Museum culture in Fairbanks, AK, USA!

Chena Hot Springs Resort

Why Visit?

Day Trip to Chena Hot Springs Resort

Destination: Chena Hot Springs, Alaska

Getting There

Chena Hot Springs Resort is nestled in the scenic heart of Alaska, 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks. The journey to the resort can be an adventure itself; rent a car for a beautiful hour-and-a-half drive from Fairbanks, passing through captivating landscapes marked by rolling hills and dense forests. Shuttle services are also available from various locations in Fairbanks, adding convenience to your trip.

Morning: Aurora Ice Museum

Begin your cultural excursion at Chena Hot Springs with a visit to the world-renowned Aurora Ice Museum, open year-round. Tours start hourly from 11 AM to 10 PM. Created from over 1,000 tons of ice and snow, all maintained at a chilly 25 degrees Fahrenheit, the museum features incredible ice sculptures by world champion carvers Steve and Heather Brice. Marvel at the detailed carvings, sit at the ice bar, or even enjoy an appletini served in a carved ice glass, making for a truly frosty experience!

Interesting Fact: The Aurora Ice Museum is the largest year-round ice environment in the world, constructed using patented absorption chiller technology that utilizes the resort"s hot springs to keep the museum frozen during the summer months.

Afternoon: Geothermal Renewable Energy Tour

After warming up, take the Geothermal Renewable Energy Tour offered daily at 2 PM. This tour gives insightful exposure to the resort"s pioneering sustainable practices. Learn how the resort uses geothermal energy to power almost all of its operations, including the ice museum. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see practical applications of sustainable technology in a remote setting.

Evening: Relax and Reflect

Cap your visit by soaking in the legendary hot springs, a perfect way to relax after a day of chilly and enlightening adventures. The natural outdoor rock lake averages 106 degrees Fahrenheit year-round and offers a serene setting to reflect on the innovative blend of art, science, and nature you’ve experienced throughout the day.

Departure

Head back to Fairbanks enriched by the unique blend of culture and innovation at Chena Hot Springs Resort, carrying memories of ice sculptures and renewable energy insights with you.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Pioneer Park

Why Visit?

Discover Pioneer Park: A Cultural Gem in the Heart of Alaska

Embark on a captivating journey through history at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks, an expansive 44-acre park that showcases Alaska"s vibrant heritage and pioneering spirit. This open-air museum is not just a park; it’s a cultural haven with multiple museums, historical buildings, and even a riverboat!

Getting There: Located conveniently near downtown Fairbanks, Pioneer Park is easily accessible by car, bike, or on foot. The local MACS Transit bus system provides services with stops nearby, making it a breeze to reach the park.

Start Your Tour at the Alaska Railroad Museum: Kick off your visit with the Alaska Railroad Museum at the park’s entrance. Dive into the riveting tales of Alaska"s rail history through fascinating exhibits and authentic artifacts. Learn about the crucial role the railroad played in the development of the region.

Stroll Through Gold Rush Town: After the railroad museum, meander through the meticulously reconstructed Gold Rush Town. This area features original buildings from the early 20th century, transported here to recreate the historic atmosphere of a bustling gold rush village. Each building, from saloons to trading posts, offers a unique peek into the daily lives of Alaska’s early settlers.

Visit the Pioneer Air Museum: A short walk from Gold Rush Town, the Pioneer Air Museum awaits inside a striking gold-domed structure. This museum houses an impressive collection of vintage aircraft and aviation artifacts, highlighting the pioneering pilots who conquered Alaska’s formidable landscapes.

End at the S.S. Nenana: Conclude your tour with a visit to the S.S. Nenana, one of the last surviving steam-powered sternwheelers. This majestic vessel, now a designated National Historic Landmark, offers a tangible link to the days when riverboats were vital for transportation and commerce in Interior Alaska.

Plan Your Visit: Pioneer Park is open year-round, though museum hours vary by season. Summer months offer full access to all attractions, making it the perfect time to explore this historical treasure trove.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Tolovana River

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating museum tour around the Tolovana River area, a region steeped in natural beauty and cultural heritage. This concise guide offers a delightful journey through the most intriguing museums, blending educational experiences with scenic travels.

Morning: Museum of Tolovana History

Begin your day at the Museum of Tolovana History, located in the heart of the quaint town near the riverbanks. The museum is a treasure trove of artifacts and exhibits that narrate the story of the early settlers and the indigenous communities. Engage with interactive displays that take you back in time. To get there, take the local bus line 5 from downtown, which drops you right at the museum"s doorstep.

Lunch Break: Riverside Café

For lunch, enjoy a meal at the Riverside Café, just a short walk from the museum. Savor local dishes that incorporate freshly sourced ingredients from the river and surrounding farms.

Afternoon: Tolovana Art Gallery

Post-lunch, make your way to the Tolovana Art Gallery, about a 15-minute drive from the café. Here, you can appreciate art collections featuring works by local artists and temporary exhibitions that reflect the region"s cultural landscape. The gallery also offers workshops and talks, so check their schedule beforehand.

Evening: Architectural Tour of Old Tolovana

Wrap up your day with a leisurely walking tour of Old Tolovana, where you can admire historic buildings that have stood the test of time. The tour starts from the art gallery and covers numerous significant sites, including the Tolovana Inn, known for its Gothic Revival architecture.

Getting Around

The area is well-connected by public transportation. However, for more flexibility, consider renting a bicycle or a car to explore at your own pace.

This tour not only deepens your appreciation of the Tolovana River"s cultural richness but also leaves you with a sense of connection to its past and present communities.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

University of Alaska Museum of the North

Why Visit?

Exploring the University of Alaska Museum of the North: A Cultural Journey in Fairbanks

Begin your cultural expedition in the heart of Alaska by visiting the University of Alaska Museum of the North, located on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus. This architectural gem, designed by Joan Soranno, mirrors the flowing landscapes of Alaska’s arctic terrain and is a sight to behold. The museum, easily accessible by car or local transit from downtown Fairbanks, offers ample parking and is a short bus ride on the Blue or Red Line.

Kick off your visit right at opening time to make the most of your day. Start with the iconic “Place Where You Go to Listen,” an immersive installation where natural phenomena of Alaska—auroras, earthquakes, and the solstice—are transformed into real-time music and visual art. It’s a mesmerizing intersection of art, science, and nature.

Next, delve into the “Gallery of Alaska,” which divides into five major geographic regions of the state, each telling unique stories of the land and its inhabitants. Here you can marvel at the 36,000-year-old Blue Babe, a steppe bison mummy discovered in the Alaskan gold mines.

Don’t miss the Rose Berry Alaska Art Gallery, showcasing a vast collection of Alaskan art that spans centuries—from ancient ivory carvings to contemporary paintings and sculptures. This gallery beautifully illustrates how the harsh yet majestic landscapes have influenced local artistic expressions.

Conclude your visit with a stroll through the museum’s gift shop where you can pick up unique Alaskan crafts, books, and souvenirs—perfect mementos of your cultural journey.

Whether you"re a lover of history, art, or nature, the University of Alaska Museum of the North offers a profound glimpse into the heritage and enduring spirit of the Far North.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Alaska"s cultural and natural heritage at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center in Fairbanks. This remarkable facility not only serves as a gateway to exploring the vast interior of Alaska but also as a vibrant celebration of the local indigenous cultures and the breathtaking wilderness that defines the region.

Getting There:

Located conveniently in downtown Fairbanks at 101 Dunkel Street, the center is easily accessible. If you"re staying in the city center, a leisurely walk will get you there in no time. Alternatively, local buses service the area, and there"s ample parking if you"re driving.

Start Your Tour:

Begin your visit by exploring the stunning exhibits that showcase life in the Arctic. The center"s comprehensive displays, featuring life-sized dioramas and authentic artifacts, narrate the stories of the Athabascan people and the unique wildlife of the area. Don"t miss the magnificent antler arch outside the main entrance, constructed from over 100 moose and caribou antlers collected from all over Interior Alaska.

Interactive Sessions and Films:

Engage with the interactive sessions often held in the afternoons, where you can watch and participate in demonstrations of traditional crafts and activities, such as beadwork or moose hide tanning. Check the schedule upon arrival as these can vary seasonally. The center also features an excellent short film that offers insights into the seasonal changes and cultural history of the region.

Explore More:

After soaking in the historical and cultural exhibitions, stroll through the well-maintained garden that highlights native plants and an array of local sculptures.

Finish your visit at the gift shop, which offers a variety of locally made crafts, perfect for unique souvenirs. Before leaving, grab a trail map of nearby Creamer"s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge for a serene nature walk to complement your cultural exploration.

The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center is more than just a museum; it"s a vibrant hub where the stories, heritage, and beauty of Alaska come alive. Enjoy your visit!

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.