Midas

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.

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.

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.

Preservation is raised to art form–literally–when you visit the University of Alaska Museum of the North. While there are many dramatic exhibits to take in and absorb, the biggest attraction here is a meticulous presentation of a 36,000-year-old mummy. Other equally captivating exhibits include those that highlight Alaska's five major geographic regions that include artifacts, important objects and other items of interest from each region. In addition to research-based projects, the museum offers a wide variety of educational programs.