Visitor Information

Fairbanks

 

Are you planning to travel to Fairbanks to participate in a program of The Folk School?

Fairbanks and the Interior of Alaska have rich histories–including that of Alaska Natives, rugged gold prospectors, and the natural world–set in wild, untamed landscapes.  While you are visiting, we hope you will explore the many treasures the area has to offer. Just a few ideas include visiting the Museum of the North, learning about (and maybe even viewing) the Northern Lights, taking a ride on a riverboat, panning for gold in a cold Alaska creek, soaking in our local hot springs, and visiting a dog sled team and maybe jumping on for a ride!

Here are some resources where you can get useful information about visiting Fairbanks and Interior Alaska, so you can start planning your trip to get the most out of your time here:

  • Explore Fairbanks has a wealth of information about Fairbanks and Interior Alaska, to help you find places to stay and interesting things to see and do.
  • Alaska.gov similarly has links for lodging, camping, transportation, and activities.
  • Alaska Public Lands Information Centers have information about visiting public lands throughout the state. If you want to get off the beaten path, this is the place to start!

Both the Explore Fairbanks and APLIC have offices in the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center near downtown Fairbanks, which is an interesting place to visit in its own right, with information about life and Native peoples of Interior Alaska. The folks there can answer any of your questions about where to go and where to see, depending on your interests.

If you want to read about Fairbanks and Interior Alaska, or need travel guides, here are a few suggestions:

  • Lonely Planet Alaska
    We don’t know of any real good travel guides focused on just Fairbanks and Interior Alaska. But Lonely Planet does a good job with the state, providing lots of information about a variety of activities, wherever you plan to visit before and after the Games.
  • Milepost 2016
    If you’ll be driving to or from Alaska, or renting a car here and want to explore, this is an indispensable guide. Lots of information about the highways in Alaska and the Yukon Territory, with information about every mile of road.
  • Fairbanks: A Gold Rush Town that Beat the Odds by Dermot Cole
    Dermot Cole is a well-liked and admired journalist who long wrote for the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner newspaper and recently moved to the Alaska Dispatch News. He’s written several books about the history of Fairbanks and Interior Alaska, and this one will give you a great perspective on the history of the area, particularly the influence of gold and oil
  • Outside in the Interior: An Adventure Guide for Central Alaska, Second Edition by Kyle Joly
    If you want to explore the wild side of Interior Alaska, this is the guide for you. “Filled with maps and photos, Outside in the Interior is the perfect guidebook for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels of ability. It presents detailed information about trails throughout Interior Alaska.” This newly released, updated version has been expanded and updated with the latest information.

There are many fine hotels in every price range in Fairbanks, as well as many Airbnbs. If you’re looking for convenience, the Best Western Plus Pioneer Park Inn is a short walk from The Folk School, right across the river. 

You can also read about us on TripAdvisor. Click here to read our reviews!

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