"Fairbanks: Exploring the Winter Wonderland: Top Activities to Enjoy in Alaska"

Fairbanks, Alaska, is a winter wonderland that offers a wide range of activities for visitors. From experiencing the Northern Lights to dog mushing, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

One of the most popular things to do in Fairbanks in the winter is to witness the magical aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. Fairbanks is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, and there are several tour operators that offer trips to see them. You can go on a guided tour or rent a car and drive to a spot with minimal light pollution for a great view.

Chena Hot Springs, located about 60 miles outside of Fairbanks, Alaska, is a great destination for viewing the Northern Lights during the winter. Their Aurora viewing packages include a comfortable warm place to view the lights and often hot drinks, blankets and even a chance to take a dip in the hot springs while the lights are dancing above. Additionally, being located far from city lights, Chena Hot Springs offers a clear view of the aurora borealis, which can be truly mesmerizing.

Another popular activity in Fairbanks is dog mushing. This is a traditional form of transportation in Alaska and offers a unique and exciting way to explore the winter landscape. You can take a tour with a professional musher or even try your hand at mushing yourself with a "mushing 101" class. The links provided are for a company that will pick you up at your hotel, offers extra outer clothing for warmth, and has a great guide to share stories with you while you ride in the sled!

If you're looking for a more leisurely activity, take a stroll through the (free) Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center, where you can learn about the history and culture of the Interior Alaska. You can also visit the Fairbanks Ice Museum, where you can see sculptures made entirely of ice and learn about the history of ice harvesting in the area. Fairbanks hosts an international ice carving contest. The world’s best carvers come to get a block of the famously crystal clear ice that is harvested for the competition. There is a cover charge to view the sculptures that are available for viewing at the Tanana. The competition starts in mid-February and results are available for viewing, typically, through the end of March.

Another great way to experience Fairbanks in the winter is by taking a scenic tour on a snowmobile. These tours will take you through the beautiful Alaskan wilderness and offer a unique perspective on the winter landscape. I loved the heated helmet!

For something different, you can also try your hand at ice fishing. The Chena River is a great spot to catch Arctic Grayling, Pike, and Burbot in the winter.

In summary, Fairbanks offers a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy during the winter. From viewing the Northern Lights to dog mushing, ice fishing and visiting cultural centers and ice museums, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this winter wonderland.

(Note: When I want to be downtown, I stay at the Springhill Suites. It is across the street from the Chena River, Golden Heart Plaza, which is a park, and in the center of the historic district. It also boasts one of Fairbanks’ best restaurants, “Lavelle’s.”)

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