10 Definite Reasons To Discover Alaska’s Golden Heart City Of Fairbanks

Fall in love with Alaska's Golden Heart City of Fairbanks

 By: Courtney Dowd-Stanley 

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North to the future, where all roads lead to Alaska's Golden Heart City of Fairbanks. There are so many reasons why we love Alaska's second largest city, but we did our very best to consolidate some of our favorite attractions to this top 10 list. It's amazing how every varying region of the Last Frontier differs so much from the next. Fairbanks stands out from the crowd in so many unique ways, and we're sure that if you haven't already discovered that for yourself, you're about to see just what all the rage is about!  Flickr - Jimmy Emerson, DVM

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1: The Midnight Sun! Holy moly... the way those endless summer days look (and smell) is enough to bring all the happy tears to your eyes. "This is Gods country" and there is no way to stop your heart from falling head over heels in love with Alaska's Golden Heart City.  Flickr - Bureau of Land Management Flickr - Amy Meredith

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2: After that sweet summer air fades, there are few things in the world that we look forward to more than the totally unreal northern lights shows in Alaska's Golden Heart City. There are lots of different tours you can embark on to get the full aurora borealis experience, or just keep an eye on the aurora forecast and plan your visit (outside) accordingly. Magical, moving, and a total MUST!  Flickr - Bureau of Land Management Flickr - Paul Weeks

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3: Feel gold rush history like nowhere else in the Last Frontier. Pan your heart out and find out all about how Fairbanks was put on the map. "North to the future" has a whole new meaning in Alaska's Golden Heart City. Visit Gold Daughters or tour the national historical monument at Gold Dredge 8.  Flickr - dancingnomad3 Flickr - Steve Jurvetson

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4: All that wildlife! We couldn't leave the most important residents of all off of this very important list of reasons to visit Alaska's Golden Heart City. Whether you're in the city or on your way to (or from) it, don't be surprised when wildlife meets you at every twist and turn. Moose, caribou, bear, waterfowl, and so much more. If you're a wildlife lover, nature enthusiast, or amateur photographer - this magnificent place is made for you!  Flickr - Bureau of Land Management Flickr - Edward Alexander

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5: Fun for the whole family! Travel to Alaska's Golden Heart City en route to the North Pole, where it's impossible not to love visiting Santa Claus and his workshop anytime of the year. The Tanana Valley State Fair, Ice Alaska Championship, and the Midnight Sun Run are just a few of the many exciting activities that the whole family can enjoy in Fairbanks.  Flickr - Jimmy Emerson, DVM Flickr - Jason Rossiter

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6: One word: Fishing! But the whitewater rafting and scenic paddling adventures are also pretty darn remarkable in Alaska's Golden Heart City! A fabulous amount of freshwater rivers, lakes, and streams will lead you to some of the most incredible fishing and floating opportunities in Alaska's Interior and Arctic regions. Species that you'll feel able to reel in include Arctic grayling, salmon, rainbow trout, pike, and more! Choose ice fishing in the winter and enjoy the warm summer days that Fairbanks is known for during the summer season.  Facebook - Alaska Wilderness Enterprises Facebook - Alaska Dream Adventures

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7: Truly SO many good museums and cultural centers in Alaska's Golden Heart City. Some great options include Pioneer Park, Friends of Creamer's Field, Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum at Wedgewood Resort, Tanana Valley Railroad Museum, Alaska Mining Hall of Fame Museum, Fairbanks Children's Museum, Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center, Pioneer Air Museum, and the US Museum of the North.  Flickr - Amy Meredith Flickr - Elias Angulo

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8: With Dog Mushing being the Official State Sport of Alaska, locals and visitors alike to the Golden Heart City will have amble opportunities to enjoy some of the best dog sledding adventures around. Plus, a visit to the Fairbanks Community/Dog Mushing Museum is a great way to learn about the history of Fairbanks and the Chena River from the locals.  Facebook - Black Spruce Dog Sledding Fairbanks - Wild and Free Mushing

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9: The Fairbanks Ice Museum is one of the most rare and magical places in the great 49th state. It is located at 500 2nd Avenue in the Lacey Street Theatre building. The theatre has been around since 1939 and offers immense history in an art deco setting. The Aurora Ice Museum at Chena Hot Springs Resort just north of Fairbanks is another wonderful place to enjoy ice sculptures and unique Alaska offerings.  Flickr - Amy Meredith Flickr - Kuruman

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10: When we can get excited about restaurants opening back up... Fairbanks has some of the BEST eats in the Last Frontier. These places are definitely worth standing in line for. Check out #5 and #8 on this Epic Food Truck List for some more great options while dining in the Golden Heart City.  Flickr - Gil Megidish Yelp

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Looking for another great read? Check out: 15 Wildly Impressive and Breathtaking Bridges in Alaska. Or, This Historic Hideaway Where Alaska Was Officially Purchased From Russia.  Flickr - Jimmy Emerson, DVM If you are living and loving The Alaska Life – share your adventures with us on our Facebook page HERE, and they might just end up being featured in one of our next blog posts.

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Written by Courtney Dowd-Stanley