Located in downtown Anchorage, the Anchorage Museum is a large, well-designed museum offering a fascinating look into the rich history and culture of Alaska. With four floors of exhibits, there’s a lot to see and learn here. From the early days of gold mining to the traditions of Alaska Native peoples, to the enduring legacy of dog sledding and mushers, the museum does a great job weaving together the diverse stories that make up Alaska’s identity. You’ll find extensive displays on fishing, agriculture, and Arctic exploration, as well as a variety of art exhibits showcasing both traditional and contemporary works. It’s an ideal place to visit if the weather isn’t cooperating—whether it’s rainy, snowy, or just cold outside. There’s a small café area inside with snacks, drinks, and seating, offering a nice place to take a break. One standout convenience is the underground parking garage, which is climate-controlled and secure—a huge plus during Alaska’s colder months. Plan to spend at least 2–3 hours here, though you could easily spend longer if you’re someone who likes to take it all in. Overall, it’s a great museum experience for visitors of all ages.

Extremely well done exhibits that present the full picture of Alaskan history, especially the native people groups. Great for families as many exhibits are kid friendly and hands on. Don’t miss this if you are in town.

Excellent Museum. It has a lot of everything. Most of all, a lot of Alaskas beautiful history and has its own WW2 section about the Aleutian Island campaign, which my grandfather fought in. He used to box for the Alaska Army boxing team! Bring the kids, there is a lot of interactive activities for them. Every first Friday of the month is free entry after 6 pm.

More than just a cultural museum, there is a nice balance of culture, fine art, and interative physical science and art. We could have stayed for a few more hours but needed to catch a plane home. We were pleasantly surprised by the diverse and well curated collections. The coffee shop is one of the best I have been to inside a museum. I will definitely return when in Anchorage.

A group of musicians were visiting Anchorage for a number of concerts and I was delighted to enjoy hearing a few sets. There was one individual with a short piece and other sets. It was a low cost show too. After the mini concert I saw a display from the Dog room.

The Anchorage Museum is absolutely stunning—clean, modern, and thoughtfully designed. It truly has something for everyone, from captivating exhibits to hands-on activities for kids. The displays are beautifully curated, especially the Alaska Native artifacts, which offer a rich and respectful glimpse into the state’s diverse cultures and history. Whether you're a local or a visitor, it's an inspiring place to learn more about what makes Alaska so unique. Highly recommend!

The Anchorage museum is pretty fun. There is a discovery center which is perfect for kids as it’s very interactive. There is also a floor full of Native American culture, which includes clothing and household appliances. Additionally there is also a dog show exhibit which features the history of dog and human interactions in Alaska. Lastly, a modern art showcase takes up a floor, and I personally did not enjoy the art very much. But, if time permits, you should definitely stop by this museum and check it out!

We traveled to Seward on the Coastal Classic Gold Star. The views from the dome car were spectacular. Breakfast and dinner were excellent and service very good. Definitely worth the money.

I boarded here for the Aurora Winter Train, and what an absolutely magical experience it was! The train depot itself was small and cozy, easy to navigate with a souvenir shop and coffee/snack stand available. The staff there were all very sweet and welcoming. Everything was very organized and easy to follow. The crew on the train also took great care of us throughout our 12 hour journey to Fairbanks. If you have a day to spare, I absolutely recommend taking the Aurora Winter Train!

Got on at Seward and off at Anchorage. Really easy on both ends. When I booked, said I had to check in an hour early. Got there like 15 mins early and was able to get boarding passes and on the train in like 3 mins. Amazing views and great narration all the up for the 4 hours to Anchorage. Getting off easy and getting luggage pretty solid. They were pretty efficient getting everything off the train. Plenty of cabs, Ubers, and hotel shuttles to take you where you need to go.

My family took the Coastal Classic from Anchorage to Seward on August 2nd. What an amazing trip! The views of Turnagain Arm are unmatched and the wilderness you can see only from the train is well worth the trip. It’s 4.5 hrs long and I don’t think I sat down the whole time 😂 I got great scenery pictures and we had great commentary and wildlife spotting from our guide Kayla. This is the most beautiful train ride I’ve ever taken.

A trip aboard Alaska Railroad’s flagship train- the Denali Star- is AMAZING! The seats are comfortable and some windows in the Goldstar car made it easy to soak in the breathtaking views. I loved spending time outside in the viewing area. The whole process from ticketing to onboarding to getting luggage to our hotel stop in Denali was seamless! The depot has a coffee area, nice gift shop and plenty of seats for waiting passengers. Aboard the train there is food and the Goldstar option package meals were delicious. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and helpful everywhere! Do we have a ten star option? I wish we did!

Small an easy train depot to navigate around. Don't have to get here very early just get your boarding pass and hop on the train. No worries they r on time

I initially missed my scheduled train to Spencer glacier because a nearby breakfast spot took so long to make the food I had to cancel the order and run to the station but missed my train by literally ONE minute lol. I thought I was out the $150 i paid for the ticket but after emailing them they kindly rebooked me onto the Monday slot at no extra cost. The workers on the train all seemed to enjoy being there which was nice to see. The young high school guy at the ticket desk on 08/20 less so lol. The train itself is awfully slow. So if you have done the turnagain arm on another tour or are already familiar with it this may be really boring for a portion of the trip. The bonus is that you get to hike to a glacier that is only accessible via this train. There is also a coach shuttle from portage straight to anchorage on the way back which saves you about 2 or so hours on the return leg of the train.

I'm an Alaskan resident and have taken the Alaskan Railroad many times over the past decade. However, I recently repeated a trip on the Coastal Classic route from Anchorage to Seward that I hadn't done since I first moved up here. The low tide and morning sun was great on waters of Turnagain Arm as we made the beginning part of our journey. However, as a night owl, I was dead tired after the 6am check-in that I slept most of the route because I knew I would see it on the ride back. After a few cozy days in Seward, I took the train back. I was most excited about the dinner as I remember it being stellar. Although the portions were small, the food was still delicious and the adult beverages were good. My favorite part of the ride is the S-curve near Bartlett Glacier. It reminds me of an old wooden roller coaster. Plus, it's great for getting side views of the train to photograph. Going through the rock tunnels near Spencer Glacier and along the banks of Kenai Lake are also nice scenic photo ops. ---- As for the handful of negative comments about the train, I think 99% of them would be resolved if people set expectations and treated it like a flight from the airport: * It's chilly, bring a blanket * It can be noisy, bring noise canceling headphones * If you want to sleep, bring an eye mask * Go to the bathroom before getting on if you don't like small bathrooms * Don't rush to baggage claim when you arrive because they have to unload the crates by forklift and then remove each item by hand, so casually stroll and take train selfies and use the bathroom beforehand * Most trains aren't a full capacity, so if you don't like your seat just move around within your car * If you're not in first class (Gold Star), it may take 2-3 hours to get seated for a meal if the train is full because just one dining car and you may have to sit with strangers, so if that bothers you eat ahead of time and bring snacks * The train takes 2x as long as driving, so hopefully you're doing it for the train aesthetic and gorgeous views because it's cheaper and faster to take a bus between towns * Expect delays between 30-60 minutes due pulling over for freight, so don't book tours or flights two minutes after the train arrives in town * Few places aboard to charge phone, so charge it beforehand or have a battery pack * All payments aboard are by debit or credit card, no cash * If using the TourSaver coupon, it literally says to book at least 48 hours in advance otherwise you can't use the discount * Probably half the route doesn't have cell phone service, so just enjoy the ride and put your phone in airplane mode * I highly don't recommend doing the 12-hour ride between Anchorage and Fairbanks. Cut it up with an overnight or two in Talkeetna and Denali. Both a nice towns with charm and history. The only thing standing in the way between you and good trip is your poor planning. Enjoy the ride!

We had a wonderful experience on our many rides from Anchorage, Telkeenta and Seward. Always on time, clean and courteous. Our itinerary was planned and purchased through the railroad. It was nice to have confidence that our baggage would be transferred to our destination and be handled well. Thank you for a wonderful experience.

We finally got to experience the Seward to Anchorage train. What a phenomenal experience. Now we know how to justly encourage our guests to take the train when they plan their stay with us in Seward. Mind blowing views, top notch service, well kept train cars, excellent dinner and drinks. Gold class all the way through. Thank you all 🙏

Fantastic senic experience on our trip from Anchorage to Seward and return on our one day travel experience August 18, 2025. Every contact with Alaska Railroad representatives was professional, polished with the utmost courtesy. Highly recommend the GoldStar service. Plenty of room, comfortable seating and endless in car refreshments. The opportunity to walk out onto the observation deck was refreshing. Both breakfast and dinner meals were delicious. Thank you.

I have never felt so misled… the train car wasn’t anything like the photos and it wasn’t as pretty of a drive as expected. Maybe it would be good for a first day of your first visit to Alaska, but once you’ve already seen the turnagain arm via the car, it just feels repetitive. The train also back tracked and reversed SEVERAL times throughout the grand view day trip which made it very hard for those with motion sickness. The food on the train was expensive, even water was $3 for a little bottle. I was pretty let down and we were ready to be done before we even hit the halfway point. The cars were packed full (I took the photos during a rest stop for people to get out and take photos).

My family and I were very satisfy with the train trip from anchorage to Seward on May 26th 2025. The rail road crew were very knowledgeable , helpful and nice, specially Kayla, Araceli and a young man that move from Cali which I don't remember his name. The view from the train was spectacular.

We took the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Seward to meet our cruise ship. This isn't Amtrak ! The vintage rail cars are roomy and comfortable ! And the scenery ! Unbelievable ! We were fortunate enough to see a pair of moose running through the fields on our ride ! There is food and drinks available at the terminal and aboard the train. At Seward, there is a free hop-on-hop-off bus line with 15 stops around town that runs every 15 minutes.

We did the nature float with our kiddo. It was beautiful, but I think we will definitely be ready for the white water the next time. The guides were great. They were very personable. Lots of wildflowers along the float.

What an AMAZING day on the river! We did all three canyons and had a blast! Our guide was popcorn and his instruction and skill is unrivaled. You are in great hands here! If you listen to their instruction you will have a safe and thrilling day! This is truly the best white water in Alaska. Be sure to get your photos at the end as they came out amazing and you can relive your adventure when you get home! 10/10 experience at a 10/10 outfitter!

We did the Six Mile Creek Three Canyon whitewater trip. Great experience and a thrilling paddle. Would definitely do it again! The guides were great and worked hard to make sure everyone was safe and had fun. Top notch outfitter!

It was a wonderful experience. We extended to the three canyon trip, it was a great time. Our guide Popcorn was an expert driver, and very knowledgeable of the river. I would highly recommend to anyone who is looking for some challenging adventures. Kylie took great pictures. Tommy was right there ready to help if needed.

The six mile river run is great the guides are terrific. I have taken this trip many times every year and take new people with me each time last year a person in my group got out after second canyon he was afraid of falling out not being able to swim. So they refunded his money for the third canyon he didn’t do. But this year person in my group said I want out immediately after swim test because he was exhausted and wouldn’t feel safe so he didn’t do any rafting. But he didn’t get any refund because they said they don’t unless they decide he was unsafe UH! I think if the rafter says this is too much for me after the swim test it should be honored. I understand people that generally change there mind shouldn’t but someone that fails the swim test should be refunded. Think about it that the purpose of the test he wasn’t trying to get out of paying he didn’t want to drown. I think it was tacky to say he chose not to go vs he chose not to go after struggling in swim test in calm water vs rapids. Again guides have always been good river run great but two stars because safety trumps all things

What a rad experience! We ran all three canyons on Six Mile Creek at high water with Chugach Outdoor Center. It was phenomenal. Our guide was Sanders Pearsall and he expertly navigated our raft through the Strong Class III - V whitewater on one of Alaska’s most intense and technical whitewater runs. Six Mile Creek is renowned in the whitewater community, and this was an unforgettable experience that our group will never forget. Thanks to the whole Chugach Outdoor Center team for a fun, safe, and overall amazing trip!

Amazing experience! I can't recommend Six Mile and the Chugach Outdoor Center highly enough. The whitewater is world-class, the river is spectacular, and the guides perfectly balanced safety with a wicked good time. A must-do Alaskan whitewater experience.

The museum is small but full of knowledge in an interactive way. I think our favourite part was talking to the crafters in the lobby. Each had wonderful stories about their projects that helped me learn about their lives in the north. We loved chatting with Marg the elder. We also saw different types of lodgings and a traditional dance. That all and Marg best of luck from your two Canadian friend in you wedding.

We had my daughter’s quinceanera here and it was just so amazing. Everyone had such a good time and they opened the back for the quests to walk around. From start to finish the entire staff was amazing and made this a memorable event. The event was such a success we now have people asking about points of contacts and pricing. If you are looking into places to host your special event don’t pass up your opportunity to have it here.

There is a free shuttle from the downtown log cabin. $30 entry and the attendants were very helpful explaining the tools and building as you walk through them. The free shows are nice to watch as well. Plan for around 1.5-2 hrs here.

Had a wonderful time learning about the native culture. It is a great place to learn about the culture and unfortunately what was done to stifle it in the past. The demonstration of the native games and dance was great. The tour of the various types of dwellings that were built across such a wide range of climate and conditions was enlightening. Shout to to Zach our guide who was not only very knowledgeable but super entertaining as well. I highly recommend a stop here.

If you are seriously interested in learning about Alaska, you just visit this center. The gallery about the various people groups is fascinating along with a timeline of settlement of the territories. The hard truths are presented well to make us all think and reflect. There are informative films and demonstrations in the main building that were very educational. I highly recommend taking a guided tour of the various areas so you can learn as much as possible about the various settlements and ways of life.

Awesome cultural experience, they have multiple native experiences such as story telling, songs, and dances by natives, so much info on the local tribes and history. Great place to visit and learn about the real alaska from the people who know best, many local craft options for sale as well.

While the exhibit gallery is fairly limited, the tour of 5 different tribal homes and the several life shows they offered were quite interesting. Takes 3-4 hours if you do the guided tour and one or two of the shows.

This dog sledding experience was unforgettable! Best thing we did in Alaska! Happy Trails has multiple locations in case of bad conditions. They accommodated our group last minute after another company canceled our run. Our guide was so great, and the dogs were absolutely a force to be reckoned with! They were so sweet and so strong! You can tell they love what they are doing. Thanks for the experience of a lifetime!

We had an amazing visit at Happy Trails Kennel. Martin, Kathy, Chad, and Sue were excellent hosts. We were able to meet the new litter of pups and well as many of the other dog "athletes" team members. If you are looking for a kennel to learn about the Iditarod and the mushing profession, Happy Trails Kennel is the place to visit, you'll walk away with an entirely new perspective about the race and the role sled dogs play in Alaskan culture. 6/2025

Had an absolute blast at Happy Trails Kennel! The dog sledding was SO much fun, the people were super friendly & knowledgeable and the scenery was amazing. We were here in January 2025. I highly recommend going dog sledding here or checking out their amazing facility.

Highly recommend making this facility a stopping point! Martin is *at the time of our visit* a highly impressive Iditarod racer who's completed 39/39 attempts! 🤯 You can tell he really enjoys what he does and has a nice time sharing about it with you. My kids loved seeing the dogs and the puppies, along with the informative movie as well.

It was super fun! The entire staff was very friendly and made us feel very welcome and taken care of, the dogs were super friendly and were a nice distraction from missing my dog at home. Heimdall was silly and kept crunching snow and Lentil stole so many fish. She was sweet and deserved them though. Pumpkin lead the sled and demanded all the scratches and pets for a job well done.

Fabulous tour! We had plenty of time to hang out with the dogs and puppies, heard rich details from the trail, and got to know the mushers. Highly recommend.

This is the pace to go for a dog sled tour outside of Anchorage, It's always a fun time at Happy Trails! I love visiting with the dogs and the mushers are all kind and experienced! I am biased though because I live across the street. Happy Trails has a great system set up. When you arrive, you are welcomed into a beautiful and spacious visitors center- this seems unique compared to some of the other tour operations. They have a informative video that you watch to learn more about the sled dogs, the Iditarod, and Martin Buser, who founded the kennel and raced in the Iditarod 39 times. They have all the gear you need to stay warm, so you don't have to worry about being cold on the trail! The tour itself is incredible, the trails are tranquil and beautiful. On a clear day you get views of the Alaska Range, including Denali. An unforgettable experience- many of the guests who go on tours have said it's the coolest thing they have ever experienced!

We did the ATV guided tour. We had 3 side by sides. Our guide Ryan was great. He took us up the mountain for incredible views. It was hunting season so we really didn't see wildlife, but the wildflowers were incredible! He was very knowledgeable. Since the ride is very bumpy over rugged terrain, he tailored the tour to our physical needs. It was a great activity to see more places we could not have accessed ourselves. Definitly recommend Snowhook Tours!

My wife, daughter, son-in-law, and I booked a guided UTV tour with this vendor in late September and had a blast!! After checking in at their Lodge, which is east of Willow, and receiving a safety brief, which included the dos and do nots with respect to safe UTV operation, we suited up (wet gear provided as wanted), and were on our way.. We spent nearly four hours exploring all parts of Hatcher Pass to include several stream crossings, rock climbing, and breaks just to take it all in.. Our guide, whose name escapes me at the moment, was fantastic.. He was very versed in the history of the area and provided for a very safe, yet fun excursion.. I would recommend this operator to anyone looking to have a great adventure.. The weather didn't cooperate with us very well but despite it all, we had a fantastic time!!

We had so much fun! Super flexible and easy booking. The directions made it easy to find and they had gear ready for us to use. All our dogs were super nice and did a great job on the trails! Highly recommend!

My wife, 2 kids and I had a blast doing the UTV tour! Ryun was our guide and we made it all the way to the summit! My son drove one UTV and I drove the other. It was really cool driving through the streams and paths along the mountain side and back. Thinking about going back and doing a snowmobile tour with them also! His wife Bri running the office was also really nice and helpful. When I had called prior to my trip, Mary Ann gave me a lot of good tips and info which helped decide on booking the trip!

What an amazing experience! Hannah (my name twin) was so nice and knowledgeable, not only about every dog but about dog sledding in general. We were given time to pet and love on every dog we wanted, both before and after our ride, which was nice. These dogs are so incredibly loved and cared for it didn't feel like a tourist attraction but more like a glimpse into a the teams personal passion. I do advise wearing things you dont mind getting dirty, unless you have no intention of petting dogs...which then why go? Highly highly recommend!

We had such a great experience doing the Fall Tour! Everyone was very kind, informative, and passionate about the dogs in their care. We love seeing some happy pups with a job, and these dogs were definitely happy and well cared for. Highly recommended this experience if you’re in the area!

We loved the ATV adventure through the backcountry side in Hatcher pass. We went through creek and riverbeds, up mountain sides and the scenery was amazing! We stopped to take pictures and enjoy the views. We happened to be the only ones on this morning trip with Lindsey, and it was great! There were 4 of us and we went in one of the side by sides that held 4. Highly recommend.

What an absolutely beautiful little Nature Center. Enjoy the manicure Trail. At the time of our visit the longer path was closed due to bear activity and the Salmon Run. The Beaver Pond The Overlook. The interesting Visitor Center made for a great visit. They have a few different hiking trails you can walk. The trails and very well marked making planing your hike a breeze. We really enjoyed our visit to the Eagle River Nature Center

Visitors - add this to your list! Beautiful and serene. The trails are easy to navigate as signs are clearly marked. Locals - this is a wonderful place to take a break and enjoy the quiet environment. *images are late September

I love this nature center! It’s a great place to walk your dog and bask in the sun while enjoying some fresh air and great views. The trails are constantly updated and maintained.

This place is a great destination for outdoor lovers, wildlife viewers, adventure seekers, hikers, campers, or even dog mushers. Small fee to park or you can buy the annual pass. Small animal exhibit inside with some souvenirs and snacks. Take the trails that lead you into the nature center but bring bear bells, bear spray, and a 10mm or higher. During the salmon runs you can run into brown bears. Be sure to check the recent bear activity signs before heading in. They update the signs for trail closures as well. The staff love their jobs and are very friendly. There are tons of programs for kids and lots of events here. Don’t miss out!

Eagle River Nature Center was a fun hike. We wanted to do Albert Loop and Rodak Trail but these were closed because of the Salmon and Bear. The one trail open was Iditarod which led down to Rapids Campsite and a peek at the water. At this point there is a small hidden path up to a bench and lookout with 360 degree view.

The Eagle River Nature Center is an amazing spot to visit outside Anchorage. It was our first proper stop on a long road trip across the state and what an incredible introduction to the beauty of Alaska! We arrived shortly before opening but the trails are still accessible and especially quiet at the time in the morning. As we were leaving, we received some very helpful advice from the couple at the welcome desk (including some further hiking suggestions). Highly recommended as a place to go exploring in the outdoors!

Great hiking and there was enough parking for our group. Very easy paths for kids and families with nice views of the river and surrounding mountains

Well-maintained trail leading to a gorgeous waterfall. It isn’t a hard trail, but there are several steep up-and-downs. We saw a couple with children in a wagon and they didn’t seem to love the choice they made! 1/2 mile to gorge overlook, 1 mile to the waterfall. Took us 38 minutes to get out and back. Parking was plentiful, even for our 24’ RV.

Nice easy walk, wide trail. The first incline is steep but not hard. Beautiful water fall. Has an outhouse and nice parking lot- $5 parking fee

The walking at Thunderbird Falls Trail is very peaceful. Nice flat trail with almost no obstructions like roots and rocks, but it does have a couple steep incline sections that can leave you searching for your breath if you go to fast. Near the end of the mail trail is an offshoot that has a little more hazard to it, but I didn’t find it bad, nut your experience may vary. The offshoot has several obstructions but I think it’s worth it because you can get up close to the falls. If you go on a sunny day, the views are kind of spectacular at points along the way. It only takes an hour to make the hike, but you might want to stop and enjoy the views, so plan on additional time for pictures and sightseeing.

It’s a short hike that is not too difficult, making it great for the family. The falls are pretty, but are a bit underwhelming compared to some others in the area. The trail is well maintained and not too far outside Anchorage. Definitely worth the trip if you’re a nature lover or just looking for something to do that doesn’t consume your whole day.

Family friendly easy hike with beautiful views. Would suggest taking the creek trail after the waterfall viewpoint.

We like hiking this trail. It is an easy short trail. It is beautiful in summer and when frozen in winter.

Great short hike. Good views

This was a great stop. They have a wonderful museum and you can see some of the trophies. There is also a movie that you can see. The dogs were not available since the weather was really rainy. They also have a nice gift shop.

We stopped by today for the summer sled dog cart rides with Riley Dyche. The dogs were so sweet and it was a lot of fun watching them run. They got really excited when they saw the cart come out. This is a great activity if you’re in the area looking for something to do. There weren’t many people when we went so we didn’t have to wait long at all. We went into the gift shop and visitor’s center after the cart ride and had fun looking around. They even have a 30 minute video option if you have time to sit down and learn all about the Iditarod.

We were very excited to go there. We saw the dogs leave pulling a cart with a couple in it. They came back in less than 5 minutes. Short ride. In the mean time we asked if we could pet the dogs and the wander was: "If you're not going to get a ride you can't pet them" Fair bit rude and money driven. We headed to the sort of museum, and yeah you can find some artefacts. They play a 30 minute movie which you can buy in CD format. It is mainly a shop with souvenirs with a small room with seats for the video.

Its a lovely place to interact with the huskies. The merch store is also great and the museum is great to get an understanding of the history. You can get a husky drawn sledge ride ( even in summer ).

We went in June, and we got to go on a short ride with the dogs,mashed by Riley. We watched a video and were lucky to be there on the day they were signing up mushers for next year's race and met the reigning champion. The gift shop was great and we got a book with great information regarding the Iditarod.

We learned about the Iditarod on our Princess cruise from Ryan Redington, the grandson of Joe Redington, and got to see two of his newest puppies. Very cool little museum showcasing the history of the race. The kids loved doing the ride on the dog sled and meeting all the dogs.

Nice free museum and gift shop. $10 dog sled rides are offered to support the dog team. Lots to see to learn the history of the Iditarod

$10 per person. there is a lot of information on the settlers of this area, as well as a whole building for the climbers of denali.

A nice museum-like place in a restored and maintained historical house in Talkeetna. Its displays are of the town of Talkeetna and its growth over the years from a railroad, to gold rush, to mountain climbing tourism, until today. An interesting place to visit and learn.

Small, eclectic museum focusing on old items from the early settlement period. Items have good signage & explanations. Much of the museum focuses on building of the railroad & climbing Denali. Has excellent movies on both subjects and is spread out over three buildings. Has a small gift shop with books, clothes & collectables. Host was very friendly & entertaining. Overall rating 4.5.

Excellent little museum that delves extensively into the history and associated artifacts of Talkeetna mainly focusing on its period of emergence. Two separate particularly interesting movies cover the creation of the Alaskan railroad and also the details of ascending of Denali (aka McKinley) mountain. For those seriously interested in an ascent of Denali the Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station is a mandatory stop but for those in getting some sense of the ascent challenges then this museum is highly recommended. The image attached is from the Talkeetna Ranger Station.

The museum packs a lot into what looks like a small building. While the museum is self-guided, we were very lucky to get a tour from the museum director, Autumn. There are a variety of items from Talkeetna and the greater area. You could easily spend a hour just looking at the Talkeetna diorama. A must visit when in Talkeetna, especially if you like mining, climbing, or trains.

Beautiful museum! I enjoyed the videos of the miners and mountaineering. Would love to see a docu on the indigenous cultures added!

An interesting small-town museum. The two movies are worth the price of admission. One movie was about the building of the railriad from Seward to Fairbanks, and the other was about climbing Denali.

We heard this is the oldest store in town so a visit was in order. There are some interesting artifacts of sleds, furs and equipment to see upstairs. You can also buy some snacks.

The store is “legendary” as a General store from the old days, but it’s pretty lame in modern times and the owners have done nothing to make this an actual place to shop or spend your time and money. Pop in and pop out. It’s quite overrated as a place to shop. VictorB

Classic spot in Talkeetna to stop by! It's very much a general store with groceries, snacks, and misc items. I was expecting a bit more in the store as far as history, but its really just a general store. You wont find classic tourists gifts but its still worth a quick stop in, or just walk past.

It was exactly what we thought it would be. Its a general store, its not supposed to be alike a, Safeway! Check upstairs, you might not realize that its open to the public, but it is! did buy dinner makins and booze here (and ice cream)

This cute, small supermarket in the downtown area feels like it's straight out of a western movie. They carry a lot of essential items. Fred, who works there, is a great and unique person; I believe he is the security guard. He's truly an interesting guy.

I came looking for the mayor. The cashier said "She's out of office" The cashier was a sweet Jamaican girl. I also got Rocky Road ice-cream. (Cheapest ice-cream on the strip by the way).. I would stop here for snacks any day. Oh, I also voted for Aurora for mayor. such a cute place.

I came for ibuprofen which was very reasonably priced. I was greeted warmly and invited to come say Hello to the Mayor, Aurora the cat, who was sleeping contentedly in a sled artifact upstairs. Some of the reviews on here are appalling. Chatted with the two guys working and they were as friendly as they come and the cat seemed to be living as royalty.

Beautiful little log cabin shop of fabulous photos. Dora was a delight to talk with about her photos and experience! It was tough to choose one, but we love the start to our northern lights living room wall!

My wife and I attended a presentation by Aurora Dora to our Grand Circle Tour group led by Scott Terry. When we had free time in Talkeetna, we went to her studio to pick up one of her prints. The only problem we had was selecting just one of her marvelous pieces of art. We settled on "Talkeetna Aurora & Milky Way". It gave us everything we wanted. We recommend her work to anyone who wants to see the real Alaska.

If you need a reminder of the Aurora, and I most definitely did since the skies were overcast, you can not do better than to visit the Aurora Dora shop. Dora, the owner/photograph, provided me with details on each photo I was interested in. I had a hard time choosing as the photos were beautiful.

Aurora Dora is an amazing artist and person! I first met Dora at a presentation she gave to my tour group about the Aurora Borealis and her journey to capture its beauty for others to share. She has completely focused her artistic talents to create the most beautiful and unique photo art! More astounding was my visit to her gallery in Talkeetna, AK. It was there that I was able to truly appreciate the intricacies and details of her works. Dora uses a photographic metallic medium that makes the colors pop, just as if you were there experiencing the aurora’s majesty! (without the -40 degree weather). Dora is a consummate businesswoman as well. When my print arrived, I discovered a very small imperfection on the edge of the frame. Without hesitation, Dora reordered another print from the photo lab to make sure that I received a perfect copy. I received the new print quickly and it is hanging in a place of honor in my home. Thank you, Dora, for sharing your passion and photographic abilities with the rest of us!

Dora’s shop in Talkeetna is so beautiful! Her photography and artwork is some of the best out there and it was so fun walking around the gallery with her and hearing the details and stories about each photo. She’s so knowledgeable on all things related to the Northern Lights — it’s worth stopping by if you’re visiting Talkeetna!

A unique store that carries beautiful images of the Northern Lights. If you were unlucky like us and didn't get to see the lights during your visit to Alaska, you can purchase a beautiful image of the aurora in this store.

If you are in Talkeetna, make sure you visit Aurora Dora!!! Her prints are gorgeous!!! Her stories, and passion for what she does, makes them even more so! We thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent talking with her! How do you choose just one?? We settled on Bridge on Purple!

We had a ton of fun at the Reindeer Farm! The kids loved petting the baby reindeer, bunnies, and alpacas. Feeding the moose and bison was also a huge highlight. The staff is very knowledgeable and kind. I would highly recommend visiting this farm if you have time near Palmer.

I can't recommend a stop here enough on your Alaska adventure! This was a real highlight of the trip, and getting to feed real reindeer and moose was so much fun! The animals are so cute and friendly, and the tour guides were helpful and knowledgable.

We had an incredible day at the reindeer farm. I loved our tour guide and her love and knowledge of the animals. My kids played for a long time after the tour and we had such a happy time as a family. Thank you for providing a beautiful place to create memories!

Fun place to take the whole family. Not overly priced for entry. Lots to see. Places for kids to play after walking around for a couple of hours. There is even a reptile exhibit. Animals range from moose, elk, musk ox, etc. A lot of furry four legged animals to see here. There are even caribou antlers for sale! Kids can feed the reindeer and enjoy some hotdogs! Nice coffee shop inside the barn. Totally recommend this as a trip for the family, especially when visitors from out of state come to visit. All of the staff is super friendly.

Super cute Halloween set up. Great for all ages. Wear layers. Have some petty cash for food trucks, coffee, gift shop. Gift shop has some cute stuff for babies, toddlers and young children. Some neat stuff for adults too, clothes accessories ect.

Totally worth the buzz. So much to see and do. Located at the base of some huge mountains, you can’t go wrong. We saw a golden eagle flying to its nest on the mountain ledge. We were able to pet animals and feed them. So much fun!

We had a great time! The big bubble station at playground was a hit! I want to recreate that at my house. My daught loved feeding the bunnies. The tractor ride was good too. Good choice to spend half a day.

Jessica was a great tour guide. They clearly love their animals and make efforts to keep the herd happy and healthy. We found this place on accident while on vacation and I'm so happy that we stopped and did the 45 minute tour. Worth the cost of the tickets!

Probably the only place you'll see Musk Ox up close! Faculty and staff were very nice and attentive. Their modern facility does a great job at showcasing these interesting, Arctic animals. I liked the tour, however I wish we could've seen more of the farm. We stood and talked in the same few places longer than I would've liked.

My partner and I were going back and forth between deciding to visit the zoo, wildlife preserve or the Muskox farm. Clearly we decided on the farm and we couldn’t have been happier. We chose the farm because we wanted a personal group experience with a knowledgeable guide. Our guide was Jessica and she was fun, knowledgeable and was able to answer all of our groups questions. We learned so much and it was really cool to be a safe distance to a muskox. We definitely enjoyed the hour long tour and would recommend!

Did the tour yesterday with Jessica B. It was absolutely amazing. The musk ox are very interesting and have different personalities. Definitely worth a trip!

Great visit here. Who knew, a farm in Alaska? And Musk Ox this low in the state. 45 minute tour was great. $82 for the whole fam. What a steal. Got all kinds of information about the Oxes on a scenic farm. Perfect.

I highly recommend taking a tour! You can't go beyond the museum room without a tour and it so, so worth it. Learned a lot and fell in love with the musk ox. Thank you to the knowledgeable and kind staff for all your work!!

Wonderful experience. Knowledgeable guide with lots of insight and experience. We learned so much and it was a beautiful farm. The musk ox were so cool to see and learn about. Highly recommend!

Very cool place if you like historic things, geology or even just nature. Everything looks like it was just left and abandoned except for the visitor center and a few displays. I went on a Tuesday so it wasn't very crowded. Also, there are many trails at the site and around the area. The main path around the majority of buildings is paved and easy to walk.

Independence Mine State Historical Park is such a fascinating place to visit. The old gold mining camp gives you a glimpse into Alaska’s past, with historic buildings and breathtaking mountain views all around. Last night, we drove up near the park to an open area and watched the northern lights. It was absolutely magical—the quiet of the mountains, the cool night air, and the auroras dancing across the sky made the whole experience unforgettable.

Great experience here in Hatchers Pass! They’ve many wonderful trails to explore and a lot of information to learn about the history of the area. We were really impressed! We hiked about 2 miles is all, but got in a decent workout thanks to the ascent. The lake was a beautiful end to our exploring - and still had ice on it in some spots! No bears spotted - but someone had earlier that week. $5 parking and plenty of it.

First of all Alaska state parks are amazing at $5 daily day pass in 2025. This site is incredible. So many different trails for different ability levels. My husband and son did a super challenging loop up to a lake. My mother in law and I walked maintained paths around the mine site. There were tons of families with strollers and every age child imaginable. Next the tour in bunk house 2 run by Salmon Berry is so worth it($15/adult but ask for different discounts kids, military, veteran, senior citizens) You get access into locked buildings. The site just received grants for renovations so some buildings are still closed. The tour is roughly an hour every hour.

Took my doggos for doggos adventure day. It was a Tuesday so not too many people. We had a good walk and wore them out. The trail is well worn and followable. A few slippery spots, but with good tread on your shoes, you should be fine. The view is always gorgeous, we just happened to pick a perfect day for it!

We had the BEST time here! My husband had really wanted to see an old mine town on our trip and the Independence Mine had it all. They have a mine shaft you can view the entrance of and you are able to walk around the whole town. They have done a great job with putting information out of each of the buildings and areas around the site so you can learn more about what everything was used for and how the operation worked as well as the people who lived and worked there. When we were there, 2 buildings were open. The mine manager’s house and bunk house 2. Both of these had exhibits inside. We also went when there was still a bunch of snow at the top. We didn’t know this would be the case, but luckily we had our water proof hiking boots with us so we were still able to explore pretty comfortably. Don’t be like us though, check the weather before heading up the mountain. There might be snow even if it’s June! There are 2 public restrooms available in the parking area. They are your standard park restrooms and there is no sink, so bring your hand sanitizer. There is $5 parking fee. I’m not sure what the gift shop hours are but they do have snacks and drinks (like hot coco) incase you’d like something while you’re up there.

Had a great time here. Did the hike up to the icy lake. Was a bit of a challenge but definitely worth it for the experience and views.

What an experience when flying with the 66 old Otter plane from Talkeena for the 2 hours expedition. Once we were approaching Mt. Danali, especially when above the clouds, and landed on the glacier. Made it one of the best travel memories.

During our road trip in Alaska, we were en route from Anchorage to Fairbanks, and Denali State Park was a must-visit spot along the way. Denali, also known as Mount McKinley, holds the distinction of being the highest mountain peak in North America. As we journeyed, the sight of this majestic mountain towering into the clouds from distant viewpoints along the road was truly stunning and breathtaking. The road was flanked by immense mountains and expansive forests stretching as far as the eye could see, creating one of the most beautiful views we have ever seen. It became evident why people are drawn to traveling in Alaska, especially Denali State Park; its vastness and tranquility offer an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in nature. With nothing to disturb us, we found peace in the serene environment of Denali State Park, surrounded only by mountains, roads, and occasionally encountering wildlife such as moose and bears.

This is a huge and beautiful park. I could.nit get enough of the beautiful mountains. There are 2 ways to see the entire park offered by the State Park - a shuttle bus and a wilderness/historic tour busses. These are 4 to 6 hours tours with the shuttle bus option being an inexpensive option. Very little can be done on your own. The shuttle busses run on a timely manner and everyone is very helpful. The shuttle bus driver can drop you off at any point if you would like to get off for any trails. The shuttle busses can pick you up any where in the road. The wilderness and historical tours are a pricier option which we cancelled last minute as the exact time is allowed 48 hours before the tour date. You only have a time window to pick while booking - morning or afternoon but the time assigned can be anywhere in a 4 hour window. You have cancellation fee if any changes are. Made a week in advance. Some trails are around the visitor center. The best thing we did was visit the dog kennels which included a presentation and dog petting. The rangers were amazing and educated us with all the historical facts and information. Not many animals sighting though. We saw some moose. Come prepared for cold/wet weather even in summer. Definitely go to the Denali Visitor center.

this park is really underrated. there’s some cool trails without the crowds of other national parks. we hiked the curry ridge trail which offered some amazing views and a nice alpine lake. there wasn’t a lot of mosquitoes either which was a relief! the trail was well maintained. there’s different trails of various difficulty and length so there’s something for everyone- if you’re in the area it’s a great place to find a nice hike.

Denali National Park, located in Alaska, is renowned for its breathtaking wilderness and iconic centerpiece, Denali, North America's tallest peak. Here's an overview of what makes Denali National Park such a remarkable destination: Wildlife: The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, moose, and Dall sheep. Visitors often have the chance to spot these animals in their natural habitat, making it a prime location for wildlife enthusiasts. Scenic Beauty: Denali's landscape is characterized by vast tundra, towering mountains, and pristine rivers. The park offers numerous scenic viewpoints and hiking trails that provide unparalleled views of Denali and its surroundings. Mount Denali: Formerly known as Mount McKinley, Denali stands at 20,310 feet (6,190 meters) tall, dominating the skyline of the park. Its majestic presence is a focal point for many visitors, and viewing opportunities are weather-dependent but awe-inspiring. Outdoor Activities: Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The park offers ranger-led programs and interpretive exhibits that enrich the experience by providing insights into the park's natural and cultural history. Preservation and Conservation: Denali National Park is committed to preserving its wilderness and wildlife. Conservation efforts aim to protect the delicate ecosystem and ensure future generations can continue to enjoy its natural beauty. Accessibility: While some areas of Denali are accessible by road, much of the park remains wild and remote. Shuttle buses and guided tours provide access to different parts of the park, allowing visitors to explore its diverse landscapes and wildlife habitats.

It is stunningly beautiful here!! The mountain, Denali, is a life must see. It's only visible when the clouds clear and yesterday, it was surreal. I was gazing at these gigantic mountains of the Alaska Range and suddenly, this behemoth appeared as if from the clouds, dwarfing every mountain around it. Denali!!! It was quite a spiritual experience. My phone batt was dead, so I did not get pics BUT have plenty of time to try again! Please enjoy a few other pics from my Alaskan experience.

A nice view but needs the restrooms to be clean at least. Has benches for visitors to relax and eat

Easy hike around the river. You will very probably see arctic squirrel on the way. Parking is free, but it was full when we arrived. In that case you can park in different parking lot and use free shuttle. There are also public restrooms.

This is a great easy trail for all ages. My kids ages 9, 11 and 13 were easily able to complete the loop. This is also the end of where you can drive your private vehicle. There is a parking lot on each side of the river. Or you can also pick up the free shuttle from bus depot or the visitors center. Since this trail is easily accessible, it can be a little crowded.

Beautiful scenic trail! We got soaked from the rain when we went, but it was so worth it. Stunning scenery. Would love to go back on a nice sunny day! Very easy nice trail with a bridge that crosses the river at the end. A must if you’re in the park!

Part of the trail was closed due to snow and ice. We made it a lot further than expected and the views didn’t disappoint.

A happy easy trail, with ice wash rushes in the center, birds' chips echoes in the valley, fresh green shrubs stretches all over slopes, wild animals crawling on the river banks.

This is an easy, flat, out and back hike. It is at the end of the free bus ride (about 12 miles) from the McKinley visitor center to the last stop the bus makes. Walk up on side of the river, cross the bridge, and then walk back. It is beautiful scenery and very easy. We hoped to see Dall sheep, but we did not. VictorB

It’s an easy two-mile loop that offers beautiful and expansive scenery. We took the shuttle from our hotel to the Denali NP visitor center and switched to the free ‘savage river shuttle’ from the visitor center and the same bus back. The one way bus ride was about 30 minutes and the hike took about 1.5 hours with many photo stops of average pace. It’s a wonderful trail for all levels.

We chose the covered wagon dinner experience.They also do a t v.And golf experience. Are tour guys were amazing.I remember one of their names.Will the other young man had just graduated high school?They were both very educated on the area.Very informative very personable. The dinner we had after the food was absolutely amazing.The atmosphere was awesome, would definitely go through black diamond resorts again. If you're in alaska and do any excursions, I do recommend the smaller ones.They are much better.

We had a great time on our covered wagon tour! Phoenix, Lexi and Nikola were very knowledgeable and friendly guides. Our trip was full of beautiful nature, fun facts and cool stories. The views and wildlife were amazing. Odin and Prince gave us a smooth and safe ride to the pavilion where dinner was delicious. For sure add this to your Alaska itinerary!

My wife and I had a wonderful time. Eric was a great driver and the college graduate girls loved Malachy's accent. But let's face it, the real stars of the show were Jay & Turbo. Our horses were AMAZING!! We had a great time and would be really hard pressed not to do it when in Denali again. Highly recommend. The food was good, but the wagon ride get's the higher star. They picked us up at our Lodge. OH, I nearly forgot about the chocolate chip cookies. They were fantastic

We went on the side by side ATV tour. Ross was an excellent guide along with his helper from Macedonia. We had great weather and a fun time driving the rugged terrain. Lots of puddles to splash in. We stopped several times to learn about the area. They served a full lunch that was delicious. This was the best excursion we had in Alaska.

7/4/2025 - Dinner - Table for 2 We drove long way to try king crab but it was not worth the drive. - The tomato soup was so thick that it was like warmed up marinara sauce. - The fish was not edible - King crab was barely OK Would not recommend.

The pasta is excellent! Order it. Especially the lasagna. We also had the most delightful server. A juvenile moose graced us with his presence during supper. It’s a quiet location great for conversation.

Went here to do an ATV tour and had a blast. It was a lot of fun to ride around the trails and see the natural beauty of Alaska. The guide was very friendly and made sure we had a safe and fun time. We had an absolute blast and really enjoyed seeing the fall foliage and learning about the history of the area. The food we had during the excursion was tasty as well.

Fantastic Facility, hard work staff were very attentive to visitors needs. They get tremendous turn over as tour groups come and spend only one night and move on. The staff required to ready lodging and meals for many hundreds of guest per day and they do an amazing job. Wish we could have stayed for 3 nights in the area to see and absorb all the Parks Splendor. I’ll be back.

They have a very interesting exhibit about the animals and trees and native habitats from this area. Very interesting. There was also a movie playing about the training of mush dogs and their tales… the rangers here give information about open trails and other activities that they offer like guided hikes and visits to dog station, etc.

Great location, full of info, nice café and coffee shop. Great bathroom facilities and showers and dump stations for campers. Awesome trails, Healy Overlook Trail is a 2.7 mi trail up a mountain we saw a bear! Very grueling hike, but view is worth it!!

The center was part of our bus tour. The guides were personable and truly in love with their work. Great tour! The center had lots of educational displays for both kids and adults. Only wish our time allowed for more trail walking.

Fun for all ages! The learning experience is top rate. And when your ready to head into the back country to hike, cycle, or camp ... The rangers are more than knowledgeable!!

We drove a little over two hours from Fairbanks and had to return that evening as our family had a 4 and a half hour drive one way. We have been to Denali before so a short hike was just fine. The shops were very nice and we found a few things to bring home

I really appreciated the rangers taking the time to explain the park and trails in great details. The visitor center itself is quite cool. My family loved it.

If you want an engaging presentation, this is the place to come! All the speakers were extremely knowledgeable and passionate about their work and exceptional presenters. Make sure you arrange for transportation to the homestead to arrive in time to pet the puppies before the tour.

What a great experience. Holding a puppy was marked off my bucket list ❤️the staff was great to explain the exercising of the dogs. Great talk on the Iditarod and enjoyed Jeff King. Highly recommend this tour!

We absolutely loved this place! The presentations with the dogs were phenomenal. Everything you could want to know about the ididarod was explained in a very in-depth lecture which included a lot of humor as well. We even got a question and answer session with 4 time ididarod champion Jeff King - WOW! These dogs are well loved and taken care of. Highly recommended!

The puppies were adorable, and the owner and his staff were informative. I learned so much about Alaskan huskies and the Iditarod and other races. The tour felt rehearsed and theatrical, but it was a unique experience while in Alaska.

Holding newborn Alaskan puppies was wonderful as was seeing the care and feeding and training of these dogs for the dogsled marathon races. The demonstration of the iditarod rscing equipment and strategies and seeing a dog team do a traing run was great. Meeting multiple Iditarod winner Jeff King was the topper to the experience.

Informational about how Alaskan huskies are raised and trained to race. You get to hear from an Iditarod winner himself, Jeff King. Great speaker and interesting stories about his experiences.

What a great place! Cool coaches who obviously love their dogs and give them the life they need. So interesting to learn all about Husky dogs and sledriding.

I chose this for my birthday adventure in Feb 2025 and had the absolute best time! The staff is kind and knowledgeable. Everyone gets plenty of time with the reindeer and lots of opportunities for questions and photos. We ended the experience with cookies and hot chocolate. Highly recommend this bucket list experience!

I visited Running Reindeer Ranch solo on a weekend in October and had an incredible time. Everything was well organized from start to finish. Parking was easy, and staff were onsite to guide you and check you in. Reservations must be made in advance, but the online booking process is simple. The experience begins with a fun and informative introduction. Each reindeer is introduced by name, and you learn a little about their personality before the walk begins. Some are mellow and calm, while others are more playful and full of energy. Getting to know them individually made the experience feel very personal. The walk takes you through a beautiful forest loop with several stops along the way. The reindeer roam freely alongside the group, and at each stop you learn interesting facts and have opportunities to take great photos. The reindeer all have such unique personalities, which adds so much charm and character to the tour. At the end of the walk, you are treated to freshly baked cookies. If you are hungry for more, Ivory Jack’s restaurant is just around the corner and offers excellent king crab. This was a delightful, well-run experience that I would absolutely recommend to anyone visiting the Fairbanks area.

If you are looking to interact with reindeers then a petting zoo will be a better option at a fraction of the cost. Also, don’t visit for the next few weeks as 4-5 of their best reindeer are out for breeding and not at the facility. The story telling was great and the staff were friendly and knowledgeable but we did not see the value of spending close to $100 per person for this activity compared to all the other things we did in Alaska. I would not recommend to anyone other than families with kids (as the kids seemed to enjoy it)

This place was great. Tyrone and the whole staff were extremely knowledgeable of the reindeer. You get up close and personal with the reindeer and they let you walk with them and take pictures. It was the highlight of our Fairbanks trip.

Me and my husband had so much fun. The staff was so friendly and taught us a lot about the reindeer at their ranch. The reindeer were friendly, and learning about them was an awesome experience. Would absolutely recommend the ranch!

Visiting my brother & needed to burn some time while he was at work. This was amazing & I would recommend to anyone. Johnny was knowledgeable & made the experience amazing. I will definitely be back in the summer. So cool to be so up close to the reindeer! Hot coca and cookies were a great ending!

I had such an amazing time visiting Running Reindeer Ranch! I got to learn a good bit about reindeer, we had the opportunity to interact with them and even get to take photos with them. They do give you a safety video during the winter to watch so that your experience is safe and that you know the do’s and don’ts of how to handle different situations that could potentially happen. Nothing happened while we were there but it’s good to be aware of what could happen. Highly recommend this if you are ever in the area! Staff is knowledgeable and very friendly as well! At the end we got hot chocolate and cookies and the hot chocolate was so delicious!

Informative and worth the cost of admission. So much to look at, learn, and so many interesting experiences to have. I highly recommend experiencing “The Place Where You Go To Listen”, if only for a couple of minutes. Additionally, if you catch it on the right day, you might also get a glimpse of Denali like we did. We didn’t know how lucky we were as we had just arrived in Alaska for the first time but there’s a fantastic vista very close to the parking lot. In addition to the natural history exhibits, there is a lot of art to see by Alaskan artists along with native exhibits and exploration artifacts and equipment. So much cool stuff to experience that really set the tone for our great Alaska adventure. Don’t miss it!

Museum itself is great, definitely worth the price of admission. I love the way the main exhibits are set out and how many topics are covered. If you're freaked out by taxidermy, be aware that there is a lot, but it's mostly well done and always tasteful. One star taken away because I had hoped to get lunch and had half a sandwich that was mid and overpriced even for your average museum cafe. But cafe aside, I had a great time here and especially loved all the pinniped carvings and masks 💖

An Absolute Must-See in Fairbanks! ​This museum is a true gem and an essential stop for anyone visiting or living in Fairbanks. The stunning architecture is the first thing you'll notice, and what's inside is just as impressive. It provides a fantastic look into the rich natural, cultural, and artistic history of Alaska.

We really enjoyed our visit to the Museum of the North. Great place to learn about Alaskan history!! We spent about 2-2.5 hours here but could have spent way longer if we wanted to look at the exhibits even more in depth! One thing to note is that parking is not free, we didn’t know that before visiting but it was only $4.50 or so for 3 hours so it’s not expensive at all.

It's a beautifully and tastefully made Museum amidst scenic area. They also play few short movies on Dinosaur Research and Aurora Borealis of Alaska. Ticket charges are 22 USD for foreigners. Houses massive whale and other Animal fossils. A small ruck store is there though expensive. May other unique preserves and history on the walls. Theres a very interestingly constructed Quite Room where some earthy sounds are played. A must visit while in Fairbanks.

A must see! Now I know where James Mitchner got a lot of material for his book, Alaska. Beautiful campus, even had a view of Denali, and mountain ranges. Check out the gardens too.

A big exhibit of Alaskan history. We enjoyed the morning exploring all the exhibits and art. Watched the Aurora movie too.

We had a good time walking around the SS Nenana and the Harding Car. Very cool originals! We also enjoyed walking around and visiting the shops that were open - got a neat moose w/babies print at a shop (her original photography). Looks like they’re upgrading playground equipment for the kids. There’s also a very neat, older carousel. Got to also ride the little train twice around for a few bucks.

Original buildings rescued from around town were placed in this park along with a railcar and a steamboat. Local vendors sell local crafts, souvenirs and food. There is a museum that accepts donations. The other side of the park has rides suitable for young children. We enjoyed our visit.

Cute little park to take your family in Fairbanks. They have an amazing playground with a splash pad and swings. They have a old paddle boat you can take tours of, an art museum, lots of shopping and some wonderful food vendors. Would definitely go again.

Its a cute park that my friend and I visited. It has kind of old town architecture that makes it feel like old country times. The reason I gave 4 stars is because we rode the train but it broke down halfway into the ride so everyone that was on had to get off from a kinda steep hill. I didn't try to get a refund since it was only $3

It’s amazing! I’ll hand it to whoever must of thought to move all those houses years ago to save them. It great to see how each one is still being used in its own way. Loved it.

We were there at the end of the season so many of the attractions and shops were already closed. We did enjoy the shops that were open and walking around the grounds. We will visit again during the open season.

What a charming spot to wander around! Free to walk around, little shops and historical buildings to explore. Food reasonably priced too! We spent hours enjoying our visit.

Our driver Joe was fantastic. Very informative on the history of Fairbanks as we drove around. Going through the museum Joe explained how the history of Alaska was formed. When his next tour was cancelled he gave us extra time to go shopping at the North Pole. I recommend this tour to anyone and please ask for Joe to be your guide.

Great in information center right on the river and near the antler Arch! Also a great Visitor Center if you need to pick up Flyers to learn about attractions in the area. Very well curated museum /cultural center.

This is a nice facility and it’s free to enter and watch some educational videos and walk the self guided tour of Alaska history and facts. Not very exciting but it’s worth an hour visit before you walk the downtown area. The staff is nice and informative. It’s right by “antler arch”, so you can see that as well. VictorB

Exhibits telling the story of Fairbanks, it's community past and present, and showcasing beautiful, meaningful art through the decades. A great little gift shop with true Alaskan souvenirs, too! Highly recommend for visitors!

Very nice welcome center. It's big. Walking trails around it. Lots of information pamphlets. Good place to find things to do around Fairbanks

Beautiful grounds outside, love all the mosiacs and flowers! Inside, a feeling of communion. Learned so much about the area: animals, history- both past and present, indigenous peoples' contributions and beliefs. Great video of Coal Creek mining. Looking forward to Fridays talk by the elders. Thank you! Rangers give helpful advice and the Alaskan Geographic gift shop is awesome! Cultural center is free!

This is a really nice museum experience. Lots of information here, lots of artifacts. And it's free, a true rarity nowadays.

Pleasantly surprised. This was so much more than we planned for. First person we met had authentic clothing she wore every day donated to her from a much older women (90’s)who was also a vintage cloths collector so they looked almost new. This is so much more than a car museum. Outfits to match period cars, pictures of the Alaskan experience with cars over the years.

An absolute gem of museum!! The layout, details about the vehicles, all the time period clothing, and pictures from the Alaskan history is incredible. If you are in Fairbanks this is A MUST SEE! Amazing that most of these vehicles are in full operation. Can’t wait till they are in the new location which should allow for more vehicles and some planes. Oh, and if you can’t tell, most of these vehicles are in perfect mint condition.

Phenomenal place! The volunteers were super knowledgeable (thanks Steven!) and both the cars and the antique attire were immaculately taken care of. Hope you get to see one or more of their cars in action (only 3 don’t get out and about). Recommend during your trip to Fairbanks!

The breadth and depth of this car and dress collection is amazing. Truly the best car collection I have ever seen. And it’s a living museum with all in working condition except three. You can spend your day seeing it all while in awe.

Really interesting restored and original cars, motorcycles and women's fashions to match. Informative signs. The only challenge is you want to read it all, it is so well done. A few videos spread around and old Alaska photos in the walls

My husband and I visited the Fountainhead Antique Automobile Museum while visiting Fairbanks. The Museum was so interesting because each of the amazing cars (late 1800s to Pre-World War II) was paired with beautiful vintage dresses along with their accessories. There was a story for each car and each dress. There are some archival videos to watch as well. We spoke with Docent Steven who gave us so many back stories about some of the cars. He is very knowledgeable and it was great chatting with him. We learned quite a lot. We highly recommend visiting the museum while in Fairbanks. There is something of interest for everyone!

Best auto museum ever!!! Just get tickets and enjoy!! It is well kept, the workers are very knowledgeable! They added dresses and accessories to match cars, with interesting facts about each and every car. We truly enjoyed this place!!! Don’t miss it, 1-2 hours easily spent

Always a fun and enjoyable experience. Santa walks around to chat with everyone and sits in his chair so people can sit on his lap. I would strongly encourage everyone to go for a visit and support shop. The drinks and snacks are good and service is fast and friendly. Besides this is a good way to see if you're on the naughty list.

Neat store to stop at to see just about anything Christmas related. Giant Santa statue to take pictures with just outside the store. Lots of fudge, ice cream and other snacks available. Just about any ornament you could want is here. Make sure to get the elf bell, it was only 7.99 and a unique item from this store. They had a Santa you could take pictures or videos at no charge.

This is a beautiful store. We visited Santa, did some shopping and enjoyed all of the decor ✨️ I loved all of the huge Christmas trees that were decorated. A very warm atmosphere. We bought a few trinkets for our family members and friends. I also loved the letters to Santa on the walls.

There really is a place called the north pole and it’s in Alaska. Like 30 minutes away from Fairbanks you can find your way at the Santa Claus house, a 365 day a year gift shop/Santa house where you can send letters to Santa at North Pole or even buy a piece of a deed of the north pole, you can’t miss it because the town has poles dressed in Candy Cane poles definitely worth a trip if you’re out here great place to see the northern lights Definitely come here to visit Santa! So much merchandise here and handmade desserts, Christmas items and more

Beautiful selection of Christmas stuff. A very huge store with all and everything Christmas and Santa. You can also send hand written letters which is sent from Santa clause house address with the cool stamp and seal. Right next to the house is a reindeer farm where you can pet them for 20-30 mins. The team was very warm, helpful and happy to answer all questions around them. There were total 9 reindeers

When in Rome.. Who can say they actually visited Santa at his workshop at the North Pole, right?! Although more a Christmas themed shop, it's still worth the stop and get a picture with Santa, see the workshop and reindeers. The shop itself has all you can think of themed Christmas stuff, the reindeers can be fed for a fee.

Beautiful selection of Christmas decoration and gifts. There is also a place with delicious chocolate cakes and truffels 😋 Right next door you find some reindeer. They also offer short tours where you can feed them.

Clean and well organized. They have ice cream and an espresso bar as well as a good selection of Alaskan souvenir type items. I enjoyed the funky metal sculptures out front and amazing knotty trees they used to support their porch roof.

I love the knotty shop, we were in Fairbanks for work and I took a group of my work friends down! They have a beautiful area in the back with stuffed wild animals and their ice cream is delicious!!! Plenty of trinkets to bring home to family!

Awesome store to go to for souvenirs! Lots of cool items and trinkets. Most items are well priced. Ice cream is available here as well. Clean restrooms, large parking lot. Friendly staff. I bought a sticker and the other got clothes. Lots of bed and bath items, lots of Alaskan food items. Super neat taxidermy in the back. Cool stop!

We drove all the way from Fairbanks to Salcha for the ice cream and to look at the souvenirs. My kids hadn’t been there in 4 years- and didn’t remember; so well worth the drive.

It was my first time visiting and it was pretty fun. It's a touristy shop that sells a bunch of knickknacks from Alaska and they also have a great ice cream section in the building.

A very well located store ...next to the highway towards Denali - Fairbanks. Well stocked with thrifty and many other shopping stuff including clothes as well.. few eatables too.. It has very nice area dedicated to stuffed animals. It's called knotty store due to the Specific type of wood used for construction pillars which develop a kind of knot ... Owner is nice and warm.

Great ice cream and good selection of gifts/nicknacks. Definitely worth the drive out to Salcha.