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Fairbanks

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025

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Aurora Borealis

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Overview

Fairbanks is the only 'city' in the interior, and the largest settlement for hundreds of miles, but it has many characteristics of a small town. Everyone seems to know everyone, and 'everyone' includes some truly fascinating characters – sled-dog breeders, crusading environmentalists, college students, gun nuts, military personnel, outdoor enthusiasts, bush pilots, and the rest of the usual Alaska cast of oddities. Because the city sits at the nexus of some truly epic routes – north to the Arctic, east to Canada and south to Denali – you'll almost inevitably end up spending time here, and that time is rarely boring.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • USA, Alaska, Fairbanks, University of Alaska, Museum of the North

    University of Alaska Museum of the North

    Fairbanks

    In an architecturally abstract, igloo- and aurora-inspired edifice sits one of Alaska’s finest museums, with artifact-rich exhibits on the geology,…

  • Three Sandhill cranes in flight, Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, Fairbanks, Alaska.

    Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge

    Fairbanks

    Birds have been migrating through this idyllic little stretch of farmland for millennia, and when the local dairy finally shut its doors, the community…

  • Pioneer Park

    Fairbanks

    Like many cities with little surviving history, Fairbanks attempts to recreate the 'old' days in a historical theme park. Suffice to say, it doesn't…

  • Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center

    Fairbanks

    There are a few contenders for 'best visitor center in Alaska' but this one, an ingenious mix of museum, info point and cultural center, has to be in the…

  • Large Animal Research Station

    Fairbanks

    If you can’t make a trip to the Arctic for a little wildlife observation, consider visiting this research station that tends herds of musk ox, reindeer…

  • International Arctic Research Center

    Fairbanks

    Located on the University of Alaska campus, the center has become a leading authority on climate change. Its work includes investigating the impacts of…

  • Golden Heart Plaza

    Fairbanks

    This square is meant to serve as a natural nexus point for downtown activity in Fairbanks. Within the riverside square, you'll see a clock tower, winter…

  • Fairbanks Community & Dog Mushing Museum

    Fairbanks

    A small but packed museum that traces the city’s history through old photos, newspaper clippings and historical artifacts from daily life. One room…

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