The University of Alaska, Fairbanks has a surprisingly stylish and sophisticated museum on campus, The Museum of the North. The modern lines and futuristic interior would be more at home in a cosmopolitan setting than on the edge of acres of wilderness. But this jewel is a huge attraction to visitors and the community for the fascinating exhibits that regularly rotate so there’s always something new. And best of all, they have dinosaur skeletons! Don’t miss this world-class stop when you make it to interior Alaska.
The Museum of the North is a glittering white beacon on the hill overlooking the Tanana Valley in Interior Alaska. It is a tourist attraction, center of knowledge and culture, event venue, fine art collector, and children's favorite all rolled into one!
When you enter, you feel the excitement as the museum draws you in. The bustling complex is full of scientists working on projects, cataloging recent archeological finds, and setting up new exhibits and special events.
There is currently a special exhibition up of art about Polar bears, the giant white kings of the winter in the far north. This expansive collection is accompanied with information about the animals, their habitat, and habits.
There are exhibits, information, and movies about the aurora borealis, a popular science topic in the north. Beautiful photos and clear explanations will help you understand the phenomenon and how to view it.
Of course, it's still in Alaska, so there has to be a giant stuffed grizzly bear in the center of everything. There are extensive displays on the animals and peoples of the region in the permanent collection, as well as special exhibits on specific themes.
As any great museum should, they even have dinosaur fossils! In the main lobby, there are three full skeletons of Hadrosaurs that lived in Alaska long ago. The fossils are placed in front of a life-like painting showing living Hadrosaurs in their ancient Alaskan habitat, 75 to 65 million years ago.
This incredible find is just one of the many that the many excellent discoveries under the museum's umbrella. With the educational programs, archeological study, and fine art programs, there is always something for everyone at the Museum of the North.
And to top it all off, outside the front door, there is an amazing view of the Alaska Range on clear days. Come to the Museum of the North for fun and adventure for everyone at this awesome center of learning.
The Museum of the North is located at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, 1962 Yukon Drive. Click here for an interactive map, and you can discover more about hours and admission here. Have you been to the Museum of the North? Tell us about it in the comments below!
