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.
Hit the slopes in a big way when you visit Mt. Aurora SkiLand in Fairbanks. In addition to some of the area's best skiing, you will also enjoy some incredible trails, views, and much more. Various events and skiing competitions take place here, so fans of the sport will feel right at home with fellow enthusiasts. And, if you don't know how to quite maneuver your way through the snowy landscape, lessons are available at this popular site, too.
Strike up a great time with friends and family when you play a few frames at Arctic Bowl. This well-regarded bowling venue is where Fairbanks goes to bowl, and it has also proven to be an excellent place for family fun and recreation, too. In addition to the many lanes and state-of-the-art scoring, there is a big arcade that the kids will love as well as a concession stand with a generous selection of tasty treats.
Primarily considered a locals bar, Fairbanks' Midnite Mine is a place to go if you just want to enjoy a few beers with friends in a nightlife venue that doesn't feature a big party atmosphere. Everyone pretty much keeps to themselves, so if you are out with a group of friends but want to keep a low-key, less noticeable profile, then Midnite Mine is the perfect destination. A great beer selection along with a bit of a ramshackle atmosphere are what you can expect.