Shopping In downtown Fairbanks, you will find several shops displaying and selling Alaskan jewelry, paintings, furs, books, Eskimo arts and crafts and much more.
Pioneer Park, Fairbanks' 44 acre,
historical pioneer theme park and family recreation area, was built
in 1967 as the center for Alaska's celebration of the 100th anniversary
of the state's purchase from Russia. Now operated by the Fairbanks
North Star Borough, the park has been renovated and the facilities
improved to become one of the state's top man-made attractions.
Open all summer long, Pioneer Park offers a lengthy list of things
to see and do. Perhaps the best place to begin is the visitor
information center located in the log cabin just inside the Park
entrance. This is also where you register for RV parking. It is
for self-contained vehicles only. A fee is charged.
The Prospector, 1512 Cushman; 907-457-7372.
Known as Alaska’s finest outfitter the Prospector carries complete
lines of fishing tackle, camping, footwear and clothing. They are
conveniently located downtown.
Visitor Information can be found at
Alaska Salmon Bake serves an excellent
buffet featuring salmon from the icy waters of Southeast Alaska.
These troll caught King Salmon reach dining perfection over
glowing alder coals in an open pit fire. They also offer BBQ ribs
and delicious golden halibut. All meals come with vegetables, rolls
and salad bar, and its served all-you-can-eat style! 16 oz Porterhouse
steaks cooked over wood to order are also available.
Civic Center is a year round community
building offering facilities for parties, conventions, seminars,
and meetings. On the top level of the Civic Center is the Bear Art
Gallery, free and open to the public from 11am to 9pm daily, Memorial
Day to Labor Day, and noon to 8pm the remainder of the year. Operated
by the Fairbanks Arts Association, it features revolving shows by
local artisans as well as from those around the state.
Crooked Creek and Whiskey Island Railroad,
an authentic replica of early 1900's, 30 gauge Iron Horse Train,
is available to ride (for a small fee) around the perimeter
of the park. Children, adults and train enthusiasts will enjoy this.
Discovery Downtown, a year-round gift
shop is located in the SpringHill Suites (Marriott Hotel). A variety
of distinctive gifts are available, as well as tickets for the Riverboat
Discovery, El Dorado Gold Mine, and selected other local attractions.
Gold Mine Valley contains working
models of gold mining equipment. See how the water cannon works,
the old steam dredge that was used in the building of the Panama
Canal and many other interesting mining artifacts.
Gold Rush Town within Alaskaland,
is composed of historical buildings moved from the city. The
cabins replicate turn-of-the-century Fairbanks. Many of the log
cabins have been turned into shops offering a wide range of items
from uniquely Alaskan gifts to old-fashioned ice cream. All are
open daily 11am to 9pm
Kitty Hensley House in cabin #11 was
built in the early 1900's. Captain Smythe, an admirer of Kitty's,
remodelled the structure you see today in 1914. Kitty Hensley was
a true eccentric and an information sheet describing her activities
can be found in the cabin.
Native Village and Museum offers artifacts
of local native culture that are symbolic of all Alaskan Natives.
A self-guiding interpretive trail through the Village. Information
456-1586.
Palace Theatre & Saloon in the
heart of Gold Rush Town presents a musical comedy revue about life
in the last frontier. The fun begins with the founding of Fairbanks
and romps through local history to present-day adventures. The creators
of this popular show insist that it's all-true! It plays 7 nights
a week from mid-May to mid-September. Call 456-5960 for reservations
and times. The unique, old-time saloon is open daily.
Pioneer Aviation Museum opened in
1992 featuring artifacts of Alaskan aviation including historic
aircraft, engines and photos. See Alaska through the eyes of a pioneer
aviator.
Pioneer Museum offers a unique look
at the past. Local residents and pioneers donated many of the artifacts
to the gallery. An extensive revue of many famous Alaskan residents
is on display from Sam White to Billy Mitchell to the famous Noel
Wien.
President Warren G. Harding Railroad Car "Denali" recently
underwent complete restoration and is open to the public for viewing.
Riverboat Nenana, a National Historic
Landmark, next to Gold Rush Town, was once a sternwheeler of the
Yukon River Fleet. It rests on a permanent grid dock. On the cargo
deck is a diorama of the Tanana and Yukon Rivers. Over 330 feet
long this diorama is one of the best displays of its kind in America.
Guided tours are available daily. For more information see the article
in Things to Do or call 907-456- 8848.
Santa Claus House 14 miles/22 km from
Fairbanks, in the community of North Pole, Alaska. Each year, the
Miller Family plays the part of Santa, answering letters from thousands
of children. Fronted by a giant Santa Claus, the gaily decorated,
ginger-bread-type house contains one of the largest gift shops in
Alaska and is a must stop while you are in the Fairbanks area. 907-488-2200.
Steamboat Landing. Home of the Riverboat Discovery and Discovery Trading Post. Visitors can while away the time between Discovery III arrivals and departures browsing among one-of-a-kind souvenirs, Alaskan clothing and gifts. Next door, the Susan Butcher Gallery is filled with the four-time Iditarod winner's memorabilia as well as an exclusive line of Susan Butcher clothing. Open 8am to 7pm daily. Wheelchair accessible.
The Artworks an outlet for Alaskan
artists, features tasteful and high quality work from all over the
state. They can be found in a small shopping center on the corner
of University Avenue and College Road, 3677 College Road, Fairbanks,
AK 99709; 907-479-2563.
The Big Stampede in Pioneer Hall in Gold
Rush Town offers a narrated pictorial program depicting the
many who came to this area in search of gold. Alaskan artist C.
"Rusty" Heurlin did the 15 paintings. The narrator is
Rueben Gaines, Alaskan radio commentator and storyteller. The presentation
is seated on a revolving platform and will delight any history buff.
It's a most informative show that relates to the historical development
of Interior Alaska.
Wickersham House displays authentic furniture
to duplicate the way it looked when the famous Judge Wickersham, first
Territorial Judge in Alaska, and his wife lived there.
Wilderness Park and Boat Docks offers you a chance to enjoy a quiet walk. There is an interactive playground system that will provide many hours of entertainment for your children.
Dining
Regency Fairbanks Dining room,
cocktail lounge. 95 Tenth Avenue, Fairbanks, AK 99701. 907-452-3200
or toll free 1-800-348-1340.
River's Edge Restaurant and Cocktail Dining Room opened in May 1998 making it a full service resort with complete banquet hall, convention and group meeting room facilities.
Tour booking desk 1-800-770-3343, 907-474-0286 fax 907-474-3665.
The Pump House Fairbanks favorite
restaurant for fresh seafood, smoked ribs and riverside dining.
The Pump House is well known for excellent food and great atmosphere.
Spend a beautiful Fairbanks afternoon on the deck and it will be
the dining highlight of your trip. 907-479-8452.
Chena’s Fine Dining & Deck 4200 Boat St. is a full service restaurant with banquet, convention
facilities and group meeting rooms. Rivers Edge Resort 907-474-0286
