ester Dome Rd. (Coordinates: 64.87885, –148.056)

Chena Lake Recreation Area Trails (40 min)
Flat, scenic lakeside trails with wildlife, berry picking, and year-round access.
Address: 3780 Laurance Rd, North Pole, AK

Angel Rocks Trail (45 min)
Scenic tors, river views, wildlife.
Trailhead: Mile 49, Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK

Granite Tors Trail (50 min)
Challenging day hike with sweeping views of tors and valleys.
Trailhead: Mile 39, Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK
 

⚠️ Important Note on Tours & Sightseeing

Fairbanks is one of Alaska’s most popular year-round destinations, and is considered by many travelers and scientists alike to be one of the best places on Earth to view the Northern Lights. Because of this, tours and excursions often sell out quickly.
 

🧭 Tours & Sightseeing

Alaska Railroad – Fairbanks Depot (22 min)
Gateway to epic rail trips (Denali Star, Aurora Winter Train).
Address: 1031 Alaska Railroad Depot Rd, Fairbanks, AK / Phone: (907) 456-5787
 

Riverboat Discovery Cruise (21 min)
Classic sternwheeler—bush pilot demo, sled-dog stop, Athabascan village.
Address: 1975 Discovery Dr, Fairbanks, AK / Phone: (907) 479-6673

Canoe Alaska – Chena River Floats & Rentals (20 min)
Easy paddles right in town—canoe, kayak, SUP; shuttle included on popular floats.
Address: 1101 Peger Rd, Fairbanks, AK / Phone: (907) 457-2453

1st Alaska Tours (22 min)
Year-round operator for aurora viewing, Chena Hot Springs, Arctic Circle & more.
Address: 2240 Hanson Rd, Fairbanks, AK / Phone: (907) 590-5900

Arctic Winter Adventures (40 min)
Dog-sledding excursions offering views of the northern lights
720 Old Murphy Dome Rd, Fairbanks, AK / Phone (907) 590-5900

Northern Alaska Tour Company – Arctic Circle Fly/Drive (19 min)
Signature Arctic adventures by road or air.
Address: 3820 University Ave S, Fairbanks, AK / Phone: (907) 474-8600 or 800-474-1986

Alaska Fishing & Raft Adventures (18 min)
Guided Chena River floats & fishing (summer) + ice fishing & aurora combos (winter).
Address: 525 Halvorson Rd, Fairbanks, AK / Phone: (800) 819-0737

Running Reindeer Ranch – Reindeer Walks (23 min)
Beloved small-group forest walk with friendly reindeer—open year-round.
Address: 1470 Ivans Alley, Fairbanks, AK / Phone: (907) 455-4998

Paws for Adventure – Dog Sledding (36 min)
Authentic kennel tours & mushing (winter) plus fall training rides.
Meeting Point: Herning Rd & George Rd, Fairbanks, AK / Phone: (907) 699-3960

Alaska Wildlife Guide (39 min, North Pole)
Small-group experts for aurora, Chena Hot Springs, snowmobiling & ice fishing.
Address: 3740 Lyle Ave, North Pole, AK / Phone: (907) 699-7455

🔭 Self-Guided Tours & Exploration

Downtown Riverwalk & Antler Arch Loop (24 min)
Stroll the Chena River from Griffin Park past the WWII Lend-Lease Monument, Antler Arch, and visitor center—easy selfies and history in one loop.
Start: Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, 101 Dunkel St, Fairbanks, AK

Public Art on the River: “Polaris” (22 min)
See the shimmering spires of Polaris along the Chena River between the Cushman & Barnette St bridges (great dusk light). Location: Downtown riverfront - 104 N Turner St, Fairbanks, AK
 

Pioneer Park Historic Village Walk (20 min)
Wander cabins, tiny museums, and boardwalks in a 44-acre heritage park.
Address: 1920 Lathrop St, Fairbanks, AK
 

UAF Geophysical Institute – Self-Guided Campus Stops (18 min)
Walk the GI outdoor tour (rocket, satellite dishes, Planet Walk). Indoor self-guided route on weekdays. Start: Elvey Building, 2156 Koyukuk Dr, Fairbanks, AK

Tanana Lakes Recreation Area (16 min)
Close-to-town beaches, family paths, paddling in summer; fat-tire/ice fun in winter.
Address: 4400 S Cushman St Ext, Fairbanks, AK

Trans Alaska Pipeline Viewpoint (20 min)
Drive to MP 8.5 on the Steese for interpretive signs and up-close pipeline views.
Location: Milepost 8.5, Steese Hwy, Fairbanks, AK 99712

Birch Hill Recreation Area (17 min)
Well-signed Nordic trail system in winter; pleasant hilltop paths the rest of the year.
Address: 101 Wilderness Dr, Fairbanks, AK

Chena Hot Springs Resort & Aurora Ice Museum (1 hr)
Soak under big skies; tour the year-round ice museum and ice bar.
Address: 17600 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK / Phone: (907) 451-8104

Aurora Viewing - Recommendations and Notes
- Advice from local experience, as a landscape and astro photographer (your host).

Note: Hunting down “The Lights” can be a fun adventure. Yet base on the location of Aurora (the cabin), this is much like hunting down the big dipper (star pattern). 95% not necessary. If they’re out you will see them here. If you’re looking for a full horizon view, consider our
#1 Recommendation below. Do a pre-trip during the day to familiarize yourself with the area along with the trail aside the lake; or to see if the lake is frozen enough to walk out on.
NOTE: the gate closes at 10pm. This is the most private opportunity, if you get out and walk the trail or if you can walk on the frozen lake. Void of headlights, people and the craziness of the popular spots. 

Note; infrequently the lights will only be down low on the horizon. Visit the Fairbanks facebook group, if people are posting current photos and you don’t see the lights at the cabin, bundle up, pack some hot chocolate, hand warmers and let your Alaska Aurora Adventure commence.  

• #1 Recommendation: Tanana Lakes Area at 1039 Northlake Ln. Fairbanks, AK (25 min)
• Aurora Pointe (20 min) Indoor aurora lectures or use Aurora’s photo books + VR headsets. Address: 570 Funk Rd, Fairbanks, AK / Phone: (907) 880-3314
  * Open by reservation only. Aurora Viewing Experience reservations may be made online through the Book Now tab or by email and phone. Aurora Viewing Experiences are available between the months of August and April.
• Murphy Dome (45 min): Big-sky ridge with parking area off Murphy Dome Rd.
• Cleary Summit (40 min): High pullout around Steese Hwy MP ~20 with wide views.
• Chena Lake Recreation Area (40 min): Open horizons over lake/river parks.
  Address: 3780 Laurance Rd, North Pole, AK 99705
• Mixed Bag of Possibilities: - Top of Ballaine Rd. Between Farmers Loop Rd & Goldstream 25 min. - Hagelbarger Lookout 30 min. - Nordale Boat Launch (North Pole) 36 min. - Salcha (South of North Pole) 50 min. - Olnes Pond 50 min.

🖼️ Museums & Cultural Centers

University of Alaska Museum of the North (18 min)
World-class exhibits featuring Alaska Native art, wildlife, and immersive displays.
Address: 1962 Yukon Dr, Fairbanks, AK (UAF campus) / Phone: (907) 474-7505

Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center (25 min)
Local culture and visitor info hub, with exhibits, maps, and helpful staff.
Address: 101 Dunkel St, Fairbanks, AK / Phone: (907) 459-3701

Pioneer Park & Tanana Valley Railroad Museum (21 min)
Walk-through a heritage village with multiple museums! Pioneer, Railroad, Air Museum + more.
Address: 1920 Lathrop St, Fairbanks, AK / Phone: (907) 459-1087

Fairbanks Community Museum (25 min)
Cozy exhibit of Gold Rush, Dog Mushing, flood history—housed in the old City Hall.
Address: 535 2nd Ave, Suite 215 (Co-Op Plaza), Fairbanks, AK / Phone: (907) 457-3669

Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum (22 min)
Spectacular pre–WWII auto collection with vintage fashion in one museum.
Address: 212 Wedgewood Dr, Fairbanks, AK / Phone: (907) 450-2100

🛍️ Authentic Alaska Shopping

* Alaska Outdoor Gear Rental (22 min)
This is the place to go if you need gear for your time in Alaska. Rent from a local family business and save money by renting gear you would not use at home or on other adventures.
Address: 1855 Standard Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701
Phone: (907) 360-6333 Alaska Outdoor Gear

Big Ray’s - The Alaskan Outfitter (24 min)
Address: 507 2nd Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701
Phone: (907) 452-3458 Big Ray's

Apocalypse Design (22 min)
Locally made, rugged arctic clothing and outdoor gear, mushing gear.
Address: 201 Minnie St, Fairbanks, AK 99701
Phone: (907) 451-7555 Apocalypse Design

Two Street Gallery (23 min)
Artist-owned fine art gallery featuring the work of more than 20 local artists with original paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry.
Address: 535 2nd Ave, Suite 102, Fairbanks, AK 99701
Phone: (907) 455-4070 2streetgallery.com

The Alaska House Art Gallery (23 min)
Historic log-house gallery showcasing work of Claire Fejes and over 200 Alaskan artists.
Address: 1003 Cushman St, Fairbanks, AK 99701
Phone: (907) 456-6449 thealaskahouse.com

Lichen (24 min)
Stylish locally curated home goods, apparel, stationery, and art. Voted “Best Gift Shop” and “Best Art Gallery” in 2024 by locals.
Address: 301 Cushman Street | Fairbanks, AK 99701

🎉 Seasonal Events, Festivals & Farmers Markets

Aurora Season = dark clear skies with a little Space Weather luck
Generally speaking look north. Due to Fairbanks being under the aurora oval, we’ve seen the Northern Lights at the cabin in literally every direction in the sky. However in time-lapse photos we’ve done, they are always the strongest in the Northern Sky. Look for the Big Dipper, just to the left of the Big Dipper is the primary action. Your camera or smart phone camera will give you the best view!

❄️ Winter (Nov–Mar)

North Pole Christmas in Ice (Dec)
Holiday ice carving, Santa visits, and family fun at Santa Claus House.
Phone: (907) 590-2522 —> christmasinice.org
Location: Santa Claus House, 101 St Nicholas Dr, North Pole, AK – 34 min

Winter Solstice Fireworks (Dec 21)
Downtown fireworks and celebrations marking the shortest day of the year.
Location: Golden Heart Plaza, 516 1st Ave, Fairbanks, AK – 23 min

Yukon Quest Alaska (Feb)
7/850-mile dog sled race starting in Fairbanks. More than just a race across the frozen frontier - it is a tribute to our Alaskan heritage, a masterclass in canine athleticism, and a showcase of the unbreakable bond between a musher and their team.
Phone: (907) 452-7954 —> yukonquest.com
Location: Downtown Fairbanks riverfront (Cushman St. Bridge area) – 20 min

World Ice Art Championships (Feb–Mar)
Massive ice sculptures by international artists—day and night viewing.
Phone: (907) 451-8250 —> icealaska.org
Location: Tanana Valley Fairgrounds, 1800 College Rd, Fairbanks, AK – 24 min

Open North American Dog Sled Championship (Mar)
Oldest sprint dog sled race in the world—fast teams, festive energy.
Phone: (907) 457-6874 —> alaskadogmushers.com
Location: Alaska Dog Mushers Hall, 925 Farmers Loop Rd, Fairbanks, AK – 24 min

Festival of Native Arts (Mar)
UAF-hosted showcase of Indigenous music, dance, and storytelling.
Phone: (907) 474-6889 —> fna.community.uaf.edu
Location: UAF Davis Concert Hall, 505 Yukon Dr, Fairbanks, AK – 18 min

Chatanika Days (Mar)
Quirky winter carnival—outhouse races, snowshoe softball, Alaskan fun.
Phone: (907) 389-2164
Location: Chatanika Lodge, 5760 Steese Hwy, Fairbanks, AK – 57 min

☀️ Summer (June–Aug)

Midnight Sun Festival (June, Summer Solstice)
Downtown street festival with music, artisans, and solstice cheer.
Phone: (907) 452-8671 —> fairbanksalaska.com
Location: Downtown Fairbanks, 2nd Ave & Cushman St – 23 min

Golden Days Festival (July)
Parades, street fairs, and the Golden Days River Regatta.
Phone: (907) 452-1105 —> fairbankschamber.org
Location: Downtown Fairbanks (parade route & riverfront) – 23 min

Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival (July)
Workshops & performances across music, dance, theater, and art.
Phone: (907) 474-8869 —> fsaf.org
Location: UAF campus & venues across Fairbanks – 23min

Shakespeare in the Park (July)
Outdoor summer productions—live theatre under the midnight sun.
Phone: (907) 457-7638 —> fstalaska.org
Location: Outdoor venues, often Birch Hill or Pioneer Park – 25 min

Tanana Valley State Fair (Aug)
Classic Alaska fair—rides, livestock, food, crafts, and live shows.
Phone: (907) 452-3750 —> tananavalleyfair.com
Location: Tanana Valley Fairgrounds, 1800 College Rd, Fairbanks, AK – 21 min

 🍂 Fall (Sept & Oct)

Farmer’s Loop Hay Maze (Sept–Oct)
Seasonal family tradition—Alaska’s own hay maze.
Location: 1953 Farmer’s Loop Rd, Fairbanks, AK – 19 min

Fairbanks Fiber Festival (Sept)
Celebration of local fiber arts, weaving, and handmade crafts.
Location: Tanana Valley Fairgrounds, 1800 College Rd, Fairbanks, AK – 22 min

UAF Georgeson Botanical Garden Plant Sale (Sept)
Annual fundraiser and chance to bring home hardy local plants.
Phone: (907) 474-7222 —> georgesonbotanicalgarden.org
Location: 117 W Tanana Dr, Fairbanks, AK (UAF campus) – 16 min

Other Opportunities

Tanana Valley Farmers Market (May–Sep, twice weekly)
Alaska’s oldest established farmers market—local produce, flowers, honey, and crafts.
Phone: (907) 452-6059 —> tvfmarket.com
Location: 2600 College Rd, Fairbanks, AK – 21 min

UAF Nanook Hockey (Oct–Mar)
NCAA hockey at Carlson Center—big local pride, exciting games.
Location: Carlson Center, 2010 2nd Ave, Fairbanks, AK – 21 min

Freeze-up: When lakes and rivers freeze up. Sounds simple, however seeing this happen in person is phenomenal! Once the lakes freeze and before the snow covers them, larger lakes like Chena Lake will emit a “singing ice” sound that is other-worldly! Generally this is late October. November is magical in its own right. Standing next to a river beginning to freeze up as you watch, hear and feel the river turning into ice, will be a lifetime memory! Take your camera and lots of hand warmers. 

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Unrivaled Alaska – Curated & Private (by private arrangement)
Exclusive Alaska experiences, thoughtfully curated for our Aurora guests.

• All Unrivaled Alaska – Curated & Private options are by appointment with scheduling in advance. Your invitation to these options was sent via email or messaging service at the time of your booking. 
• Please use this section as inspiration and planning your next visit.
   

Add a Touch of Luxury

For guests seeking once-in-a-lifetime indulgences: Private - Bespoke - Cherished Experiences.

Proposal Package at Aurora (on-site)

Curated floral bouquet delivered before your arrival - ‘/Professional Photographer scheduled at your conveyance.

Floral Package
Have a beautiful bouquet of flowers awaiting for your enjoyment during your stay.

Food & Beverage Package

Meals, snacks and beverages pre-planned, with all ingredients pre-delivered.  

Fully Immersive Options

Curated experiences designed to deliver Alaska’s wonder directly to you. Private accessibility with exclusive opportunities of adventure.
 

Intimate Aurora Chasing & Photography Tours - private pick-up at Aurora
with expert guides to track clear skies in real time (warm beverages included). More than just viewing the lights, learn and enjoy a night out, rich with laughter and memories. 

Upgrade: Include a private photographer for a professional photo shoot.

Multi-Sport Adventure Day (seasonal)
Snowmobiling and dog sledding in the winter. Rafting and ATV/UTV’s in summer. Includes gear, meals, and expert guides.

Upgrade: End with a fireside dinner by a private chef.
 

Fly-Out Wilderness Adventure - Flightseeing (day trips)
Chartered bush plane over glaciers with optional glacier landing + champagne picnic.

Upgrade: Helicopter upgrade with glacier hike + private photographer.

Floatplane to a private lodge for wildlife photography with award-winning guide.

Private Chef Dining at Aurora (on-site)
An intimate multi-course dinner featuring Alaska seafood, wild game, and foraged delicacies.

Upgrade: Wine pairings or curated cocktails served fireside.

Private Massage & Wellness at Aurora (on-site)
Mobile spa service offering massage, hot-stone therapy, and aromatherapy.

Upgrade: Couple’s massage

Executive Transport (Year-Round)
Discreet luxury SUVs or Vans for tours, transfers, and aurora chasing.

Upgrade: Champagne service + photographer.

Guided tour of Fairbanks Galleries, Native Crafts and Artisan Boutiques.

Studio visits with artists + champagne service while you shop.