Fairbanks, Alaska

Photo Credit: www.antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov

If you’re looking for an adventure in the north that you can’t get anywhere else in the United States, yet aren’t ready to quite rough it, you might want to consider a visit to Fairbanks, Alaska. It’s the largest most northern city in the country with a population of around 35,000 people, and what it offers is the opportunity to go an entire day without the sun setting.

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Every year on the summer solstice, which is usually June 21st, all types of events are planned on the day the sun never sets. Fairbanks is just under the border where the sun won’t set for multiple days at a time, yet on this one day it never quite drops below the horizon. On the days leading up to it and just after it, the skies stay brighter than normal, but the sun isn’t seen from the city.

One of the main attractions of the city on that day is baseball, where many midnight games are set up at the same time. At least you’ll be lucky to not expect any snow, which sometimes occurs in early June. And the temperatures will probably be in the 70′s or 80′s at that time also, which is much different than if you’re thinking about visiting in the winter, where temperatures often get into the -40F range or colder. Some months in the winter never get above zero; you won’t have to worry about that in the summer.

What Fairbanks is also known for is its relative proximity to Denali National Park, which contains Mount McKinley, the highest mountain in the United States at more than 20,000 feet. It’s great for mountain climbers, and people love hiking and exploring the park, which is home to many animals including grizzly and black bears. As a matter of fact, it’s home to many animals not seen in other areas of the country, as it’s a protected national park.

Not being a large city, there isn’t the type of nightlife you’ll be used to seeing in other places. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t other things to do in the area. There’s the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival which draws visitors from all around the country. They have a symphony and a ballet, and even a small opera theater. There’s the botanical gardens and lots of Native American exhibits all around town. There’s even the 36,000 year old bison mummy that’s on display at the University of Alaska Museum; you won’t see that just anywhere.

Fairbanks would be an interesting place to visit if you go at the right times of the year. Yes, they do also have skiing, but unless you’re hearty, skiing in below zero weather, especially in extremely cold weather, might not be your cup of tea.

See more:
Fairbanks Summer Attractions
Fairbanks Attractions & Sights
Fairbanks Restaurant Guide & Dining Reviews