Courtesy Riverboat Discovery
The Riverboat Discovery on The Chena River
FAIRBANKS
THE GOLDEN HEART CITY
T
he small-town hospitality and pioneer spirit will make your stay in Fairbanks one to remember. It is Alaska’s second largest city and has a population of 32,750 and a Borough population of almost 100,000, including the nearby military bases. In 1901 Captain E.T. Barnette disembarked from the steamship, Lavelle Young, and set up a temporary trading post on the banks of the Chena River. His temporary post became permanent the following year when Felix Pedro discovered gold in the nearby hills. The gold rush was on and Fairbanks was flooded with miners from all over the world determined to strike it rich. In 1903 Fairbanks was incorporated as a City and was named after Indiana Senator Charles Fairbanks, who later became Vice President. Now, “discovery day” is commemorated each year with a fun, family friendly celebration in July called Golden Days. Locals dress in period costumes and there is even a roaming jail that may arrest you if you’re not wearing a Golden Days pin. There is still active mining in the area and glimpses of the past can be seen along the Steese Highway in the tailing piles leftover by the gold dredges.
www.BellsAlaska.com
Fairbanks is also the home of several world class attractions. The Riverboat Discovery is consistently rated one of the top boat tours in the State and Gold Dredge 8 is also a visitor favorite. The Antique Auto Museum at the Wedgewood Resort has an amazing collection of vintage automobiles, historical photos and period fashion. Finally, don't miss The University of Alaska 'Museum of the North' as it is one of the best museums in the State.
Visitor Info The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center is home to Explore Fairbanks the organization that oversees the Visitor Center. The 9,000 square-feet of interpretive space features exhibits on the land, the seasons and the peoples of Fairbanks, Interior Alaska and the Arctic. The MTCVC is open seven days a week from 8am to 9pm in summer and 8am to 5pm in the winter. Free Wi-fi. Located in historic downtown Fairbanks at 101 Dunkel Street. 907-4565774 or 800-327-5774 Fairbanks Alaska Public Lands Information Center Information on accessing public lands in Alaska state and federal parks, forests and refuges. 101 Dunkel Street. 907-459-3730 Interior Alaska
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