Aaron's

Tradition and nature come together in the best possible way at Fairbanks' Harding Lake State Recreation Area. This attraction has proudly been offering excellent outdoor fun and family-friendly facilities since opening back in 1967. During that time, the area has built up an impressive reputation as a true mainstay in the community. Offering over 90 campsites, the area also offers fun activities like fishing, swimming and hiking as well as such comforts like bathrooms, clearly marked trails and other conveniences designed to make your camping trip the best it can possibly be.

While visiting Alaska is a truly unmatched experience, hearing a perspective from one of the state's most highly regarded residents will shed a new light on various aspects of the area that you might have missed. Fortunately for tourists, that person is Mary Shields. The popular Alaskan Tails of the Trail with Mary Shields is an opportunity to share a personal home visit with this celebrated Alaskan musher and author. Her insights focus on her famous sled dogs, but Shields also is a splendid storyteller and her accounts of various events of Alaska's past are quite entertaining.

The chill in the air is nearly palpable when you set out to explore the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Reserve. The park is either accessible by foot, car or airplane, and depending on your sense of adventure, there are many ways to experience this unique outdoor area of wilderness. You will encounter craggy ridges, glacier-carved valleys and fragile flowers as you make your way through this amazing park. It should be noted that dogs must be kept on leashes and are only allowed in the backcountry of the park.

The Tanana Valley State Fair is an event that families in Fairbanks and the surrounding areas look forward to every year. Held every August, this festival brings together all the best of the community and celebrates culture, fun, and family. Rides, exhibits, competitions, and more await visitors once they walk into the fairgrounds under the big state fair arch that greets every visitor. Great food, various other concessions and live music are among the many highlights of one of Fairbanks' most highly anticipated events.