Fairbanks Things to Do

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Keeping your camera handy is important. When I was there in April and May of 2005, I came with a point and shoot Mickey Mouse digital camera. For one thing, some of the wildlife shots are completely gone if you have digital shutter lag. Bring the 35mm or a new digital SLR. Also, long lenses are good too. Often, that lynx or carribou will turn out to be a blurry spec unless you have at least a 200 if not a 300mm lens or better. I missed a shot of an eagle because of shutter lag and my shot of the lynx and coyote is so fuzzy, I won't post it. Never again.

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Chena Hotsprings is a local springs where thermal springs rise to the surface in a natural pool. At Chena Hot Springs, you'll find a bathing house with an indoor pool for the kids. Locals love to spend a Saturday or Sunday bringing the family here. There's also a rustic (everything's rustic around here) lodge and restaurant. This is also the location of the Ice Hotel you may have heard about. I'm not sure what or why but it was covered over with insulating material when I was there and was not open for the public.

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Just because you're there, go visit the Alaskan Pipeline. It goes right past Fairbanks and there's a special place north of town that you can get out and walk under it and see some very interesting displays. In most of the place, the pipeline is above the ground. There are issues regarding the permafrost and heat fo the pipeline itself that must have played a part in keeping it above ground. It is a zig-zag structure that allows it to move to accomodate the expansion when it heats or cools.

There are a few places to actually see the Alyeska Pipeline and Fairbanks is one of the best to view it in person.

Portions of the pipeline can be seen above ground just North of Fairbanks on the Steese Highway.

The tour busses all stop here so you can take a look for yourself. If you are taller than me, you could easily reach and touch it.

Since my four summer working here, they have snce built a small visitors center.

There is a lot of things to do here in Fairbanks. They have the Tanana Valley Fair in the the beginning of Aug. Lot of camping places and State Parks to visit. Pioneer Park is a great place to visit there they have the great Alaska Salmon bake. I would highly recommend it. Below is the picture of a juggle at the fair. Come on up and have some fun!!!

I think the picture is self explanatory. During the winter, the Northern lights are quite amazing. Just sitting in the jacuzzi relaxing watching the lights dance across the sky....

Well, Coors....it does get better than that ;-)

May Happenings

Fairbanks Summer Music Festival


Clean-Up Day

The whole town turns out to clean up litter.

UAF Georgeson Botanical Garden Workshop

Fairbanks Flutists' 20th Anniversary Concert

Ballroom Bonanza Ballroom and Swing Dance Workshops

Alaska Territorial Guard Gun and Craft Show

University of Alaska Museum


North Star Ballet School Demonstration

Coming Home

University of Alaska Exhibits

Fairbanks Roadshow


June Happenings

Fairbanks Summer Music Festival



Coming Home


Midnight Sun Baseball Game

Date:  June 21

Played with no lights (except for the sun, of course).

Midnight Sun Run


July Happenings


Coming Home


50th Anniversary Golden Days


Theme:  'Founding the Future-The Lavelle Young Arrives'

World Eskimo-Indiana Olympics


Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival


August Happenings


Coming Home

Tanana Valley State Fair

During the month of March, it is still pretty cold out, yet it's perfect to view the World Ice Art Championships. Competitors come from all over the world to compete in single or multi block carvings. Be sure to bring warm accessories as temperatures could be 20 degrees below zero F. Also, if you come during the daylight, be sure to come back at night (get your hand stamped) for other awesome photo opportunities!!!