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Quick Facts

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Coordinates
  • Latitude: 64.835054
  • Longitude: -147.646528

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Introduction

Northern Lights, Fairbanks

Northern Lights, Fairbanks

© All Rights Reserved Fairbanks

Fairbanks is Alaska's second largest city and the largest in its interior region. Fairbanks developed as a city in the early 1900s when an Italian prospector struck gold in the area. It continues to live off the gold nearby, mined by the Fort Knox Gold Mine, the largest in Alaska. Tourism has also developed as a major industry, as the city has developed as the hub of Alaska's interior. The city is home to the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the state's oldest college.

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Sights and Activities

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Events and Festivals

  • Fairbanks Golden Days is usually held towards the end of July.
  • The Rubber Duckie Race, held just after the Golden Days, sees 6000 rubber ducks race down the Chena River.
  • The Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival is held in August.
  • The Midnight Sun Festival celebrates the longest day of the year; Midnight Sun Baseball Game is played at 10:30 pm without any artificial lighting.
  • Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race
  • The World Ice Art Championships sees competitors from around the world show off their ice carving skills. Held in March.
  • The World Eskimo-Indian Olympics in July
  • The Festival of Native Arts in March runs for three days, featuring traditional Alaska Native singing, dancing and crafts displays.

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Getting There

Fairbanks is easily accessed by plane, rail or road.

Daily jet service is available from many US cities and offers scheduled or charter service to Europe and Asia. Japan Airlines offers 3 direct winter flights, and Frankfurt-based Condor Airlines offers weekly direct flights during summer. The Alaska Railroad connects Fairbanks to Denali National Park, Anchorage, Whittier and Seward. The Alaska Highway offers road access via Canada, and the George Parks Highway links Fairbanks to Anchorage.

By Plane

There are regular direct flights to Fairbanks International Airport from Anchorage and Barrow and seasonally there are also direct flights from Vancouver and Seattle.

By Train

In the summer months, Alaska Railroad runs a service between Fairbanks and Anchorage called the Denali Star Train. The trip takes roughly 12 hours and passes through the Denali National Park. Rates vary seasonally, ranging from $155 one-way in the shoulder seasons to $194 in the peak season.

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

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Getting Around

By Car

By Public Transport

By Foot

By Bike

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Eat

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Drink

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Sleep

Budget

PropertyAddressTypePopularity
Berry Patch Cabins534 2nd Street FairbanksHostel-
Billie's Backpackers Hostel2895 Mack BlvdHostel77
GoNorth Hostel3500 Davis Rd PO Box 60147Hostel83

Mid-Range

Upscale

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Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

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This is version 12. Last edited at 21:49 on May 19, 09 by Utrecht (+383). 3 articles link to this page.

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