Outpost Alaska

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.

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.

Sure, it's cold in Fairbanks. But you will really need to bundle up when you take the Arctic Circle Driving Adventure, as it will get even colder on this fun and highly captivating excursion. This guided tour moves along the Dalton Highway into the Alaskan arctic on what is truly a comprehensive ground tour. See gold mines, sections of the pipeline, as well as the Arctic Circle Trading Post. When you see the tundra, you will get a real sense of how expansive Alaska's arctic regions actually are. When you are on your way back, you will see a scenic view of the Yukon River, the northland's most famous waterway. This tour is only available May through September and is not recommended for very young children.