Located in the heart of Alaska, there are few places in North America that offer better sightings of the northern lights than Fairbanks. Situated at 65 degrees north latitude, Fairbanks comes alive during the winter months as the aurora borealis lights up the skies in breathtaking colors.
But that’s not all Fairbanks has to offer. As the largest city in Interior Alaska, Fairbanks has a bustling urban vibe.
Coursing through its veins is a rich history and culture which you can explore through its myriad museums and galleries. And with a backdrop of unparalleled nature, Fairbanks is also an outdoor lover’s dream throughout the year.
While it’s a land of extremes, experiencing both the Midnight Sun and months of darkness, Fairbanks encapsulates adventure in every sense. Whether you visit to see the northern lights or to discover its pioneering history and Indigenous culture, a Fairbanks tour is one for the books.
As a city, Fairbanks is young in age, having only been founded in the early 1900s. For centuries before, the region was inhabited by nomadic Athabascans. While many have settled in Fairbanks and surrounding areas, they continue to lead traditional subsistence lifestyles.
In 1902, Fairbanks was founded as the gold rush swept through Alaska. Gold was found in the area by Italian immigrant Felix Pedro, and soon a trading post was built on the Chena River, attracting prospectors from near and far. Over time, the Fairbanks mining district became Alaska’s largest gold producer, earning it the nickname “America’s Klondike”.
Gold is still mined in the district, but it’s not what attracts people to the “Golden Heart City” today. It’s now a prime destination for its culture, outdoor activities, and northern lights sightseeing. However, history is at the beating heart of the city, and you can discover it at one of the numerous museums.
The Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitor Center provides exhibits on Indigenous culture, Alaskan native languages, and the influence of climate change on the landscape. This center provides fascinating insight into how people have lived and thrived in Alaska.
At Pioneer Park, you’ll find 44 acres of a village dedicated to the history of Fairbanks. You can walk through a recreated Gold Rush town, see the original railway cart used by Warren G. Harding to travel to Alaska, and discover the SS Nenana, one of the last remaining original steamboats in the US.
For a unique trip through history, you can visit the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum which showcases vintage vehicles, period clothing, and archival images that bring pre-WWII history to life. Meanwhile, at the UA Museum of the North, you’ll find insight into the broader history of Alaska, with exhibits on cultural traditions and ecological history.
Experiencing two of the world’s most unique natural events, the Midnight Sun and the northern lights, Fairbanks can be visited all year round. In the warmer months between May and September, temperatures average around a pleasant 70 degrees Fahrenheit. And between April and August, you’ll get to experience the Midnight Sun season, where you’ll experience sunlight practically all day, peaking on the solstice in June.
This season is marked by the Midnight Sun Festival, where thousands of people gather for a 12-hour event involving shopping, dining, and entertainment. During the warm season, you’ll also get to enjoy activities like hiking, canoeing on the Chena River, and spotting wildlife.
Winter is practically the opposite, with these months characterized by darkness and temperatures reaching below-freezing. However, this isn’t a reason to hibernate. There are plenty of activities to be enjoyed, including dog mushing, skiing, snowboarding, ice fishing, and ice skating. Creative artists even harness the cold to create magnificent ice sculptures, with the World Ice Art Championships being held in Fairbanks every year.
Of course, the highlight of winter is the northern lights. Aurora borealis season runs from August to April, when the skies darken and the lights come out in all their glory. For the best chance of seeing them, you’ll want clear skies and either a new moon or mid-moon.
If you want to chase the northern lights but with expert guidance, then our Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour is for you. Running between August and April, these tours give you a high chance of seeing the aurora borealis since our team uses the latest forecasting technology. We’ll take you to prime locations where the lights are at their strongest, taking high-quality photos of you and the night skies for you to commemorate this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Should you have any questions about this tour, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.
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