Explore Fairbanks on a budget!

This list is packed with free and low-cost things to do in Fairbanks, made for locals and visitors alike. Everything included is $20 per person or less, including many that are completely free!

 

Outdoor Adventures, Activities and Programing  

  • Bask in the midnight sun: Hike, bike, and bask in the midnight sun in Fairbanks. There is nothing quite like a midnight sun sunset. 

  • Chase the aurora: Check out our Aurora Tracker to learn more about when, where and how to look for the Aurora. Murphy Dome and Ester Dome are prime local viewing locations.   

  • Enjoy a self-guided walking tour: One of the best ways to learn about the area. Get started with a public art walk, historic tour of downtown and stop by the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center to learn more about walking tours. 

  • Experience an interactive animal tour: Several local businesses offer interactive animal experiences including dog mushing demonstrations in Denali National Park and Preserve, meeting Santa’s reindeer in the North Pole and more. 

  • Explore the North Pole: Enjoy a variety of activities including visiting Santa Claus Lane and the Santa Claus House, walking and cycling on local paths and visiting local restaurants, taphouses and cafes. 

  • Go ice skating: Experience the wonder of ice skating at a local lake or ice rink with affordable skate rentals. 

  • Search for Alaska wildlife: Searching for wildlife in Alaska is exhilarating. Start by looking for the “Big 5” (moose, caribou, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, wolves), then level up with this species checklist. Birding is also a popular past time in Alaska. Get started with this checklist of Alaska birds. 

  • See the pipeline: Access to view the Trans Alaska Pipeline is at milepost 8 of the Steese Highway. 

  • Spend time at Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge: Public access to summer and winter trails, birdwatching, programming and nature festivals. 

  • Stroll through a local garden: Visit the Georgeson Botanical Garden, Fairbanks Community Garden, the garden outside the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center and more. 

  • Take a scenic drive: The Parks, Alaska, Richardson, Steese, Elliott and Dalton Highways all have beautiful views and possible wildlife viewing opportunities.   

  • View stunning fireworks shows: Watch firework shows at the Winter Solstice Festival, New Year's Eve and North Pole Winterfest. 

  • Visit a local, state, or national park: Enjoy year-round entry to several Local, State or National Parks including Denali National Park and Preserve, Tanana and Chena lakes, the White Mountains Recreation Area and various other recreation areas throughout the area.   

  • Walk the Chena Riverwalk downtown: Start at Pioneer Park and enjoy a nice paved and flat walk along the Chena River. The perfect year-round route for enjoying the beauty of Fairbanks.  

A mother and baby moose surrounded by gold autumn trees.

 

Art, Museums & Cultural Sites 

  • Attend the Geophysical Institute’s Science for Alaska Series: Summer and winter programming covering topics including the Aurora, Mount Spurr and beyond. 

  • Browse art galleries during First Friday: Several local art galleries and museums host celebrations on the first Friday of the month. 

  • Check out Pioneer Park: Entry to Pioneer Park includes activities including train rides, minigolf, a carousel, playground, food trucks and museums. 

  • Experience ice in Alaska: Enjoy year-round entry to ice museums and seasonal viewing opportunities at the World Ice Art Championships. 

  • Explore public art and murals in downtown Fairbanks: Take a self-guided tour of public art in downtown Fairbanks. 

  • Meander through the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center: Explore exhibits on Alaska’s culture and history, movies and free travel planning resources.  

  • Visit a local museum: Several local museums including the Antique Auto Museum, Fairbanks Community Museum, and the Fairbanks Children’s Museum offer free or low-cost entry.  

  • Visit historic sites: Explore the Gould Cabin, Clay Street Cemetery, Historic Signage Walking Tour, the Yukon Quest Log Cabin and more. 

Artist carving ice sculpture at World Ice Art Championships in Fairbanks Alaska.

 

Athletic Events 

  • Attend an Alaska Native sporting event: Experience cultural athletic events with budget friendly admission. Watch the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics, the Dena Games, and more. 

  • Catch a racing event: Year-round racing events feature ATV’s, motorcycles, snowmobiles, muscle cars, drifting and more. 

  • Cheer on a UAF Athletics event: Affordable tickets to collegiate sporting events including ice hockey, skiing, basketball, volleyball and more. 

  • Experience a sled dog race: Watch the incredible Alaskan tradition of sled dog racing at the Yukon Quest, the Open North American Championship, and more. 

  • Go to an Alaska Goldpanners baseball game: Fun and family friendly baseball games. Except for the Midnight Sun Game, home games are low-cost. 

  • Take in a curling spiel: Watch this iconic ice sport from the luxury of the Curling Club’s bar/lounge. 

  • Watch a hockey game: Attend various hockey games throughout Fairbanks and support local teams.  

University of Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks hockey game at Carlson Center arena.

 

Events & Community Activities 

  • Attend a downtown Fairbanks festival: Experience local events like the Midnight Sun Festival, Winter Solstice Festival, Golden Days and more. 

  • Browse a local market: The Fairbanks area has several local farmers and open-air markets, offering a variety of local goods and treats.  

  • Compete at a local trivia night: Attend trivia nights hosted at local breweries, distilleries and businesses. 

  • Enjoy local music: Outdoor venues like the Georgeson Botanical Garden and Golden Heart Plaza host local musicians. 

  • Join a guided tour: Fairbanks businesses offer plenty of fun and informational tours. Explore the Large Animal Research Station, learn about the Poker Flat Research Range, peruse local gardens, and more. Check out the events page to learn more. 

  • Participate in the Nenana Ice Classic: Enter this legendary winter guessing game for just a few dollars for the chance to win the jackpot. 

  • Sing at a local karaoke night: Fun karaoke events are hosted at several local businesses throughout Fairbanks. 

  • Visit Fairbanks’ winter bazaars: Explore local music, enjoy affordable treats, and purchase locally crafted goods. 

Vendors at the Tanana Valley Farmer's Market selling flowers and other locally made goods.

 

Local Treats: Food & Beverage 

  • Delight in a tasty, sweet treat: Bakeries and ice cream shops are staples in Fairbanks. Enjoy classic flavors and local twists. 

  • Enjoy a picnic: Get the best of both worlds—enjoy nature and a low-cost meal all at once. 

  • Grab a bite to eat at a local food truck: Fairbanks has an impressive number of food trucks, many of which are active year-round.  

  • Sip on a drink at a local bar, brewery, or distillery: Affordable drinks made with local ingredients. 

  • Warm up with coffee: Delicious coffee is everywhere in Fairbanks. Visit a local drive-thru coffee shop or a quaint café. 

Coffee & Sweets

 

Looking for transportation?  

Transportation | Explore Fairbanks, Alaska 

 

Photo Scavenger Hunt 

Find these scavenger hunt locations along the way. Share your photos on social media using #explorefairbanks for a chance to be featured on the Explore Fairbanks social media channels.  

Photo Scavenger Hunt