Things to Do in Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks is not the kind of place where you need a checklist of fifty attractions. The better trip is usually a handful of experiences that fit the season, your schedule and how far you actually want to drive.

Fairbanks activities worth planning around

These four experiences cover the range most visitors are after: an up-close local experience, a day trip out of town, time on the Chena River and open country to actually walk in. Availability shifts with the season, so confirm current conditions with each operator before you commit a day to it.

REINDEER · LOCAL EXPERIENCE

Running Reindeer Ranch

A guided Fairbanks experience where visitors can meet reindeer and walk through the boreal forest while learning about the animals and life in Interior Alaska.

Why we picked it for this trip: this feels distinctly Fairbanks — personal, outdoorsy and much more memorable than simply seeing wildlife from a distance.

Area:: Goldstream / west of Fairbanks
Plan on:: About 1–2 hours

Reservations and availability may vary. Check current availability before visiting.

Directions to Running Reindeer Ranch Running Reindeer Ranch official site

HOT SPRINGS · DAY TRIP

Chena Hot Springs Resort

A classic Interior Alaska day trip centered around natural hot springs, with additional activities available depending on the season.

Why we picked it for this trip: when you have enough time to leave town for a while, this gives you a completely different Alaska experience without turning it into an overnight trip.

Area:: Chena Hot Springs Road
Plan on:: Half day or longer

The outdoor Rock Lake hot springs area is for guests age 18 and older. Other resort facilities and activities have their own rules and availability. Check current conditions and availability before visiting.

Directions to Chena Hot Springs Resort Chena Hot Springs Resort official site

RIVER · FAIRBANKS EXPERIENCE

Riverboat Discovery

A sternwheeler river experience on the Chena River combining Fairbanks scenery with stories about life, culture and history in Interior Alaska.

Why we picked it for this trip: it lets you experience Fairbanks from the river instead of simply driving from attraction to attraction.

Area:: Chena River
Plan on:: About 3 hours

This is a seasonal experience. Check current operating dates and availability before visiting.

Directions to Riverboat Discovery Riverboat Discovery official site

OUTDOORS · NATURE · ADVENTURE

Chena River State Recreation Area

A large recreation area along the Chena River with opportunities for outdoor activities that change dramatically with the season.

Why we picked it for this trip: this is for travelers who want to actually spend time outdoors in Interior Alaska instead of seeing everything through a windshield.

Area:: Chena River / east of Fairbanks
Plan on:: 2 hours to a full day depending on activity

Available activities and access vary significantly by season, weather and current conditions.

Directions to Chena River State Recreation Area Chena River State Recreation Area official site

Fitting activities to the season

Summer and shoulder season

Long daylight makes it realistic to combine a river trip with an evening outdoors. Water-based and trail activities are generally the focus, but access still depends on current conditions.

Cold months

Winter changes both what is open and how long everything takes. Read planning a Fairbanks winter trip before you build a tight schedule, and see the Fairbanks northern lights guide if aurora viewing is the reason you are coming.

Where this fits in your trip

Activities pair best with indoor stops on the days weather turns. Browse Fairbanks attractions and museums for those, or start from one, two and three day Fairbanks itineraries if you would rather see the whole shape of the trip first.