Get a quick introduction to the city’s history and culture with a sightseeing tour: Start at the Museum of the North to learn about Alaska’s diverse peoples, natural wonders, and wildlife, then head over to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline to learn about how it was built and how it is maintained.

Delve into the natural beauty surrounding Fairbanks with a guided hike, a rafting trip, a canoeing adventure, or a fishing excursion. During the winter months, choose between snowmobile, snowshoe, ice-fishing, and dog-sledding tours.

Head to Chena Hot Springs for the evening to soak in the natural thermal pools and admire impressive art sculptures at the Aurora Ice Museum. Several tours to Chena Hot Springs are offered from Fairbanks and, depending on the season, they may include a special northern lights outing.

No trip to Alaska is complete without a little gold-panning fun. Hop aboard a narrow-gauge train and enjoy a narrated journey to historic Gold Dredge 8. In addition to learning about Alaska’s gold rush history, you’ll get the chance to pan for gold on your own.

For a truly wild Alaskan experience, take a scenic flight above the Arctic Circle. Enjoy incredible views of the Alaskan Arctic from a small passenger plane before landing in a remote outpost above the circle.

Fairbanks is considered one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights. For a glimpse of the heavenly colors, visit mid-September through late April, when dark skies make the lights visible. For the best chance of seeing them, take an aurora borealis tour that takes you from Fairbanks to prime viewing locations.