Top Fairbanks attractions.

• Author: Caserta, Cindy
• Position: Fairbanks, Alaska

Alaska Raft Adventures

Denali Park Resorts offers two different rafting experiences on the local Nenana River. The White Water Canyon Run is wild, and the Wilderness Run is mild. All gear is provided.

Arctic Circle

With the Arctic Circle so close, many visitors drive or take a tour there, crossing the Yukon River in a short day's trip. Some visitors prefer traveling to the end of the road, up the Dalton Highway to Prudhoe Bay.

Celebrations

Golden Days, a 10-day celebration in July commemorating the discovery of gold and subsequent building of the town, is celebrated by locals and visitors alike. A jail-on-wheels cruises through town, picking up people with "outstanding warrants." Can-can dancers parade through the streets and gun-toting miners meander through town. Visitors also enjoy the Golden Days Grande Parade, the Rubber Ducky Race on the Chena River, and the annual Red Green Boat Regatta. Other activities include a 16.2 mile Gold Discovery running race, a can-can costume contest, and "hairy legs" and "Felix Pedro" look-alike contests.

Other summer celebrations include the Tanana Valley State Fair, The Summer Solstice Celebration, the Midnight Sun Run, and the Midnight Sun Baseball Game. Several large folk festivals are held at Chatanika Gold Camp and Alaskaland.

Dog Mushing

Fairbanks is considered to be the mushing capital of the world. Several kennels offer tours during the summer months.

Gold Mining

Gold mining draws many visitors to El Dorado and Gold Dredge Number 8 in Fox where they can tour the facilities and then try panning for gold. Tourists can even ride the Tanana Valley Railroad to the El Dorado Gold Mine, then enjoy a walking tour of the mining camp and meet Alaskan miners who explain present-day placer mining methods.

24-hour Golf

For those who prefer golfing throughout the sunlit nighttime hours, Fairbanks features the only U.S. golf course open 24-hours during the summer. The Fairbanks Golf and Country Club is open to the public.

Historical Tours

Visitors can learn about the town's history by participating in a downtown tour (walking or shuttle bus) of historic buildings, the original cemetery, and the "red light district." Alaskaland has original pioneer log cabins which now house gift shops and restaurants. The Pioneer Museum at Alaskaland also gives visitors a glimpse of the lives of the pioneer men and women who came to make their fortunes here.

Native Culture

Athabascan and Eskimo culture are...