EXPLORING FAIRBANKS, THE GOLDEN HEART CITY By D A V I D J A M E S
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ocated near the geographic center of the state, Fairbanks is Alaska’s year-round tourism destination. Established along the Chena River in 1901, it originally served prospectors working outlying gold claims. In the 119 years since, it’s grown to include a university, two military bases, and has become the commercial hub of Interior Alaska. Owing to its inland climate, the town enjoys drier weather than most of Alaska, and hotter summers. On summer solstice, Fairbanksans bask in 22 hours and 49 minutes of direct sunlight. But with the sun setting just below the horizon before rising again, the town does not see darkness from early May until mid August. With the COVID-19 pandemic still an ongoing concern, it’s important to check with all businesses and facilities before visiting. While there are no borough or state restrictions outside of governmentrun buildings at present, masking, social
Soak up some sun on or off the water in Fairbanks. PHOTO BY BOB HALLINEN
distancing and maximum capacity limits might be enforced on site. It’s best to know what’s requested of the public in advance, and kindly respect the wishes of those in charge of the establishments you wish to enter. The Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau (101 Dunkel St.) is the place for
information, and has welcome centers along the riverfront downtown and in the nearby Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center. The Thompson Center provides an excellent introduction to the history and culture of Interior Alaska’s original inhabitants, the Athabascan people. Downtown has many shops and restaurants. The annual Midnight Sun Festival, hosted by the Downton Association, will take place in the city’s center on June 19. Though smaller than usual owing to the pandemic, it is still being billed as a “large outdoor gathering” and will include live music, vendors, and activities. Open yearround, nearby Pioneer Park (2300 Airport Way) offers fun for the whole family with playground equipment, historic buildings, a train ride, museums and more. Museums are scattered throughout town, including the Museum of the North on the University campus, which holds one of the state’s premier collections of Alaskan and Arctic artifacts. The Fairbanks Community Museum (535 Second Ave., #215) focuses on city history. Car buffs will motor toward the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum (212 Wedgewood Dr.), while summer visitors wanting a taste of winter can experience
VISITORS’ GUIDE •
2021 —
ALASKA
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