Bordered by rolling hills and vast wilderness, Fairbanks is nestled in the interior of Alaska within the Tanana Valley. The city is also a popular cruising destination, especially for land-based excursions that explore Alaska's interior. Fairbanks is known for its gold rush history, Northern Lights, and Arctic adventures. Due to its mining heritage and warm community spirit, the Fairbanks is also called the Golden Heart City. From visiting top attractions of the city, including the University of Alaska Museum of the North and Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, to exploring the wildlife heaven for birdwatching at Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge and participating in numerous adventurous activities, the city ranks as a top cruising destination. Discover Fairbanks's best attractions and popular activities for a stunning vacation.
Most Popular Itineraries
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4 Nights Pacific Coastal Cruise
Zaandam
$280
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7 Nights Caribbean
Norwegian Getaway
$650
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10 Nights Alaska Cruise
Majestic Princess
$3999
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3 Nights Bahamas Cruise
Allure of the Seas
$400
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5 Nights Bahamas Cruise
Carnival Conquest
$600
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10 Nights Mediterranean
Silver Moon
$4111
Fairbanks Top Attractions and Activities
University of Alaska Museum of the North
Dedicated to preserving and showcasing Alaska's natural and cultural history, the University of Alaska Museum of the North is a popular stop for land and sea excursions. The Museum is a premier research and teaching center in the city, housing more than 2.5 million artifacts and specimens. At this Museum, visitors can explore the Gallery of Alaska, visit the Rose Berry Alaska Art Gallery, witness a rare Ice Age bison mummy called the Steppe Bison, watch and learn about the Northern Lights, and shop at the museum store for Alaska Native Art, books, jewelry, and souvenirs.
Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge
Famously known for its birdwatching, wildlife conservation, and historical significance, Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge is a 2,200 wildlife refuge. The refuge attracts over 60 species of migratory birds, including ducks, geese, plovers, and cranes, making it a birdwatching paradise. Here, travelers can explore the Boreal Forest Trail, Seasonal Wetland Trail, and Farm Road Trail by hiking. This spot in the city is ideal for winter activities such as cross-country skiing, dog mushing, and skiing on groomed trails. Travelers can also go for guided natural walks and photography sessions and witness some of the stunning scenic views.
Hiking and Natural Trails
Fairbanks has numerous natural trails and hiking spots where travelers can explore the unique rock formations and panoramic views of the city. Some of the famous nature trails and hiking spots can be found at Angel Rocks Trail, Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, and Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary. At Angel Rock, visitors can go for a scenic hike, and at Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary, they can go for a peaceful retreat with nature walks and wildlife photography.
Winter Adventures
Fairbanks, situated in the interior of Alaska, is extremely cold, featuring stunning landscapes and unique Arctic experiences. Due to being under the Auroral Oval, the city is one of the top destinations in the world to see the Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights. Here, partake in adventure activities like Alaska's iconic winter sports: dog sledding and mushing, ice fishing and skijoring, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.
Aurora Ice Museum
Nestled in Chena Hot Springs Resorts in Fairbanks, The Aurora Ice Museum is a one-of-a-kind attraction and is the world's largest year-round ice environment. The Museum features stunning ice sculptures, an ice bar, and a frozen wonderland. Here, go for a guided tour to learn about the Museum's history, construction, and ice sculpting techniques. Get a chance to see complex frozen artwork, such as a two-story ice tower, and enjoy a signature apple martini in a glass made of ice.
The Best Time to Cruise to Fairbanks
University of Alaska Museum of the North
Dedicated to preserving and showcasing Alaska's natural and cultural history, the University of Alaska Museum of the North is a popular stop for land and sea excursions. The Museum is a premier research and teaching center in the city, housing more than 2.5 million artifacts and specimens. At this Museum, visitors can explore the Gallery of Alaska, visit the Rose Berry Alaska Art Gallery, witness a rare Ice Age bison mummy called the Steppe Bison, watch and learn about the Northern Lights, and shop at the museum store for Alaska Native Art, books, jewelry, and souvenirs.
Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge
Famously known for its birdwatching, wildlife conservation, and historical significance, Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge is a 2,200 wildlife refuge. The refuge attracts over 60 species of migratory birds, including ducks, geese, plovers, and cranes, making it a birdwatching paradise. Here, travelers can explore the Boreal Forest Trail, Seasonal Wetland Trail, and Farm Road Trail by hiking. This spot in the city is ideal for winter activities such as cross-country skiing, dog mushing, and skiing on groomed trails. Travelers can also go for guided natural walks and photography sessions and witness some of the stunning scenic views.
Hiking and Natural Trails
Fairbanks has numerous natural trails and hiking spots where travelers can explore the unique rock formations and panoramic views of the city. Some of the famous nature trails and hiking spots can be found at Angel Rocks Trail, Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, and Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary. At Angel Rock, visitors can go for a scenic hike, and at Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary, they can go for a peaceful retreat with nature walks and wildlife photography.
Winter Adventures
Fairbanks, situated in the interior of Alaska, is extremely cold, featuring stunning landscapes and unique Arctic experiences. Due to being under the Auroral Oval, the city is one of the top destinations in the world to see the Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights. Here, partake in adventure activities like Alaska's iconic winter sports: dog sledding and mushing, ice fishing and skijoring, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.
Aurora Ice Museum
Nestled in Chena Hot Springs Resorts in Fairbanks, The Aurora Ice Museum is a one-of-a-kind attraction and is the world's largest year-round ice environment. The Museum features stunning ice sculptures, an ice bar, and a frozen wonderland. Here, go for a guided tour to learn about the Museum's history, construction, and ice sculpting techniques. Get a chance to see complex frozen artwork, such as a two-story ice tower, and enjoy a signature apple martini in a glass made of ice.