Fairbanks Things to Do

I think in every tribe in the Nation, we have a Queen or a Priness to represent the people of their Tribe, here I have to say is a very beautiful princess of the people of Alaska. Was taken at the Pow Wow in Fairbank.

A great little museum on the campus of the University of Alaska. Fine exhibits covering the different regions of Alaska with special emphasis on the various indigenous people of each region. A little bit of history, a little bit of science and a whole lot of anthropology.

Once a year around July in the City of Fairbanks, the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce, sponsor the World Eskimo Olympics. The first World Eskimo Olympics was held in Fairbanks in 1961, the event was a big success and has been held annually ever since.

The Tribes: Athabascan, Yup'ik & Cup'ik, Aleut & Alutho, Inupiaq & St. Lawrence Island Yupik, Eyak, Tlingit, Haida & tsimshain.

And the sports that are played is: Eskimo Stick Pull, Four Man Carry, Indian Stick Pull, Kneel Jump Knuckle Hop or Seal Hop, Blanket Toss, One Foot High Kick, One Hand Reach, Scissor Broad Jump, Seal Skinning Contest, Toe Kick, Two Foot High Kick, White Men vs. Native Women tug of War. So you don't have to be Native Alaskan to enter the Olympic.

Join with the Fairbanks Area Hiking Club and see what hikes they have planned--anything from evening (local) to day trips to overnighters to week long. Going to be here for specific dates? Contact them to see if a particular hike can be arranged to fit in! Members LOVE any excuse to go hiking!

Or if you are interested in canoeing or kayaking, try the Fairbanks Paddlers club. They don't rent boats, but are very friendly and will ALWAYS recommend some fun and exciting water to play on.

And if you don't want to bring your own fishing or rafting gear, try Alaska Fishing and Rafting tours. They have set trips or can help you plan for any number of trips throughout Alaska.

In the winter, try learning dog sledding. All kinds of interesting information and hands on. If you aren't up to actually stepping on the sled, a close of working of the dogs is still very informative.
These activities are not the run of the mill, 'let's play city tourist'. If you want to get outdoors, but not herded from one place to the next, these are the people to contact for seeing Alaska. There are activities for all ages, so don't worry that you aren't in shape, too old/young, or not an avid outdoors person.

Visit the famous Alaskan Pipeline which stretches from Pruehoe Bay to Valdez. There is a section North of Fairbanks which you can actually come close, touch and take photos with this amazing structure of human engineering feat.

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You should visit the Yukon River which is a few hours drive north of Fairbanks along the Dalton Highway. Here, you can take a leisurely cruise along one of the longest river in North America & view the beautiful scenery.

Snowshoeing!! Go for a spin through Creamer's field in winter...if possible, try ski-jouring (of course, you'll need a willing dog to do this).
Northern Lights viewing...especially in winter...non-existent in summer.
Head for Ester Dome for great views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
Don't miss the Univ of Alaska Museum...it is great! If you're daring, ask if you can go downstairs to see one of the Museum department's labs, like mammology...and then ask to go see the two headed caribou calf out back!! You'll be in for a real treat.

Solstice, Shakespeare, Midnight, Northern Lights, Hot Springs, Ice Art
SUMMER soltice in fairbanks is like one big party. downtown carnivals, mad sales, like the banana thing at our 'mall', midnight sun run, and the 'night'-time baseball game, be prepared to stay out late, and have a great time.
Shakespeare- one of the only outdoor shakespeare theaters in the world is near fairbanks, check it out
Midnight- take advantage of the daylight. there's nothing more relaxing than a stroll or drive when it is 11pm and sunny. Just keep in mind that it will be BRIGHT when you are trying to sleep. if you have a small window, tinfoil is just the trick.
Northern Lights- Definitly a big draw for tourism... but remember. They are ONLY visible when it is dark, i.e. in Winter. if you come up in the summer you are just out of luck. and they are NOT a scheduled thing, it has to be a dark night, a clear night, and the sun has to be emitting the right particles. to learn about them while you're here, check out the university museum, and try to grab a tour of Poker Flat Research Range.
Hot Springs- we have lots of 'em. Chena hot springs a a great location, with their new outdoor rock pool (for adults only), or try Circle Hot springs (actually in Central, Ak, which is south of Circle, which is actually still south of the Arctic circle) for a more rustic atmosphere.
Ice Art- If you are up here in april, you have to check out the international ice art championship. Artists come from all over the world to create some Amazing pieces. just make sure you bring Very warm clothing, as standing outside looking at chunks of ice can get chilly. for those of you up here only in the summer, there is also an ice art museum in downtown fairbanks.