Best 10 Places for Summer Adventures in Fairbanks, AK

Fairbanks, also known as the “Golden Heart City” and gateway to the Arctic, is famous for its stunning northern lights during winter months. Although it’s not as popular as Anchorage during summertime, there’s a wide range of adventures available, from visiting the University of Alaska’s Museum of the North to soaking in Chena Hot Springs. You won’t be bored. Ariel and I spent about 5 days in the Fairbanks area and left with unforgettable memories. Here’re our top 10 recommendations for places to see in Fairbanks in summer.

1. Pioneer Park of Fairbanks

Fairbanks boasts a rich history from the gold rush days and remains a cultural hub of the state. A trip to Pioneer Park is like stepping into a time machine that brings you back to the good old days. This 44-acre park is modeled as a gold rush town. It features vintage cabins, the historic SS Nenana steamboat, and the Tanana Valley Railroad Museum. You can enjoy lively entertainment, local artisan shops, themed playgrounds, mini-golf and carousel rides in the park. Moreover, it’s dog friendly and offers a long trail around the park to the beautiful Chena River.

2. Chena River & Water Activities

The Chena River is a lifeline and iconic landmark for Fairbanks. It winds through the heart of the city. Pioneers once used the river as a transportation corridor during the gold rush era, and it remains a hub for activities today. During summer, you can kayak, canoe, raft, or enjoy the Riverboat Discovery cruise on the river. In addition, its riverbanks are dotted with parks, trails, and eateries, making it a popular spot for recreation. Unfortunately, when Ariel and I visited, northern Alaska was experiencing horrible wildfire, so the air quality was poor and we didn’t do much on the water. Instead, we took a nice walk on the Chena Riverwalk trail as a break from our long drive. 

3. Chena River State Recreation Area

The Chena River State Recreation Area showcases the wild side of Fairbanks. Covering a whopping 397 square miles of alpine tundras and dense forests, this area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurous pups. 

One of the most renowned trails here is the Angel Rocks Trail, 3.7 miles long with over 1,100ft elevation leading to large granite outcrops. This trail will reward you with panoramic vistas of the Chena River and surrounding forests. The highlight is the otherworldly rock formations which, as the legend has it, are petrified spirits of past wanderers. Another popular trail is Granite Tors Loop Trail. This longer, 14-mile loop takes you through the impressive granite formations known as tors. It’s a challenging hike, but the views of the surrounding landscape will be worth the effort.

4.  Chena Hot Springs Resort

After a challenging hike, what’s a better way to relax than by submerging into Fairbanks’ natural hot springs? Chena Hot Springs Resort is a sought-after geothermal oasis for both locals and tourists. It’s famous for its therapeutic mineral-rich waters. For $20, you will be able to enjoy multiple indoor and outdoor steaming pools of these natural waters. I could only imagine how surreal it would be if I came in winter when the warm steam from the hot springs is juxtaposed with the cold Alaskan breeze and complemented by snow-covered landscapes under the ethereal glow of the northern lights.

The resort also offers hotel accommodations and RV campsites. I highly recommend you book the pool house and hotel rooms as early as possible. But the RV sites are first-come-first-served and they are for dry camping only.  

Furthermore, Chena Hot Springs Resort features a unique Aurora Ice Museum, where you can marvel at intricate ice sculptures while sipping cocktails in carved ice glasses. It also offers a range of activities from dog sledding to geothermal tours.

5. University of Alaska Fairbanks

The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is a campus of wonders. It isn’t just an academic hub but also a treasure trove of attractions. The most popular stop for visitors is the Museum of the North. It preserves and narrates Alaska’s intricate tapestry of history, culture, and ecology. You will learn about Alaska’s multifaceted story here, from ancient artifacts of indigenous peoples to contemporary art that captures Alaska’s evolving narrative and an array of biological specimens from creatures in the Northern regions.

The Magic Bus 142 is another must-see. This 1940s-era bus was located on the Stampede Trail near Denali National Park and became famous through Jon Krakauer’s book “Into the Wild” and its subsequent film adaptation. The story chronicles the life of Christopher McCandless, a young adventurer who sought solace in the Alaskan backcountry, lived in the bus and tragically died after several months. The bus has been removed from the Stampede Trail and is being restored at UAF. 

For those wishing to stretch their legs, you will spot the Alaska Range from the distance just by wandering around the campus. Additionally, the UAF Trail System offers multiple dog-friendly paths winding through foresty landscapes.

6. Fairbanks Downtown

Although Fairbanks’ downtown is not as modern or lively as Anchorage, it pulses with the rhythm of local life. You’ll stumble upon quaint boutiques selling handcrafted Alaskan treasures and local galleries exhibiting regional art, as well as aromatic cafes and diners where you can sample authentic Alaskan fare.

7. Golden Heart Plaza

Golden Heart Plaza is in the downtown area on the banks of the Chena River, providing both locals and visitors a serene spot to relax, reflect, and gather. At the center of the plaza is the iconic “Unknown First Family” bronze statue, paying homage to the pioneering families that contributed to Fairbanks’ development. Throughout the year, the plaza bustles with a variety of events, ranging from summer concerts, art fairs, to community celebrations. On top of that, the Chena River backdrop enhances its charm. I particularly liked the Chena River Viewpoint for great photos.

8. Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center 

I almost never made visits to any city visitor centers. The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center was an exception. It’s not just a trip planning hub where you get maps and brochures but also a cultural center where you are introduced to the rich tapestry of indigenous cultures, the pioneering spirit of settlers, and the mesmerizing exhibits of the northern lights.  

Additionally, it operates the Golden Heart Greeter program, a testament to Fairbanks’ warm community spirit. This initiative is not just about introducing visitors to the city’s attractions, but more importantly, connecting them with the warmth and hospitality for which Fairbanks is renowned. Golden Heart Greeters, often local volunteers passionate about their home, offer personalized interactions, sharing insider tips, and personal stories of the region. These greeters will make your visit more intimate and memorable. You can feel the genuine affection and pride they hold for their land. 

I also recommend a visit to the nearby Moose Antler Arch. It’s a symbol of the city’s close connection to the wilderness. Carved intricately and built using genuine moose antlers, the arch is not only a popular photo spot but also a work of art.

9. Fairbanks Ice Museum

The Fairbanks Ice Museum is one of the treasures in downtown Fairbanks. It offers a chilling yet enchanting dive into the world of ice art even in summer. It houses a gallery of exquisite ice sculptures, from life-sized animals to intricate scenes, all preserved within a cool environment. You will also learn about the process of ice carving and the Winter Carnival Ice Art Championships’ magic, making it an educational experience as well.

10. A Tour into the Arctic

Fairbanks is a great place to start expanding your Alaskan exploration further to the north, into the Arctic Circle. Many people choose to join a land or flight tour to get there so that they can avoid the hassle of driving on rough roads. I talked about these tours in detail in another blog (see this link). These guided expeditions travel through untouched wilderness. You will behold panoramic landscapes, including permafrost tundra and (if at the right time) the midnight sun, and also have a better understanding of the gold rush era, the Trans-Alaska pipelines, and the indigenous communities.

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