Your Best Alaska Summer Experience Isn’t by Car, It’s on a Historic Riverboat

In Alaska, getting from Point A to Point B isn't as straightforward as it is in most other states. Fishing boat, bush plane, float plane, helicopter, kayak … the modes of transportation in the Last Frontier run the gamut by necessity, especially once you start venturing beyond the tourist hubs to Alaska's remote corners.

Surrounded by dense wilderness, soaring mountain ranges, and the vast open spaces that can only be found on the outskirts of the Arctic Circle, Fairbanks may not be truly secluded by Alaska standards (there's a highway nearby, after all), but it offers a front-row seat to many of the remote sights that make interior Alaska so special. People visit for countless reasons: to catch the Northern Lights, learn about the Gold Rush, and to explore the rugged outdoors. But whether you're a local resident or searching for the adventure of a lifetime before heading back home, to truly understand this spectacular area, you absolutely need to get on the water. The Riverboat Discovery might just be the best way to do it.

And yes, you'll be traveling on a real, 260-ton working steamboat.

Fairbanks sits right at the confluence of the Chena and Tanana Rivers, two major waterways that are more than just scenic backdrops to those who live in the area. Both rivers provide a way in and out of a region that’s relatively inaccessible but together are also packed with history. As you glide along the water on a custom four-deck riverboat, you'll not only get to enjoy incredible views of the shoreline, mountains, and even distant glaciers, but have the opportunity to learn about Fairbanks’ port history, the lives of its Indigenous people, and the wildlife that thrives here, all from the comfort of a riverboat that’s been a fixture of this area for over a century.

If you're like me, the concept of riverboat travel brings to mind the Deep South and the old Mississippi paddlewheelers and river steamers of the 1800s, except this photogenic beauty is designed to withstand Alaska's elements. The Discovery III is a traditional sternwheeler, modeled after the historic boats that once plied Alaska's rivers during the late Gold Rush, transporting food, fuel, mail, building materials, and even ore until around 1930. At 156 feet long and with a 900-passenger capacity, the boat is more than spacious enough to ensure a comfortable ride without feeling overcrowded. It's propelled by a stern-mounted paddlewheel powered by a diesel engine and is fully capable of handling even the chilliest Alaskan waters.

The Riverboat Discovery passenger concept was launched in 1950 by the Binkley family, who wanted to give visitors a way to experience the interior of Alaska as it once was—by river. The family’s history in Fairbanks goes all the way back to the early 1900s when they first started carrying freight and prospectors to the Klondike, and they’ve been running this modern boat excursion for over 70 years. Once on board, you'll see just how much care was taken in the tour's most recent upgrade. The Discovery III's open deck is perfect for taking in the views and enjoying the fresh air, while the indoor seating offers warmth and shelter from the elements, or if you just prefer to admire the scenery through the large panoramic windows.

The excursion begins right in the heart of downtown on the Chena River. Fairbanks sits between the towering Alaska Range to the south and the Brooks Range to the north, and from the river, you’ll see the stunning backdrop of rugged, snow-capped peaks on the horizon. As the boat paddles toward the Tanana River, a major waterway that stretches more than 600 miles across the interior of Alaska, it cuts through vast swathes of wilderness. Along the way, you’ll pass dense, misty forests, sprawling, bird-filled wetlands, and quiet coves hiding Alaska's most skittish residents. The riverbanks are prime wildlife spotting territory, and you might just spot moose grazing along the water's edge, beavers swimming by, or bald eagles soaring above the treeline. Keep your camera handy! Wildlife sightings are a big part of the experience, and while there’s no guarantee of spotting your favorite animal, you’re in the right place to get lucky.

But you'll get to do more than just observe on this local summer tour. One of the major stops on the excursion is Chena Village, a small Athabaskan community and living history museum that has lived along these rivers for centuries. The residents here have sustained themselves using the river’s resources for generations, and when you visit, you’ll get a first-hand look at a way of life that’s remained largely unchanged. Local guides will explain how the community survived and thrived in the harsh Arctic climate and walk visitors through the local architecture and history.

Other highlights of the Riverboat Discovery include bush pilot demonstrations and paying a visit to Trail Breaker Kennel, a dog-sledding camp where you’ll meet some of the famous Iditarod sled dogs that train for the grueling 1,000-mile race. At the camp, you’ll have the chance to ask questions and learn about the unique relationship between mushers and their teams. Every stop and demonstration is well thought out to showcase a unique side of Alaska and to give guests a well-rounded picture of what makes Fairbanks such a great place to live, visit, and explore, no matter which season you climb aboard.

The Riverboat Discovery lasts around three hours, and the boat is well-equipped to ensure a comfortable trip from start to finish. There’s an onboard Galley where you can grab an adult beverage or a sweet treat while enjoying the sights and learning from the live commentary, but you'll also find more substantial food options at the Steamboat Landing pickup area and the Discovery Dining Hall before or after your adventure. In the meantime, as you cruise, feel free to walk around the boat and admire the changing scenery from different angles with a drink in hand.

The Riverboat Discovery departs from the Riverboat Discovery Dock, conveniently located just outside downtown Fairbanks right on the Chena River. The dock is easy to find, with ample parking for those driving themselves. For visitors without a car, there are complimentary hotel pickups from various locations in Fairbanks, making it incredibly easy to get to the dock from anywhere in the city. This unique "Only in Alaska" excursion runs twice a day from mid-May to mid-September, but booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during the busy summer months.

There are countless ways to explore and experience Alaska to the fullest, but when you step off the Riverboat Discovery, you’ll have experienced Fairbanks in a way most visitors never will. The only thing missing is experiencing Alaska's mining history up close and personal! Fortunately, you can do that too from right here in Fairbanks with a two-hour train excursion to Gold Dredge No. 8, where you can pan for gold, enjoy a scenic, open-air train ride through the trees, and ogle this immense, 1920s man-made wonder up close. Which will you do first?