Get a sharper glimpse of the future when you take a fascinating look back when you visit the Alaska Historical Society. This non-profit, volunteer-based organization's primary goal is to promote and preserve the various aspects of Alaska's history through the exchange of ideas and information as well as the education of the area's population about its heritage. There are various exhibits, attractions, and presentations held throughout the year.
When you consider the vast landscape and tundra-covered terrain that Alaska is known for, it only makes sense that flying would become the most efficient means of transportation in this expansive part of the world. Learn about the origin and development of Alaskan aviation when you visit the Alaskaland Pioneer Air Museum. You'll see interesting exhibits that include 16 aircraft, 17 engines and several pieces of memorabilia that go to make up over 50 years of aviation history.
Adventure awaits in the great outdoors when you take the family out for an unforgettable time at Birch Lake State Recreation Site. This popular recreation attraction features 25 camp sites as well as 25 RV tent sites. Whether you are a casual outdoorsman or woman or take your camping seriously, you will find that the beautiful area matched with the excellent amenities make camping here a true pleasure. The site features several excellent places to enjoy a picnic, to swim or fish, as well as expansive areas where the kids can play while you relax in the sunshine.
The season of winter isn't restricted to the months of the year, as visitors are always in for a cool experience when they visit the Fairbanks Ice Museum. Marvel at the life-sized ice sculptures carved by local artists. These incredible, finely-detailed works are all displayed at the historic Lacey Street Theater. There are also some equally impressive multimedia exhibits and attractions that are just as enthralling. Come and experience Alaska's winter all year long!
Want to show the kids some of Alaska’s most visually appealing plants and flowers? There's no need to drive all over as you can discover the beauty and majesty of the indigenous greenery when you take the whole family to the Georgeson Botanical Garden. This is a nationally recognized botanical and research garden attraction. You will be amazed at the incredible display of natural beauty that features 300 annual flowers, vegetables and herbs as well as over 1,000 perennials. The garden's unique design allows visitors to ask questions and learn while also enjoying the relaxing environment that these plants and flowers naturally create.
Sure, there were many hopeful settlers who journeyed west to California in the hopes of striking it rich during the Gold Rush. There were also some who ended up moving northwest and continued their search in Alaska. Relive that historic search when you visit the El Dorado Gold Mine in Fairbanks. The two-hour guided tour includes a ride on the Tanana Valley Railroad as well as a visit to the gold fields of the Interior.
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.
Some of the best attractions in Alaska are the natural kind, and you can see them up close when you take time to visit the Large Animal Research Station in Fairbanks. This is actually one of the more popular attractions in the area, as the facility has thousands of visitors each year. The large number of people who walk through the doors of the Large Animal Research Station is understandable as they all look forward to seeing such indigenous creatures as muskoxen and caribou at a dramatically close distance.
With the nearly constant chilly conditions in Fairbanks, skiing is a sport that is enjoyed by a significant segment of the population. One of the more popular skiing destinations that still retains a rather local charm is Moose Mountain. Skiers are taken to the top of the mountain on a ski bus and then get to the bottom by enjoying the quick but enjoyable ride on Moose Mountain's accessible but still challenging slopes. The mountain is also a favorite of snowboarders.
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.
Let your spirit for both adventure and learning take flight when you explore the attractions at the Alaskaland Pioneer Air Museum. Learn about how the area was primarily explored and then developed through the efforts of early pilots with a passion for exploration. Interestingly, they were also exploring the possibilities of flight as they surveyed the area from some of aviation's earliest aircraft. See some of those captivating planes on display, as well as related memorabilia, records, photographs and other pieces that help to tell this fascinating facet of Alaska's history.
You and your sweetheart will enjoy taking a cruise unlike any other when you both get on board the Riverboat Discovery. Your hearts will be beating with excitement as the two of you go on a romantic riverboat ride into the heart of Alaska's natural beauty and compelling history. A floatplane taking off on a “bush” style runway, the historic home of Susan Butcher and insights into the Athabascan Indian culture are among the many highlights of this popular excursion.