This is a great daytrip to explore eons of Alaskan history and culture in one place. The museum houses over one million distinct artifacts and specimens that chronicle incredible biological diversity and thousands of years of the evolving cultural traditions of the North. There is something for anyone who loves history, nature, science or politics. The museum’s attractions are divided into 10 categories: archaeology, birds, documentary film, earth sciences, ethnology/history, fine arts, marine science, insects, mammals and plants. Get a first hand look at how the diverse flora and fauna of Alaska has grown and changes over countless centuries. The museum also houses a catalogue of art that begins two millennia ago with ancient ivory sculpture and continues up to contemporary visual art.
As you are planning your trip, make sure to check out their website for upcoming special exhibitions.
907 Yukon Dr. Fairbanks, AK 99775
907-474-7505
www.uaf.edu/museum
Northern Alaska Tour Company
These folks offer day trips that take you as far north as you can go in Alaska, allowing you to, among other things, dip your toes right into the Arctic Ocean. The tours begin with a flight that takes you across the Arctic Circle and lands at the Inupiat Eskimo village, the northernmost Eskimo village in Alaska. You can tour the village and learn how these industrious people live, work and thrive in one of the harshest environments in the world. Do a little beachcombing on the world’s northernmost beaches and then return on the mid-afternoon flight back to Fairbanks.
Tours operate from late May to early September, weather permitting.
Northern Alaska Tour Company
P.O. Box 82991-W
Fairbanks, Alaska 99708
800.474.1986
907.474.8600
www.northernalaska.com
adventure@northernalaska.com
Riverboat Discovery
You can read a firsthand review of this attraction in RVing with Faith chapter 12. See Alaskan bush planes up close, visit the home of Iditarod legend Susan Butcher and tour an authentic Athabascan Indian village.
1975 Discovery Drive
Fairbanks, AK 99709
907-479-6673
1-866-479-6673
www.riverboatdiscovery.com
info@riverboatdiscovery.com
Alaskaland: Pioneer Park
This was one of the stops the Todds made on their Alaskan adventure. This RV-friendly attraction is located near downtown Fairbanks just off Airport Way. You can park for free if you are planning to attend events, but, even better, for a small fee, RVers can camp there for up to four nights. The site offers potable water and restroom facilities. Though this is a theme park, Pioneer Park is not Disney World. Instead of rides, it focuses on the history and culture of Fairbanks. You can explore museums, check out riverboats, stroll through an authentic Gold Rush Town and just immerse yourself in the Alaskan Frontier experience.
Alaskaland (or Pioneer Park)
Parks & Recreation
F.N.S.B.
P.O. Box 71267
Fairbanks, Alaska 99707-1267
907.459.1087