Located near the heart of the state, Fairbanks, Alaska is the center of life and commerce in the interior, as well as its largest city. Being only 188 miles south of the Arctic Circle, it experiences some of the coldest weather in Alaska, which makes it the place of choice for winter sports.
Fly to the Fairbanks International Airport.
See the beauty of Alaska from the Alaska Railroad. Start at Anchorage and go to Fairbanks.
Rent a car for the most freedom in getting around Fairbanks. Secure your car early. Taxis and buses are also available.
To book accommodations, contact Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 327-5774 or visit their Web site (see Resources, below). Stay near the airport for luxury accommodations on the Chena River. Tourist-class hotels here will offer amenities such as saunas, fireplaces, Jacuzzis or scenic views.
Look for short-term luxury rental apartments for your stay in Fairbanks. With the space to spread out and kitchens to do some of your own cooking, you can really feel what it's like to live as a local. Prices per day will be comparable to accommodations in an international chain hotel.
Rent a private cottage on the shore of the Chena River. You can find luxury accommodations that offer amazing river views, as well as proximity to the airport and shopping.
Drive up the Steese Highway (Alaska Route 6) for a look at the history surrounding Fairbanks. See the Gold Rush camps and the Alaska Oil Pipeline.
Travel from Fairbanks to the Arctic Circle and camp--in warmer weather. Tours are also available that go to Prudhoe Bay.
See the World Championship Ice Art Contests each March. Fairbanks provides sculptors with natural large ice blocks to make massive and impressively designed sculptures.
