Adventure in Fairbanks, AK, USA!

Chena Hot Springs Resort

Why Visit?

Embark on a thrilling Alaskan adventure with a journey to the Chena Hot Springs Resort, located just 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks. This remarkable destination offers an excellent blend of outdoor excitement and relaxing hot springs, perfect for adventure lovers.

Day 1: Arrival in Fairbanks

Fly into Fairbanks, the gateway to your adventure. Rent a 4WD for an essential Alaskan driving experience along the Chena Hot Springs Road. This scenic route offers potential wildlife sightings, including moose and foxes. Stop at the Angel Rocks trailhead, about 50 miles from Fairbanks, for a moderately challenging hike that rewards with stunning rock formations and vistas of the surrounding wilderness.

Day 2: Explore Chena Hot Springs Resort

Start your day with a rejuvenating dip in the legendary hot springs, famed for their therapeutic properties since their discovery in 1905. Post soak, adventure seekers can gear up for a guided ATV tour in the summer or a snowmobile expedition in the winter through breathtaking landscapes. The resort also offers a unique “Geothermal Renewable Energy Tour” showcasing how the resort uses sustainable practices to power its operations.

Evening: Aurora Viewing

For the perfect end to your day, join a night-time Aurora Ice Museum tour, featuring intricate ice sculptures and an ice bar where you can sip cocktails from glasses made of ice. Afterward, prepare for the magical northern lights. Chena is one of the best places on earth to witness the Aurora Borealism, particularly vivid from August to May.

Day 3: Dog Sledding and Departure

Before heading back, embrace the Alaskan culture with a dog sledding experience. Learn to mush your own team or enjoy the ride as a passenger. This thrilling encounter with spirited sled dogs provides a perfect conclusion to your Arctic adventure.

Chena Hot Springs Resort combines the allure of the Alaskan wilderness with the comfort of resort amenities, making it an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts seeking both excitement and relaxation.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Pioneer Park

Why Visit?

Welcome to your exhilarating adventure through Pioneer Park, a sprawling 2,000-acre oasis nestled on the outskirts of Fairbanks, Alaska. This adventure is tailor-made for those who crave an immersive experience blending nature, history, and adrenaline-pumping activities.

Morning: Arrival and River Kayaking

Begin your day early by heading to Pioneer Park, easily accessible from downtown Fairville via the Blue Line Bus or by renting a bike for a scenic 15-minute ride. Kick off your adventure with a guided kayaking excursion down the Chena River, which gracefully meanders through the park. Paddle under the delicate light of the Alaskan sun as it rises, illuminating the diverse wildlife — keep an eye out for beavers and kingfishers!

Midday: Historical Exploration and Lunch

Post-kayaking, dry off and stroll through Pioneer Park’s historical village. Marvel at the authentic Gold Rush buildings transported from their original sites across Alaska, offering a tangible piece of the late 1800s Alaskan frontier life. Grab lunch at the Alaska Salmon Bake, where you can enjoy fresh, locally-sourced salmon cooked over an alder wood fire.

Afternoon: Zipline Adventure

Energized from lunch, head to the park’s north end to gear up for the zipline course. Soar through the boreal forest canopy, catching breathtaking views of the Tanana Valley. The adrenaline rush compleates your connection to the vast, wild spirit of Alaska.

Evening: Gold Panning and Relaxation

Wind down your day by trying your hand at gold panning. The park offers a replica of an old mining site where you can sift through the sands just as prospectors did over a century ago. Afterward, relax by taking a leisurely walk through the park’s botanical garden, a serene way to reflect on your action-packed day.

Pioneer Park promises an unforgettable adventure where history and thrill blend seamlessly against the backdrop of Alaska"s stunning natural beauty.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Tolovana River

Why Visit?

Embark on an exhilarating journey to the remote and rugged landscapes of the Tolovana River, a hidden gem perfect for adventure enthusiasts. This lesser-known destination offers pristine wilderness and thrilling opportunities for exploration.

Day 1: Arrival and Preparation

Fly into Fairbanks, Alaska, the gateway to your Tolovana River adventure. Pick up supplies and attend a brief orientation on river safety and wilderness survival. Drive approximately 85 miles to the put-in point near Livengood, where your river journey begins. Camp overnight by the riverbank under the expansive Alaskan sky.

Day 2: Tolovane River Descent

Start your river descent early to make the most of the daylight hours. The Tolovana River, with its Class I to II rapids, provides a thrilling yet manageable challenge for both novice and experienced paddlers. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife; this area is home to moose, bears, and a variety of bird species. Break for a riverside lunch, then set up camp at a new site downstream.

Day 3: Hiking and Hot Springs

After breaking camp, take a detour to explore the nearby trails on foot. The landscape around Tolovana River is dotted with natural wonders, including thermal hot springs — a perfect spot to relax sore muscles from paddling. Spend several hours soaking and enjoying the serene environment.

Day 4: Return to Base

Paddle down to the extraction point where a shuttle will take you back to Fairbanks. Along the way, reflect on the untouched beauty of Alaska’s backcountry and the thrill of navigating one of its secluded waterways.

Interesting Fact

The Tolovana River is not just a hub for adventurers but also an ecological haven, supporting unique local flora and fauna adapted to the harsh Alaskan climate.

This adventure not only promises the thrill of whitewater paddling but also the peace and solitude that only the Alaskan wilderness can offer.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

University of Alaska Museum of the North

Why Visit?

Embark on a thrilling Alaskan adventure that combines the raw beauty of the Arctic with the fascinating insights of the University of Alaska Museum of the North located in Fairbanks. This tour is designed for those who crave knowledge and adventure in equal measure.

Day 1: Arrival in Fairbank

Fly into Fairbanks International Airport, accessible from most major US cities. Upon arrival, rent a 4x4 vehicle, perfect for navigating the rugged Alaskan landscapes. Settle into your accommodation – we recommend a cozy cabin or a lodge close to the university for easy access. Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of the north.

Day 2: University of Alaska Museum of the North

Start your day early with a hearty breakfast, then make the short drive to the University of Alaska Museum of the North. The museum opens at 9:00 AM and is less than 15 minutes from downtown Fairbanks. It"s not just any museum; it’s an architectural marvel designed by Joan Soranno, resembling the curving shapes of the Alaska Range with expansive views of the Yukon River.

Spend the morning exploring the museum"s fascinating exhibits that showcase over one million artifacts ranging from Alaskan art to archaeological finds that detail the rich history and cultural heritage of the Northern peoples. Don’t miss the Gallery of Alaska, where each region of the state is represented, highlighting its unique ecosystems and wildlife.

In the afternoon, engage with the museum’s dynamic programming, perhaps catching a lecture or a guided tour that delves deeper into the narratives of the Arctic.

Day 3: Adventure in the Wilderness

Post-museum cultural immersion, take your adventure outdoors. Opt for a guided hiking tour in the nearby Denali National Park or a riverboat trip on the Chena River, directly accessible from Fairbanks. Each offers a unique way to appreciate the stunning, pristine wilderness that defines Alaska.

End your tour with an evening under the awe-inspiring Northern Lights, a perfect closing act to your Alaskan museum adventure.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center

Why Visit?

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration at Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center

Morning: Begin your Fairbanks adventure by flying into Fairbanks International Airport. Rent a 4x4 for a truly adventurous trip, or opt for a local taxi or rideshare to head directly to the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center, located conveniently in downtown Fairbanks. Open year-round, this free-admission center is not only a gateway to understanding the region but also a hub for local excursions.

Afternoon: Dive into the heart of Alaska at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center. Start with the stunning exhibits that showcase the culture and wildlife of Interior Alaska. Don"t miss the life-sized dioramas and the interactive displays that narrate the stories of the local Athabascan people. Engage with the craft demonstrations and, if you"re lucky, catch an indigenous dance performance.

Interesting Fact: The center is named after Morris Thompson, an influential leader in Alaskan business and politics, dedicated to preserving Native culture.

Evening: Stroll along the Chena River, which is just a stone"s throw from the center. Here, you can relax by the riverside or if visiting during winter, catch the mesmerizing northern lights.

Day 2: Adventure Trails and Northern Lights

Morning: Gear up for a day outdoors and take the short drive to the nearby Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, a perfect spot for wildlife enthusiasts. In the summer, walk amidst blooming wildflowers watching sandhill cranes; come winter, the snowy landscapes are ideal for cross-country skiing.

Evening: Cap off your adventure under the aurora borealis. The Morris Thompson Center offers guided Aurora tours that will take you to prime viewing spots. Be sure to book in advance, as these tours are a favorite among visitors seeking the magic of Alaska’s night sky.

Finish your short adventure with a deeper appreciation of Fairbanks" cultural heritage and natural beauty, promising a unique blend of education and exhilaration.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.