This Alaskan city comes alive with northern lights in winter and midnight sun in summer. From dog sledding trails to local art galleries, it's a gateway to Arctic adventures.
Located at 65 degrees north latitude in Alaska's Interior, Fairbanks welcomes you with extraordinary natural wonders throughout the year. Watch the northern lights dance across winter skies, experience the midnight sun baseball games in summer, explore the World Ice Art Championships in February, or warm up in the natural pools at Chena Hot Springs. The city's position near the Arctic Circle creates unique conditions for both winter aurora viewing and summer's 70 days of continuous daylight.
Aurora Viewing Conditions and Timing
You can spot the northern lights in Fairbanks from late August through mid-April, thanks to the city's location under the "auroral oval." Clear winter skies and minimal artificial light make viewing conditions excellent. Check local aurora forecasts to plan your viewing, and request aurora wake-up calls at most local accommodations. While the lights most commonly appear between 10 PM and 2 AM, you might see them any time during dark hours.
Summer Activities During 24-Hour Daylight
The sun barely sets in Fairbanks between April 22 and August 20, giving you 70 straight days of nearly continuous light. Join midnight hiking groups on the Creamer's Field trails, watch baseball games at 10 PM in Growden Memorial Park, or participate in the Golden Days celebration. This July festival fills the streets with gold panning contests, parades, and local food vendors celebrating the city's mining history.
Winter Sports and Competitions
Watch ice artists create intricate sculptures from massive 3,000-pound ice blocks during February's World Ice Art Championships. Follow the Yukon Quest dogsled teams as they begin their 1,000-mile journey through wilderness checkpoints to Whitehorse. Go cross-country skiing on the University of Alaska Fairbanks trail system, or head to Ski Land for downhill runs with panoramic views of the Alaska Range.
Downtown Areas and Museums
Walk along the Chena River's riverside paths to connect major downtown sites. Learn about Interior Alaska through interactive exhibits at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center, where daily programs demonstrate traditional skills and contemporary life. Ride the narrow-gauge train around Pioneer Park's 44-acre grounds, stopping to explore original gold rush era cabins and three museums. At the University of Alaska Museum of the North, examine extensive collections of Alaska Native artifacts and natural history specimens.
Transportation and Day Trips
Reach Fairbanks through its international airport or via four major highways that intersect in the city. Drive 55 miles east on Chena Hot Springs Road to soak in natural hot springs and visit the year-round ice museum. Take the Elliott Highway north through boreal forest and old mining towns toward the Arctic Circle. During summer, regular buses connect Fairbanks with Denali National Park, making day trips or longer stays convenient.
