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Fairbanks
Fairbanks is nicknamed “The Golden Heart City,” a precise description of its geographical position, its sense of community and lends recognition to the rich history as a gold town. Today, Fairbanks is Alaska’s second largest city with over 30,000 residents and is the gateway for Alaska’s Interior and Arctic with beautiful accommodations, restaurants, museums and some of Alaska’s top-rated attractions. Native culture and access to the Alaskan wilderness provide countless options for visitors. Riverboat and gold mining tours, hot springs, up close views to the Alaska pipeline and gorgeous northern lights, are just a few activities and experiences awaiting the Visitor. Even more to experience is the wide selection of indigenous and contemporary art and music and an impressive selection of galleries.
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Gold was found in the Fairbanks area in 1904 and as a result, thousands joined the gold rush. Within five years Fairbanks was the largest and busiest city in Alaska. Fairbanks became a bustling mining town in the middle of the largest territory in the United States. Fairbanks grew as a supply center attracting major retailers and service providers and has continued as the hub and gateway to Alaska’s Interior for the past 100 years. The city also flourished in the 1970’s, as it was chosen as the logistical headquarters for the construction of the Trans-Alaska Oil pipeline. For four years more than 20,000 oil workers were based in Fairbanks. Generous wages fueled rapid expansion. Fairbanks became infamous for riotous bars and well-patronized brothels. Striking gold, beautiful scenery and colorful history has created a wonderful destination for travelers.
The University of Alaska is among the best in the state at featuring interesting highlights about the area, one being entertaining shows on the aurora borealis. Fairbanks has been referred to as “Aurora Central” northern lights can be seen an average of 240 nights a year, with the greatest occurrence in the spring and fall. When the midnight sun sets, the aurora borealis lights up the sky, providing a fascinating backdrop for winter adventure. Dog sledding, both cross-country and downhill skiing and snowmachine riding opportunities are available from October through April. (Look for more winter activity highlights in the winter section) From Mid-May through July, visitors can enjoy more than 20 hours of sunlight a day in and around the Fairbanks area. Fairbanks lies just 188 miles below the Arctic Circle. The Arctic Circle is the latitude where the sun doesn’t set on summer solstice (June 20 or 21) and doesn’t rise on winter solstice (Dec.21 or 22). A variety of tours are offered providing the travelers the chance to cross the Arctic Circle. One example; A fly-in excursion to Fort Yukon on the Arctic Circle which features life on the Yukon River in Alaska’s largest Athabascan village. (See tour package information featured later in this section.)  Reserve your travel or learn more about the Fairbanks area by contacting some of Alaska’s premier hotels, transportation, day tours, travel specialists and organizations. Ideal information for reserving an Alaska vacation with ease. Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau www.explorefairbanks.com • (800) 327-5774 • Fairbanks Visitor Information | Fairbanks is the gateway to your authentic Alaskan adventure. Come be energized in summer’s land of midnight sun. See award-winning exhibits on Alaska’s cultural and natural history . Shop for exquisite Alaska Native crafts, both Athabascan and Eskimo. Be enthralled by winter’s unsurpassed display of northern lights. Go mushing with a dog team on a wooded trail. View the artistry of larger than life-sized ice sculptures. From our riverfront location, a tour transports you to the edge of the Last Frontier, Denali and the Arctic wilderness. For more information, contact the Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau : Log Cabin Visitor Information Center, 550 First Ave., Fairbanks 99701 Alaska Railroad Scenic Rail Tours www.AlaskaRailroad.com • (800) 544-0552 • (907) 265-2494 Transportation | Alaska Railroad-Scenic Rail Tours are a relaxing yet spectacular way to travel the state. The rail runs 500 miles through pristine wilderness area, offering a comfortable and intimate way to experience wild Alaska. Visitors can choose from one of our Adventure Packages or build their own multi-day itineraries, choosing from fine accommodations and a wide range of optional excursions. The Alaska Railroad-Scenic Rail Tours travel to some of Alaska’s most breathtaking destinations such as Kenai Fjords National Park, Denali National Park and Prince William Sound. The Alaska Railroad invites you to experience our two double-deck dome cars added in 2005. These cars feature our signature “GoldStar” first-class service and operate on the Denali Star route that visits Talkeetna, Denali National Park, and Fairbanks. Avis Rent-A-Car www.avis.com • (800) 331-1212 • Anchorage Transportation | Avis Rent A Car has been serving Alaska since 1955. With 10 locations throughout Alaska, Avis provides convenient ‘rent it here, leave it there’ service, friendly customer service agents where-ever your travel takes you, quick response time to emergency road-side service needs, and the quality AVIS brand that you can count on. Avis Rents a wide range of vehicles from small economy cars to full-size sedans, minivans and 4 Wheel Drive SUV’S. For complete rate and location information visit www.avis.com or call from within the US (800) 331-1212. Chena Hot Springs Resort www.chenahotsprings.com • (800) 478-4681 • Fairbanks Hot Springs | Chosen as Alaska’s best hot springs, Chena Hot Springs Resort offers relaxation, rejuvenation, and revitalization to its visitors. Internationally known for being the best place to see the Northern Lights – high auroral activity matched with low city light pollution. 80 rooms, 7 suites, 7 rustic cabins, fine dining, massage therapy, seasonal outdoor activities, and of course indoor and outdoor natural mineral hotsprings. 440 acres of wilderness only one easy hour from Fairbanks. Comfort Inn Fairbanks www.comfortinnfairbanks.com • (800) 228-5150 • Fairbanks Lodging | Enjoy modern accommodations in a remote setting in Fairbanks. Located only minutes away from Fairbanks International Airport, Downtown district, University of Alaska-Fairbanks and the Alaska Railroad train depot as well as the ever popular Pioneer Park and Alaska Salmon Bake. We offer Spacious guest rooms, Airport Shuttle service, Indoor pool/spa, Laundry facilities, Data ports with wireless internet access and complimentary continental breakfast. “We’ll see you there.” Discover the Gold Tour/Gray Line of Alaska www.graylineofalaska.com • (800) 544-2206 • Fairbanks Day Tour | Fairbanks owes its founding to the discovery of gold. Your driver-guide will bring those early days to life explaining the misadventures of one Capt. E.T. Barnette and how a rumor of gold actually panned out. Included are stops at Gold Dredge No. 8, the historic structure that dug the river bedrock of Goldstream and Engineer creeks for Alaskan miners right up until 1959; and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, an 800-mile engineering miracle that carries Alaskan crude from Prudhoe Bay in the Arctic to the seacoast at Valdez. Tour includes a miner’s lunch at Gold Dredge No. 8 and gold panning. El Dorado Gold Mine www.eldoradogoldmine.com • (866) 479-6673 • Fairbanks Day Tour | Join the Binkley family on an adventure as you explore Alaska’s richest gold mining district. The 2-hour guided tour begins as you board a narrow gauge train and travel to a working gold mine where modern mining techniques are demonstrated by local miners. Along the way, you’ll see actual demonstrations and experience the gold mining history of Interior Alaska. You’ll also stop in a permafrost tunnel to learn about historic drift mining methods. After a short course in gold mining, you’ll pan gold for yourself. Everyone finds gold! Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge www.princesslodges.com • (800) 426-0500 • Fairbanks Deluxe Lodge | Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge, located just minutes from the Fairbanks International Airport, is convenient to the downtown area and the University of Alaska Fairbanks as well as popular attractions such as the El Dorado Gold Mine, the Riverboat Discovery and Alaskaland. Northern Alaska Tour Company www.northernalaska.com • (800) 474-1986 • Fairbanks, AKDay Tours | Experience Alaska’s Arctic! Northern Alaska Tour company, the pioneers of Arctic Circle touring on Alaska’s Dalton Highway, invite you to experience for yourself the legendary hospitality and authentic interpretation of our one day and overnight Arctic Adventures. Visit the Arctic Circle Trading Post. View the Trans Alaska Pipeline. Experience the mighty Yukon River. Cross the Arctic Circle. Explore the fragile arctic tundra. Visit the Nunamiut Eskimo village of Anaktuvuk Pass. Fly Alaska’s rugged wilderness airways. Pike’s Waterfront Lodge www.pikeslodge.com • (877) 774-2400 • Fairbanks, AKLodging | Welcome to your Fairbanks hotel on the Chena River. Pike’s Waterfront Lodge scenic view rooms, steam room & sauna, riverside deck, comfortable lounge, and friendly staff await you! Our hotel is minutes from the airport, next door to famous Pike’s Landing restaurant. Features include an exercise room, business center, steam and sauna room, and a free shuttle to the airport or train station. Also, Pike’s has 8 wheelchair accessible rooms with roll-in showers. Regency Fairbanks Hotel www.regencyfairbankshotel.com • (907) 452-3200 • Fairbanks, AKHotel | When you arrive at the Regency Fairbanks Hotel, We’ll settle you in to a relaxing room with everything you need to feel right at home. Inspired by the Regency’s classic touches in these modern times, you’ll find it wonderfully easy to begin your Fairbanks experience. Each of our 129 spacious guest rooms features a full kitchenette with stove, microwave and a refrigerator. Single and double Whirlpool tubs are available in many suites. If you don’t feel like cooking, the Regency Cove restaurant on the lower level is open daily, serving everything from Burgers to Prime Rib and Alaskan Seafood specialties. Complimentary Airport//Depot shuttle service. Riverboat Discovery www.riverboatdiscovery.com • (866) 489-6673 • Fairbanks Day Tours | Welcome Aboard! Cruise the Chena and Tanana Rivers with third and fourth generation Alaskan captains. Take a guided walking tour of an authentic Athabascan Indian Village. Experience Alaskan Native cultural traditions. See Susan Butcher’s Iditarod champion sled dogs in action. The Binkley family has operated sternwheel riverboats in Alaska since the gold Rush of 1898. Captain Jim and Mary Binkley first offered riverboat tours in Fairbanks in 1950 and the business has grown every year since. River’s Edge Resort www.riversedge.net • (800) 770-3343 • Fairbanks, AKHotel | Your own private hotel. AAA rated. 94 deluxe riverfront and garden cottages each with personal outdoor patios. 2 queen beds; private vanity and bath; coffee makers; cable TV, phones; hair dryers, air conditioning, and laundry/valet service. Internet Business Center. Riverfront full service restaurant. Dine indoors or out at Chena’s fine dining deck. Featuring Fairbanks Historical City tour and other top rated local and Arctic tours. More than a place to stay! River’s Edge RV Park www.riversedge.net • (800) 770-3343 • Fairbanks, AKRV Park | Located in the heart of Fairbanks. Landscaped riverfront setting. Wide pull-throughs, full/partial hook-ups, laundry, ice, car wash. Free Showers! Telephone and Internet lounge. Featuring Alaskan Made “Rosehip Gifts”, Fairbanks Historical City Tour and other top rated local and Arctic tours. Free shuttle to main attractions. Walk to grocery stores Sophie Station www.fountainheadhotels.com • (907) 479-3650 • Fairbanks, AKHotel | Sophie Station Hotel is a striking all-suite hotel located just a mile from the airport and sits within minutes of Fairbanks’s most popular attractions. Sophie’s beautifully appointed suites, inviting atmosphere and popular on site restaurant provide for a great stay in Alaska’s Golden Heart City. The Pump House Restaurant www.pumphouse.com • (907) 479-8452 Dining | The historic Pump House is located on the scenic banks of the Chena River. The only award winning restaurant in the interior has been faithfully serving locals and visitors for more than 25 years. Landscaped gardens, antique furniture, great food and super Alaskan hospitality make this landmark a Fairbanks tradition. 
University of Alaska Museum of the North www.uaf.edu/museum • (907) 474-7505 • Fairbanks AKMuseum | Discover fascinating stories about Alaska’s people, places and wildlife in the newly expanded University of Alaska Museum of the North. Enjoy stunning architecture inspired by Alaska inside and out, award-winning exhibits, multimedia programs and shopping in the museum store. Highlights include Alaska’s largest public display of gold, exhibits on the aurora, the world’s only 36,000 year old mummified steppe bison and extensive displays of Alaska Native art and artifacts. A new gallery presents the full range of Alaskan art, from ancient ivory carvings to contemporary sculptures. Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center www.graylineofalaska.com • (800) 544-2206 • Fairbanks, AKHotel | The Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center is located in the heart of Fairbanks. In May 2004, the hotel expansion will be completed and will feature 400 deluxe guestrooms, over 15,000 sq. ft. of function space, guest laundry, restaurants and a lounge. Come and check us out! Alaska Insight Travel Guide www.alaskainsight.com • (907) 344-7422 • Anchorage For more information regarding packaging or customizing Alaska itineraries contact Alaska Insight Travel Guide. Email: alaskainsight@alaska.net Quick Reference Listings & Website Directory Arctic Alaskan Arctic Turtle Tours (907) 457-1798 • www.ptialaska.net/~wlodgejw Arctic Circle Trading Post (907) 474-3507 • www.arcticcircletradingpost.com Arctic Outfitters (907) 474-3530 • www.daltonhighway.com Coldfoot Camp (907) 474-3500 • www.coldfootcamp.com Northern Alaska Tour Company (907) 474-8600 • www.northernalaska.com Trans Arctic Circle Treks, Ltd. (907) 479-5451 • www.alaskaone.com/transarctic Attractions Alaska Salmon Bake & Palace Theatre & Saloon (907) 474-1641 • www.akvisit.com Alaskan Tails of the Trail with Mary Shields (907) 455-6469 • www.maryshields.com City of North Pole Tourism (907) 488-2281 • www.northpolealaska.com Ester Gold Camp (907) 479-2500 • www.akvisit.com Large Animal Research Station (907) 474-5724 • www.uaf.edu/lars Pioneer Park, Parks and Recreation, Fairbanks North Star Borough (907) 459-1087 • www.co.fairbanks.ak.us/Parks&Rec/ PioneerPark Riverboat Discovery (907) 479-6673 • www.riverboatdiscovery.com Santa Claus House (907) 488-2200 • www.santaclaushouse.com A Bed & Breakfast Inn on Minnie Street (907) 456-1802 • www.minniestreetBandB.com All Seasons Bed & Breakfast Inn (907) 451-6649 • www.allseasonsinn.com Convention & Visitors Bureaus Mat-Su Convention & Visitors Bureau (907) 746-5000 • www.alaskavisit.com Valdez Convention & Visitors Bureau (907) 835-2984 • www.valdezalaska.org Dining The Pump House Restaurant and Saloon (907) 479-8452 • www.pumphouse.comFishing/River Excursions Denali Outdoor Center, Inc. (907) 683-1925 • www.denalioutdoorcenter.com Denali Raft Adventures, Inc. (907) 683-2234 • www.denaliraft.com Nenana Raft Adventures, Inc. (907) 683-RAFT • www.raftdenali.com Flightseeing, Ballooning, Ultra Lights Midnight Sun Balloon Tours (907) 456-3028 • www.alaskaballoontours.com Flightseeing/Flight Schools Era Helicopters Flightseeing Tours (907) 266-8351 • www.eraaviation.com Gold Rush/Frontier History Gold Dredge No. 8 (907) 457-6058 • www.GoldDredgeNo8.com Ground Transportation Alaska Railroad (907) 265-2447 • www.alaskarailroad.com Dalton Highway Express (907) 474-3555 • www.daltonhighwayexpress.com Guided Tours/Tours, Ticket Outlets Alaska Tickets and Tours (907) 374-1999 • www.AlaskaTicketsandTours.com Hot Springs Chena Hot Springs Resort (907) 488-1505 • www.chenahotsprings.com Hotels/Motels Alaska Motel (907) 456-6393 • www.ak-motel.com Aspen Hotels of Alaska (907) 457-2288 • www.aspenhotelsak.com Beaver Lake Resort Motel (907) 488-9600 • www.beaverlakeresort.net Best Value Inn Fairbanks (907) 452-4826 • www.bestvalueinn.com Best Western Fairbanks Inn (907) 456-6602 • www.bwfairbanksinn.com Bridgewater Hotel (907) 458-6111 • www.fountainheadhotels.com Captain Bartlett Inn (907) 452-1888 • www.captainbartlettinn.com Comfort Inn - Fairbanks (907) 479-8080 • www.choicehotels.com/hotel/ak009 Denali Crow’s Nest Log Cabins (907) 683-2723 • www.denalicrowsnest.com Denali Lodging (907) 264-4600 • www.denaliparkresorts.com Denali North Star Inn (907) 488-1505 • www.denalinorthstarinn.com Denali Park Resorts (907) 264-4600 • www.denalinationalpark.com Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge (907) 455-4477 • www.princesslodges.com Fairbanks Springhill Suites by Marriott (907) 729-0677 • www.Springhillsuites.com Fountainhead Hotels (907) 458-6111 • www.fountainheadhotels.com Golden North Motel (907) 479-6201 • www.goldennorthmotel.com Pike’s Waterfront Lodge (907) 258-7453 • www.pikeslodge.com Regency Fairbanks Hotel (907) 452-3200 • www.regencyfairbankshotel.com River’s Edge Resort (907) 474-0286 • www.riversedge.net Sophie Station Hotel (907) 458-6111 • www.fountainheadhotels.com Wedgewood Resort (907) 458-6111 • www.fountainheadhotels.com Westmark Hotel & Conference Center (907) 456-7722 • www.westmarkhotels.com Lodges Aurora Express Forget-Me-Not (907) 474-0949 • www.aurora-express.com Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge (907) 822-4000 • www.princesslodges.com Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge (907) 733-2900 • www.princesslodges.com Marketing/Graphic Arts Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation (907) 452-2185 • www.investfairbanks.com Museums University of Alaska Museum of the North (907) 474-6941 • www.uaf.edu/museum RV Parks / Campground River’s Edge RV Park (907) 474-0286 • www.riversedge.net Wildlife Viewing Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises (907) 835-4731 • www.stanstephenscruises.com For more information regarding packaging or customizing Alaska itineraries contact Alaska Insight Travel Guide. Email: alaskainsight@alaska.net |
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