Fairbanks - what to do

[wbmom401]

Our final day of our 2 weeks trip is in Fairbanks. We obviously have to check out of the Princess lodge in the morning, but our flight is not until 9pm that night. I had looked into Chena springs but it is not available. Does anyone have any suggestions for the day?

 

Our cruisetour already includes the Sternriver Cruise and Lunch, we are doing a Gold Mine tour....and going to the North Pole at night. This is the day before our final day.

 

Any suggestions or comments are greatly appreciated.

 

THANKS!

[Chenega]

I'd head up to the University of Alaska campus and their wonderful Museum of the North.

[Budget Queen]

North Pole at night??? So, I can assume you are going to have a car??

 

Pioneer Park is excellent, and certainly the Fairbanks U Museum. There is also a botanical garden, raindeer farm, Large Animal Research tour- for Musk Ox.

 

Plenty else as well, http://www.explorefairbanks.com

[wbmom401]

No car yet, but TA suggested that we might want to consider that. The North Pole visit is a tour we are doing.

[Glaciers]

No car yet, but TA suggested that we might want to consider that. The North Pole visit is a tour we are doing.

 

North Pole

Besides the name, that is an obvious draw, there is Santa Claus House and a good Chinese restaurant called Pagoda. Santa Claus House closes at 8pm. I'd only drive out there for the Chinese food. If you're on a tour there has to be something else that I'm not aware of.

 

There are many more interesting things to do in Fairbanks. Also, you do not need a room at Chena Hot Springs to enjoy it. They have a very nice Ice Museum as well as the thermal springs with locker rooms for changing and showers.

[jlijny]

We have the same issue. Our flight out of Fairbanks is at 9:00pm. You can still go to Chena Springs if you want to. We are thinking abouth that as well. Based on info that I have received....plan an hour of travel each way. At Chena Springs, there's a lot to do.......ice museum, hot springs, tours, etc. Go on their website and check it out. You will need a car or a tour group. You don't have to book with the cruiseline, there are several tour companies that make the run to Chena Springs and back.

[Budget Queen]

No car yet, but TA suggested that we might want to consider that. The North Pole visit is a tour we are doing.

 

I recommend you just get a car, and forget a "tour" to visit the "North Pole" which is an easy drive to a gift shop.

 

There is plenty to see and do.

 

I don't find Chena Hot Springs that great, the prior owners were much better in my opinion. The pools can be kind of funky with the water, and always take a crappy suit, you don't care about. For me, this a winter destination, I spend my time elsewhere in the summer.

[Buckeye 6]

We agree that the university museum was a great experience. It gives a lot of information in a well displayed manner. It is not so large as to be over whelming and it is easy to see it all.

[wbmom401]

Thanks everyone for your input. Hopefully will be able to get DH to sit down this weekend to discuss.....