This large, lakeside protected area represents the last phase of an Army Corps of Engineers flood-control project prompted by the Chena River’s flooding of Fairbanks in 1967.
Two separate parks make up the space, offering nature paths, paved trails and swimming, plus boat rentals ($10 per hour). Three campground loops provide access to about 80 sites. Note that the entrance to the recreation area is 2 miles off the Richardson Hwy – follow the signs after you exit.
University of Alaska Museum of the North
19.79 MILES
In an architecturally abstract, igloo- and aurora-inspired edifice sits one of Alaska’s finest museums, with artifact-rich exhibits on the geology,…
Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge
16.99 MILES
Birds have been migrating through this idyllic little stretch of farmland for millennia, and when the local dairy finally shut its doors, the community…
Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center
15.88 MILES
There are a few contenders for 'best visitor center in Alaska' but this one, an ingenious mix of museum, info point and cultural center, has to be in the…
20.92 MILES
If you can’t make a trip to the Arctic for a little wildlife observation, consider visiting this research station that tends herds of musk ox, reindeer…
Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum
16.56 MILES
For a state with so few highways, this is a surprisingly comprehensive collection of 70 working antique vehicles, highlighting the evolution of the…
20.29 MILES
The severe Arctic and wild interior of Alaska are blessed with rainbows of wildflowers, which are all on display here. The Georgeson Botanical Garden is a…
19.76 MILES
Gaze out over boreal forest to distant mountains (including Denali on a good day) from this high perch on the University of Alaska campus.
17.42 MILES
Like many cities with little surviving history, Fairbanks attempts to recreate the 'old' days in a historical theme park. Suffice to say, it doesn't…
3.71 MILES
If you love your roadside kitsch, and/or the corniest elements of the Christmas holiday, head into this sprawling barn-like store off Richardson Hwy…
2. Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center
15.88 MILES
There are a few contenders for 'best visitor center in Alaska' but this one, an ingenious mix of museum, info point and cultural center, has to be in the…
3. Fairbanks Community & Dog Mushing Museum
16.03 MILES
A small but packed museum that traces the city’s history through old photos, newspaper clippings and historical artifacts from daily life. One room…
16.03 MILES
This square is meant to serve as a natural nexus point for downtown activity in Fairbanks. Within the riverside square, you'll see a clock tower, winter…
16.11 MILES
The corporate headquarters for the Native-owned Doyon company has a lobby filled with indigenous art and artifacts. The 24-hour security guards on duty…
6. Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum
16.56 MILES
For a state with so few highways, this is a surprisingly comprehensive collection of 70 working antique vehicles, highlighting the evolution of the…
7. Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge
16.99 MILES
Birds have been migrating through this idyllic little stretch of farmland for millennia, and when the local dairy finally shut its doors, the community…
8. Pioneer Air Transportation Museum
17.32 MILES
Only open in summer, this museum is full of olden planes and aviation history, with an obvious focus on the field as practiced in the Alaskan interior and…