After arriving at the Riverview RV Park, our group was excited to explore the local area and experience all that Fairbanks has to offer. Our first stop was the Pioneer Village Alaska Salmon Bake, which was a unique and delicious way to experience the local culture and cuisine.
The Pioneer Village is a living history museum that recreates the life of early Alaskan settlers and gold miners. The Salmon Bake is a traditional Alaskan meal where visitors can enjoy fresh salmon cooked over an open fire. The smell of the salmon cooking on the grill was mouthwatering and it was great to enjoy the meal with our group and chat about the day’s journey.
After the Salmon Bake, we headed to the Palace Theater, to watch its famous vaudeville show which didn’t disappoint. The Palace Theater is an historic theater in Fairbanks that has been entertaining audiences since 1907. The show was an amazing showcase of Alaskan culture and history, featuring local performers and traditional music and dance. The theater was beautifully decorated, and the atmosphere was electric with excitement. Click on thumbnail to view image
Pioneer Village Heritage Park
Athabasca Riverboat Tour
The next day we met early to take a riverboat tour along the Chena River. The Athabasca Riverboat Tour is a popular activity for visitors to the area. The tour takes you to the Athabasca Village and Native Museum, where you can learn about the history and culture of the local indigenous people. Along the way, you’ll also make a stop at Susan Butcher Kennels, where you can see and learn about the different breeds of sled dogs that are used for transportation and hunting in the region. We saw the statue of Susan Butcher’s sled dog, Granite, who won 4 Iditarod races as her lead dog. No other dog has duplicated that extraordinary feat, and she was the runt of the litter. Her daughter, Tekla, signed the book Susan wrote about Granite. We also had a bush pilot demonstration of taking off and landing in river. It’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area and gain a deeper understanding of the local culture. Click on thumbnail to view image
Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum
The next day we visited the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum which was one of the best we have ever seen. The Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum is a popular destination for car enthusiasts. The museum features a collection of over 150 antique and classic cars, including many rare and unique vehicles. The cars on display span several decades and include models from some of the most famous and iconic car manufacturers in the world, including Ford, Chevrolet, and Mercedes-Benz.
The museum also has a rich history, it was started by a local businessman and car collector, who began acquiring vehicles in the 1960s and opened the museum to the public in the early 1990s. Since then, it has grown to become one of the most renowned antique car museums in North America, attracting visitors from all over the world. Click on thumbnail to view image
Gold Dredge 8 Museum
We visited the Gold Dredge 8, an historic mining museum. The museum is built on the site of an actual gold dredge that was used during the early 20th century to mine for gold in the area. The dredge was one of several that were used during the gold rush in the Fairbanks area, and it was in operation from 1928 to 1959. It has a ship-like steel hull, 99-feet long and 50-feet wide. The Dredge would dig using what was called its “bucket-line”, consisting of 64 buckets pinned together in a chain. Each bucket weighed 1,500 pounds and held 6 cubic feet of gravel.
The museum offered us the opportunity to learn about the history of gold mining in Alaska and the technology that was used during the gold rush. The museum includes exhibits on the history of gold mining in the area, as well as information on the dredging process and the equipment that was used.
Visitors can take a tour of the dredge, which includes a ride on the dredge and a chance to pan for gold. The tour guides are knowledgeable and give you a good understanding of the history of gold mining in the area and the dredging process.
It’s a great place to visit for history buffs, mining enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the gold rush era. It’s a unique way to experience the history of gold mining in Alaska and you get a chance to pan for gold yourself. Click on thumbnail to view image
Museum of the North
On our final day in Fairbanks we visited the University of Alaska Museum of the North. The Museum of the North is a natural history and anthropology museum located on the campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The museum is dedicated to educating visitors about the natural and cultural history of Alaska, showcasing the diverse flora and fauna, as well as the cultures of the indigenous peoples of the state.
The museum features a wide range of permanent and temporary exhibits that explore different aspects of Alaska’s natural and cultural history. The exhibits include displays on the state’s geology, wildlife, and plant life, as well as exhibits on the cultures of Alaska’s indigenous peoples, including the Inupiaq, Yup’ik, and Tlingit. One of the most popular exhibits at the museum is the “Arctic Voices” exhibit, which features interactive exhibits, videos, and artifacts that explore the culture and history of the Arctic peoples. Other highlights include the Hall of Birds, which features a wide range of Alaskan bird species, and the Hall of Mammals, which features a wide range of Alaskan mammal species. The University of Alaska Museum of the North is a great place to visit for anyone interested in the natural and cultural history of Alaska. Click on thumbnail to view image
