Fairbanks, Alaska Attractions

A piece of history sails daily on the Chena and Tanana Rivers. The Riverboat Discovery, a four-deck paddleboat, steams past a number of Alaska attractions, including a bush plane runway and the home and training grounds of a four-time Iditarod winner. To top it all off, the boat makes port at Chena Indian Village, a Native Alaskan settlement.

The intriguing architecture of this angular museum is a point of interest in itself, but the art and artifacts that adorn its halls are the real draw. Covering everything Alaska, the University of Alaska Museum of the North houses 1.4-million plant, animal and Alaskan Native artifacts. Perhaps the most intriguing specimen is the 36,000-year-old mummified steppe bison on display in the Gallery of Alaska.

Join the Binkley family for a trip through Alaska's gold mining history at the El Dorado Gold Mine. Ride the Tanana Valley Railroad for an adventure into the gold fields of the Interior. A two-hour guided tour takes you through a permafrost tunnel where Alaska's history comes alive. Enjoy a walking tour of our mining camp. Meet and talk with Alaska miners as you learn about present day placer mining methods. After a short course in gold mining, grab your own "poke" filled with pay dirt right out of a sluice box and try your hand at panning for gold. Everyone finds gold. They guarantee it!

Locals refer to the Large Animal Research Station by their acronym LARS or as the "muskox farm" but the official title is the Robert G. White Large Animal Research Station. LARS is managed by the Institute of Arctic Biology at the University of Alaska Fairbanks to provide a unique facility for research and education that focuses on ungulates from the subarctic and arctic. Visitors of all ages can safely observe some of our animals on a summer tour and talk to one our guides about the biology of life in the north.

The Georgeson Botanical Garden (GBG) is a nationally recognized botanical garden and a member of a national network of educational and research institutions dedicated to plant culture and conservation. It is designed to allow the public to learn about plant culture in the far north. The GBG is one of five botanical gardens in the nation to be a satellite test garden for the International Hardy Fern Foundation.

At Gold Dredge No.8, Holland America Line Westours has developed a variety of experiences to offer its visitor. The tour begins in the 1905 Drift Mine exhibit where visitors learn about stratification and classification of the many layers above the gold bearing layer. A short stroll away in several renovated Fairbanks Creek Camp buildings, short videos with actual footage of the dredges in operation provides an overview of the entire stripping, thawing, and dredging processes.

Pioneer Park was formed in 1960 out of land donated by the state of Alaska. Since then, the park has hosted an assortment of festivals and events emphasizing the cultural and historical legacy of the state.

Big Daddy's BBQ serves classic BBQ in Fairbanks. The patrons especially recommend the brisket and chicken buffet.

The Chowder House has a cozy atmosphere and is well known for excellent service. Their menu is diverse and make sure to try the desserts!

For fine dining with a fantastic view of the Chena River, try the famous Pike's Landing. The restaurant offers traditional Alaska fish and seafood specialties. Try the great appetizers and wines and enjoy the dessert tray at the end of your meal.

Located in Fox, just 10 miles outside of Fairbanks, The Turtle Club specializes in prime rib, seafood, fine wine, and friendly service, all within a rustic Alaskan atmosphere. It's worth a trip from Fairbanks for the enjoyable dining experience.

Enjoy a meal at Gambardella's Pasta Bella, serving Fairbanks since 1987.

The Thai House restaurant serves Thai food and is located within the downtown Fairbanks district.

Enjoy fine dining in an historic atmosphere overlooking the Chena River in Fairbanks, Alaska. They offer prime aged beef, Alaska seafood and a premium wine list and micro brews. And don't forget the spectacular Sunday Brunch - on the deck or in the dining room.

Situated right on the Chena River, the Edgewater Restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy the Chef's signature offerings in an elegant atmosphere.

Lavelle's offers clean, classy and comfortable fine dining in downtown Fairbanks. The food and the selection of fine wines cannot be beat.

The Cookie Jar opens in the morning with a breakfast menu of fresh baked goods, whole bean coffee and espresso. Offering a home cooked fare from omelets to skillets, home fried potatoes or hashbrowns, sausage, bacon, biscuits and gravy, thick sliced homemade bread, muffins and more. Breakfast is served all day. Their lunch menu is varied. Offering pastas, salads, three homemade soups daily, sandwiches on beautiful homemade bread, burgers, prime rib sandwiches on hoagies. Dinner adds additional features to the lunch menu such as steaks, seafood, pasta dishes and sauces.