Where is Fairbanks? How do I get there?

Fairbanks is in central Alaska, 358 miles north of Anchorage on the George Parks Highway. It is located at Mile 1486 on the Alaska Highway, 206 miles from the Tok Cutoff. Several commercial airlines provide service from the Lower 48. While there is no train service from the Lower 48, the Alaska Railroad does run between Anchorage and Fairbanks daily during the summer and on weekends during the winter.

What is the weather like?

Fairbanks' weather is semi-arid with very little wind. In January highs are around 2 degrees F and lows average -18 degrees F. In summer, we can have highs of 85 degrees F and lows of 40 degrees F. Average high and low temperatures in July are 72 and 52 respectively. Be sure and check the current and forecast weather conditions for Fairbanks on the day of your trip.

What is the population?

Latest Estimates from the US Census Bureau

Fairbanks – 31,142 (Alaska's 2nd largest city)
Fairbanks North Star Borough - 97,970
State of Alaska - 686,293 (22% reside in Fairbanks)

I'd prefer not to drive while I'm in Alaska, are there other means of transportation?

Buses, trains, ferries, and planes are available sources of public transportation. A wide variety of outfitter-guide and other commercial services are also available. Lists can be made available from our partner, the Fairbanks Convention and Visitor Bureau.

When visiting Fairbanks, be sure your visit includes a trip to the Museum of the North, which is located on the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) campus and is considered to be the best museum in the state. The university also is home to the Cold Climate Housing Research Center, International Arctic Research Center, Robert G. White Large Animal Research Station and the Georgeson Botanical Gardens where one can find native, non-native and championship flowers and vegetables.

A visit downtown offers the Fairbanks Community Museum, which has exhibits on the history of Fairbanks and the gold rush, it is located with the Yukon Quest Museum on 1st and Cushman; Ice Museum is at 2nd and Lacey; Downtown Fairbanks historic walking tour (contact our partner, Fairbanks Convention & Visitors Bureau at (907) 457-3282): and, of course, our newly constructed Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center with over 8000 square feet of exhibit space and theater located at 101 Dunkel St.

The Fairbanks Cycle Club maintains an excellent list of fun mountain biking trips in and around the Fairbanks hills.

Just within a half hours drive is the Chena River State Recreation Area (CRSRA) which provides a wide variety of marked hiking trails. The White Mountains National Recreation Area also contains trails within an easy drive north of Fairbanks. If you are looking for great in-town hikes/walks, try Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, and University of Alaska Fairbanks North Campus.

Many areas have trails. State parks, the national forests, a couple national parks and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands have maintained trails. Locally, the Chena River State Recreation Area and the White Mountains National Recreation Area have multi-day backpacking trails. The Alaska Trails website http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aktrails/ats.htm offers many links where information on trails can be found.

To almost any public lands area in Alaska! National parks, state parks, national forests, and BLM land all provide hiking without trails. Some popular destinations: Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Gates of the Arctic National Park, any Brooks Range area, numerous areas in southeast Alaska, the Aleutian Range. Some good general backpacking information can be found at this website http://www.backpackak.com/

Where can I get information on Denali National Park (DNP)?

You will find this six million acre natural wonder less than 125 miles south from Fairbanks. Most will discover its beauty well worth the two hour drive! The Fairbanks Alaska Public Lands Information Center has the Denali Alpenglow, Denali map brochure, Healy Lion's Club lodging list, and a park commercial visitor services list. You can also reach Denali National Park by calling (907) 683-2294 or visit the Denali National Park homepage or their directions page to get more detailed information about getting there.

We have the Alaska State Parks brochure listing camping and facility information, individual State Parks, Chugach State Park's Ridgelines, some specific hiking, canoeing, and public use cabin information. We also sell State Park day use and boating launch passes. The Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/ may help for planning a camping trip.

We would like to hunt or fish in Alaska. Can you send information?

Yes, we can send trip planning information and fishing/hunting regulations. For lodging related services various chambers of commerce or Alaska Division of Tourism phone numbers and addresses might be useful. A licensed guides listing is available from the Alaska Division of Occupational Licensing at (907) 465-2543. More information on hunting in Alaska can be found at this website http://www.wildlife.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=hunting.main

Can I carry my gun while hiking in national and state parks?

When in national parks and preserves, national forests, refuges, state parks, and other public lands, check with the managing agency before carrying. We can help you contact the correct agency.

Do you have any maps?

We have general maps of state and national parks, and we sell topographic maps for certain areas. The Map Office at the IARC (UAF) has statewide coverage.

I think I can score big gold panning! What are the rules and where can I go?

Recreational gold panning is permitted, with some restrictions, on most public lands in Alaska. These lands include national forests, wildlife refuges, some state parks, nation parks (though more are restricted), and lands administered by the BLM and the State of Alaska. If you want to actually file a mining claim, check with the BLM or the State Division of Mining depending on who manages the land of interest. Our handout packet includes a general guide to recreational gold mining. Descriptive fliers on Nome Creek and Caribou Creek Recreational Mining areas, gold panning in Chugach National Forest, time-saving tips, and a fact sheet on Alaska State Parks.

When can I see the Northern Lights?

The aurora can be seen late August through April after dark when the skies are clear. Check today's Aurora Forecast from the UAF Geophysical Institute.

How far is the Arctic Circle from Fairbanks?

The Arctic Circle is 198 miles from Fairbanks on the Dalton Highway. If you reach the Arctic Circle, make certain you stop by the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center and get your Arctic Circle Certificate!

Can I drive to the Arctic Ocean and dip my toes in?

No. Deadhorse, 15 miles south of Prudhoe Bay, is the furthest north one can drive without a special permit into Prudhoe Bay. The Dalton Highway Guide is available online and is an excellent resource for anyone traveling north.

I want to see wildlife. Where do I go?

There are many places in Alaska abundant with a variety of wildlife, though most are only accessible by boat or plane. We have a Wildlife Viewing in Alaska brochure suggesting areas to view Alaska's wildlife. Staff can also recommend road accessible areas to look for moose, Dall Sheep, spawning salmon, bear, bald eagles, and other popular wildlife. Detailed animal and bird info sheets are also available.

Where can we go to see some bears up close?

Bears are visible almost anywhere in Alaska. You might catch a glimpse of a black bear or a grizzly while hiking in Chena River State Recreation Area or the White Mountains. Destinations such as the Denali National Park, Katmai National Park, or Admiralty Island National Monument can provide even closer experiences. Alaska's bears are large and wild, and must be treated with respect. Ask for a copy of Bear Facts, Bear Viewing, or Wildlife Viewing in Alaska from the staff, or you can look at our helpful online viewing guide.

Do you have any programs? Movies? Talks?

During the summer we have a full schedule of talks, slide shows, demonstrations, and a daily film schedule. Monthly schedules are available. See our Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center newsletter titled Bridges for upcoming events and films.

Who was Morris Thompson anyway?

Morris was one of Alaska 's prominent business leaders. He was the youngest commissioner of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, held leadership positions in the Alaska Federation of Natives and Commonwealth North, as well as a cabinet position in the Hickel administration. In 1985, he took over the helm of Doyon, Limited, leading that corporation to become one of the most profitable and stable Alaska Native Corporations. His life and leadership was the inspiration for the construction of our center. He embodied a philosophy to work together on commonalities and celebrate diversity. Our center brings together Native and non-native organizations, building bridges between cultures and encouraging all Alaskans to work together to build our future.

Where can I go to learn more about Native Alaska?

In and around Fairbanks, you can visit our center as well as the Alaska Native Museum, Museum of the North, or call the Fairbanks Native Association at (907) 452-1648 to learn about educational programs they are involved with.

We have a list of accessible federal and state campgrounds, and ratings of some facilities and trails. Several groups publish flyers and newsletters as well. If you have specific needs, it is usually best to contact the park you are planning on visiting and checking with them. Other groups that might be of help are Challenge Alaska and Alaska Welcomes You.