Interior Alaska is a land like no other. It’s large, it’s spectacular, and it’s waiting for you to explore! No matter the season you choose to visit, there is plenty to fill up a short itinerary. Here is how to spend 2 days in Fairbanks, Alaska!
Getting There
Fairbanks is incredibly remote, but that doesn’t mean it’s difficult to get to! Fairbanks International Airport is less than a fifteen minute drive from downtown and offers many daily flights. While you could travel in from several small cities in Alaska, or they also offer non-stop flights in from major US cities like Anchorage and Seattle.
For those looking for the more scenic route, the Alaska Railroad offers daily service on their Denali Star and Aurora Winter Trains. The ride, while long, can offer the relaxation of enjoying the sights without having to worry about driving. There are large windows to enjoy the ever-changing scenery and there is even dining on board.
For those looking for more control and freedom, driving from Anchorage is always an option! We did the drive in late-September, just before the first big snowfall of the season. While the drive was about six hours, we enjoyed having the freedom to stop where and when we wanted. We even made a day out of it by stopping at Denali National Park! The drive in the winter can be harsh and unpredictable. If you’re not used to driving in those conditions, it’s best to fly or take the train.
Day 1: Exploring Fairbanks
Your first day of 2 days in Fairbanks is all about exploring the town and staying local. Start your morning downtown at The Creperie for a casual (and delish) breakfast. Choose between sweet or savory crepes, and then take a minute after your meal to snap a photo of the iconic Fairbanks mural right outside (pictured at the top of this page)! From there, take the short walk down to the Chena (pronounced chee-nuh) River. There is a flat walking path that runs alongside with lots of informational signs to read and learn about the history of this remote city. Cross over the river at Barnette or Chushman Streets and be surrounded by flags of all 50 states.
A short walk down the river will lead you to Griffin Park. Here, you can snap a picture with the iconic Moose Antler Arch. The arch is made up of over 100 antlers of both caribou and moose and actually started when a 14 year-old boy brought a single set of moose antlers back after a hunting trip. Adjacent to the arch is the Cultural Visitors Center. This free center offers small exhibits and info about the city and its history. There really is so much to learn about this tiny city!
For lunch, I can think of no better place than Food Factory. We had such a blast here that we actually came back a second time! The menu is enormous, and so fun. After you enter your inevitable food coma, no trip to Alaska is complete without viewing the iconic pipeline! About fifteen minutes north of Fairbanks is the Alaska Pipeline View Point. This stop is a quick exit from the highway and really interesting to experience. The pipes are huge, and there is even a small part near the fence where you can touch the actual pipe yourself, which is pretty neat.
For dinner, make your way back into the city and relax at The Banks Alehouse. This was the absolute perfect place to stop after a long, busy day. Plenty of drinks and food options, and it was all solid. Get the chicken and waffles. You can thank me later!
Day 2: Chena Hot Springs
About an hour outside of Fairbanks, you’ll find the remote resort of Chena Hot Springs. This isn’t just a tourist trap- a lot of the stuff here is genuinely cool, and deserves one of your 2 days in Fairbanks!
Read More: How to Spend a Fall Day at Chena Hot Springs Resort
The Aurora Ice Museum at the resort is probably the most tourist-trappy attraction at the resort, but at only $15 per person, it’s not a huge indulgence. The museum is open for tours only, and they must be booked ahead of time online or at the activities center. There are tons of sculptures inside, but the best part of the ice museum is the ice bar! The bar itself as well as the stools are made completely of ice, and even cooler- you can order an appletini served in an ice glass! The drinks will cost you an additional $15 a pop, but you can ask for them strong at no extra charge. After the tour, the groups have fun smashing the ice glasses. It’s pretty therapeutic.
As the name would suggest, there is also a natural geothermic hot spring that you can soak in! When we visited, the water temperature was just shy of 106 degrees Fahrenheit! A springs/pool pass will run you $15 per person, but it is valid for the entire day! You can feel free to come and go as you please, just hang on to your receipt. In addition to the hot springs, there is also an indoor pool and hot tub, and another outdoor hot tub. Funnily enough, we actually went into the outdoor hot tub to cool off after the springs. 99 degrees never felt so good!
Chena Hot Springs is one of the best places to view the Northern Lights in Fairbanks! The Aurora season runs from mid-August through mid-April and as long as you have relatively clear skies, you should be able to see the dancing display! The Aurora tours book up quickly, so you’ll want to book at least a few weeks ahead of time. The group leaves from the activities center at 9:30 pm and returns at about 3:00 am. It’s a long night, but so worth it! There are yurts to warm up in that provide snacks and hot drinks. When the aurora starts dancing, the guides will notify the people inside the yurt so you never miss out on a great show!
Tip: Book everything in advance if you plan on visiting Chena Hot Springs!
I cannot stress this enough! We had booked ATV rides a few weeks ahead of time with no problem. However, when we arrived we were informed that a recent snowstorm made the trail inaccessible and they had to cancel our ride. We were bummed, but when we inquired to see what else may be available we were told that everything was booked up. Even the ice museum tours. We didn’t think you would need to book ahead for a museum- but learn from our mistakes! Thankfully, we were persistent and hung around the desk when the group was going out and found that there was a no-show party and just enough room for us to squeeze in. Score! If you want to avoid the stresses though, take the time a few weeks in advance and reserve your spots.
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