Fairbanks Christian Center

If you prefer to stay closer to home while still enjoying one of Fairbanks' excellent recreation trails, opt for Birch Hill's Blue Loop. The trail features close proximity to downtown and the Birch Hill Recreation Area is essentially an urban trail system. There is much to see along this set of trails that is especially popular with cross country skiers.

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.

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.

The World Ice Art Championships take place in Fairbanks every March. The competition is held over the course of eleven very dramatic and excitement-filled days. The event attracts the best ice sculptors in the world as they display their considerable talents in various competitive classes. Among the many categories, two of the most popular are abstract and realistic ice sculptures. The public is invited to watch the sculptures being created during the first two weeks in March and then to view the finished work during the last two weeks of the month. The festival is held at Ice Alaska's Ice Park which not only features the competition but also offers a kids' park with rides and other attractions.