Posted in Alaska June 04, 2020 by Courtney

The One Town In Alaska That’s Anything But Ordinary

Although outsiders might look at the many extremes of Alaska and think that we are crazy for living here, we choose to soak in the unusual and find happiness in living a life that is anything but ordinary. From an abundance of wildlife, an extensively raw and rugged terrain, to temperature swings that are the most extreme on the planet – this unique town in Alaska is definitely not for the faint of heart. But once you embrace your surroundings, and life in Fairbanks, you’ll undeniably fall in love with the last frontier on a profoundly deep level that exceeds all of your wildest expectations. The gorgeous features of Alaska that you find in this town in the interior will always leave you wanting more.

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Alaska's 'Golden Heart City' of Fairbanks is known for its majestic beauty, friendly locals and extreme weather patterns that are anything but ordinary.

What you read in the guide books will paint a picture of epic beauty, largely in part due to the amazing displays of Northern Lights that Fairbanks has. The beauty of Alaska is stunning, and comes in all shapes and forms.

But more so than anything, Fairbanks is a land of extremes. Just check out this welcome sign in the summer...

Versus the same welcome sign in the winter...

You see, Fairbanks is home to the greatest temperature swing on the planet. You can go from 100 degrees in the summertime...

The city streets go from clean and easy to navigate during the summer months...

To completely covered in snow without a lane in sight during the winter months.

In fact, the frozen wonderland that comes to fruition during the winter months can be found in the city as well as down every back road out there.

Even entire parking lots are frozen solid without a clear marker in sight.

In order to actually survive and maintain during the winter months, you better get used to plugging your vehicle in at night.

You'll even notice that major grocery outlets have plug-ins lining their parking lots. Because with temps this cold, your car's battery needs a constant heat source.

If you forget to plug your car in, you better be prepared to fire up the snowmachine to tackle that morning commute.

Or a dog sled team for transportation is another very viable option that is commonly used in the area.

The Chena River (which runs right through the city) is a beautiful, lush attraction during the summer months.

But it turns into a completely frozen cityscape during the winter months.

In fact, during the summer months the Chena River is the place to be for boaters, sightseers and anyone seeking the ultimate recreational activities in this unique town in Alaska.

But during the winter months, the entire river is frozen solid and is transformed into a major ski and snowmachine paradise. Quite the difference, huh?

And while locals and visitors alike beat the summer heat by finding a lake to swim in...

During the wintertime they can be found bundled up and soaking in the chilly temps at outdoor ice parks. Pretty cool if you ask us!

Because the only way to stay sane during months upon months of cold, dark temps is to get outside and embrace the elements.

Fairbanks gets (and stays) so cold during the winter months that this is one of the few places that you could actually get away with living in an igloo, on a seasonal basis of course.

Although some might think this kind of lifestyle sounds crazy, the locals have learned to embrace it with humor and ingenuity.

I mean, only in Fairbanks, Alaska will you see this kind of (perfectly suited) license plate.

Did you know all of these amazing this about this unique town in Alaska? Do you know anything else cool about Fairbanks that you want to share? Let us know in the comments below!

For more from Alaska’s ‘Golden Heart City’ be sure to check out this underrated town that might just be the most beautiful place in the last frontier. You’ll also love this neighboring destination in Alaska that is basically heaven on earth.

Address: Fairbanks, AK, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Unique Town In Alaska

June 18, 2020

Megan Mcdonald

What is Fairbanks, Alaska known for?

This hardy town in interior Alaska is known for many things. Sitting at a population of just over 100,000 people, it’s the second largest city in the entire state. It has a very well respected university, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and as the “American Arctic university,” is the place where people go to learn what they can about the northern latitudes. Fairbanks was a gold rush boomtown that is now a great jumping off point to explore the Arctic area or Denali National Park. The winter time offers an incredible about of winter tourism, including amazing northern lights displays that occur regularly.

What is there to do in Fairbanks?

No matter the season, you will find something incredible to do. In the winter you can observe the aurora borealis, go dog sledding, and visit with reindeer on a farm. There is world class cross country skiing, and the Arctic Circle is just under 200 miles north. Visit Chena Hot Springs no matter the season, and soak in some of Alaska’s most beautiful springs. Then visit Chena Hot Spring’s Ice Museum and enjoy a nice, cold Appletini in an ice martini glass. In the summer there’s awesome hiking, the Chena River to float or boat down, or you could head to Georgeson Botanical Garden. You can also visit Pioneer Park, a historic village with original buildings from the gold rush era.

Address: Fairbanks, AK, USA