Fairbanks, Alaska

●Fairbanks is the largest city in the Interior region of Alaska, and the second largest in the state behind Anchorage. According to the 2010 census, the population of the city was 31,535.

●Average winter low temperatures range from -15 degrees F to -25 degrees F.

●The Alaskan Railroad goes north from Seward to Fairbanks.

What to do:

1.       Ice Museum The ice museum is the world’s largest year-round ice environment in the world. The ice museum contains many ice sculptures including jousters on horses, Sarah Palin, animal chess set, an ice bar, an igloo, a xylophone that you can play, a polar bear, ice beds, and many more. They provide you with a jacket since it is 20 degrees F inside. If you pay extra, you can get an appletini in a martini glass. You get to keep the ice glass! The museum is located at the Chena Hot Springs Resort 60 miles from Fairbanks. The museum is open every day of the year.

2.       Chena Hot Springs Chena Hot Springs is located in the same area as the Ice Museum. There are also goats, hiking trails, sled dogs and a campground. During the winter you can hike up to a small hut to watch the northern lights. There is an outdoor hot springs rock lake for adults 18 and up. There is also an indoor family pool.

3.       Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge This national wildlife refuge has a 2 mile trail that lets you see Alaska’s plant and animal life. It is located on the north side of College Road about halfway between the University of Alaska, Fairbanks and Steese Expressway. The visitors center is open Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

4.       Georgeson Botanical Garden The gardens are located on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus. This is a five acre garden that is open to the public during the daylight hours, May through September.

5.       Pioneer Park This is Alaska’s only historic theme park. It is free to get in. There are many shops, restaurants, museums, and attractions including mini-golf, railroad, carousel, dance hall and theater.

6.       Riverboat Discovery Climb on board an authentic Alaskan sternwheeler, the Riverboat Discovery. Take a tour with native Alaskans in a traditional village and meet some of the pioneers who call this land home.

7.       University of Alaska Museum of the North