fairbanks
Originally a gold rush boomtown, now known as the “Golden Heart of Alaska,” visitors find Fairbanks inviting, engaging and awe-inspiring—the heart of the last frontier. Take a deep breath and explore Fairbanks! Get lucky panning for gold, float the Chena River, mingle with reindeer and musk oxen, cool off in an ice museum, take a refreshing hike and look for birds and wildlife, visit a dog mushing kennel or be captivated by an array of art galleries, museums, cultural activities and historic sites. After the snow flies Fairbanks offers a host of additional cool things to do and see like skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, curling, hockey, sledding, ice fishing, dog mushing and ice sculpting. Quirky and invigorating, Fairbanks is an outstanding and authentic year-round destination.
General information:
- Fairbanks is Alaska’s second-largest population center, located within the Fairbanks North Star Borough which has a population of nearly 100,000.
- Centrally located in Alaska’s Interior, Fairbanks is north of Denali National Park and Preserve and south of the Arctic Circle.
- The 100-mile long Chena River runs through the middle of town and is a focal point for events and activities.
- The Alaska Highway, Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, military bases, mining and the University of Alaska are all integral to Fairbanks.
(https://www.explorefairbanks.com/explore-the-area/fairbanks/ )
north pole
North Pole, Alaska, where “the spirit of Christmas lives year-round” is just a short 20-minute drive from Fairbanks. Drive along Santa Claus Lane and admire the streetlights decorated in candy cane motifs. Visit the Santa Claus House and browse holiday-inspired gifts for everyone on your list. The Santa Claus House is the “official” home of Santa Claus and welcomes thousands of people from all over the world. You can embrace the season with a charming letter from Santa to friends and family back home with an authentic North Pole postmark. Live reindeer and an opportunity for a photograph with Santa Claus at the festive Santa Claus House are available year-round.
Right next to North Pole is the beautiful Chena Lake Recreation Area that covers 2,100 acres and includes the popular Lake Park, with a 260 acre lake and the River Park, which meanders along 4 miles of the Chena River. During summer and fall, potable water and restroom facilities are available. The Lake Park has volleyball, horseshoes, a playground, picnic areas with tables and fire rings, covered pavilions, a campground, two designated swimming areas with sandy beaches, a boat rental facility and a lake boat launch as well as two fishing docks (one handicap accessible). The River Park has additional camping, activity and picnic areas. Chena Lake is stocked annually by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game with rainbow trout, silver salmon and Arctic char. The Chena River has Arctic grayling, northern pike, whitefish, burbot and an annual run of king salmon. During aurora season, from August 21 to April 21, the Chena Lake Recreation Area is a great place to hunt for the aurora. During the winter, Chena Lake Recreation Area has ice fishing and miles of trials for hiking and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, skijoring and dog mushing.
(https://www.explorefairbanks.com/explore-the-area/interior/north-pole/ )