Not many people in Alaska realize that we have a theme park, but it's true! Pioneer Park is a gold rush town in Fairbanks, Alaska, and it is stocked with interesting and fun finds. You can spend an entire day wandering around this amazing historic village. And there's a delicious restaurant in there for you to enjoy, too!
Pioneer Park is one of the only historically themed parks in Alaska.
A giant park at over 44 acres, there is an incredible amount of things to see and do once you enter! The park itself was opened in 1967 on the 100 year anniversary of the purchase of Alaska from Russia.
advertisement
As part of the Alaska '67 Centennial Exposition, it was first given to the state, and then to the city of Fairbanks.
The name was first called Alaskaland! It was changed in 2001 to reinforce the historical aspect of the park. It is a mock gold rush town, and it has many different attractions, including museums, historical mining equipment, replicas of log cabins, a Native Alaskan village, and a sternwheeler open to visitors for tours!
The park really comes alive in the summer. Everything, including all attractions and restaurants, are open from May through September.
There are tons of lovely shops, and you can explore all the replica log cabins along the way. There's also a fabulous art gallery, Bear Gallery, which is open year round. There's even a 3 disc mini golf course for those beautiful Alaska summer days!
advertisement
advertisement
The many museums are a lot of fun, and very educational!
There's even a train that circulates around the park that you can hop aboard and ride! Your kids will love to ride the carousel that's located within the park. There's also plenty of styles of foods for every picky eater, and many restaurants to choose from.
One of the most famous restaurants in the park is The Alaska Salmon Bake.
Operating inside of Pioneer Park for over 40 years, this restaurant has visitors coming back again and again! They specialize in Alaskan ingredients, and are open all summer from May 12th- September 19th.
The dining hall in the Alaska Salmon Bake is huge, and very unique.
There are also plenty of outdoor seating options, especially for those gorgeous sunny days. Elsewhere in the park are also picnic tables by the river if you want to seat yourself outside of the traditional restaurant areas.
advertisement
advertisement
The food buffet is a mix of authentic Alaskan dishes.
You can find yourself enjoying unlimited grilled Alaskan Salmon, Beer Battered Alaskan Cod, Slow Roasted Beef, a healthy and tempting Salad Bar, and of course, a standalone cabin on the property completely dedicated to desserts! This is how dinner should always operate! They even offer Wild Alaskan King Crab in half, full pound, or two pound additions onto your buffet!
After dinner, and just a short walk from The Alaska Salmon Bake, is The Palace Theatre! This is a theatre offering a hilarious musical comedy show.
This show runs every night throughout the summer from May 13th through September 7th. Nicknamed "The Number One Show Throughout Alaska and Canada," it has been delighting visitors to the park for years. Ticket prices are $12.95 for children, and $24.95 for adults.
The Palace Theatre has rave reviews about how entertaining their hysterical comedy is! A trip to Pioneer Park wouldn't be complete without seeing this great show about life on the last frontier.
Pioneer Park is open year round! In the summer the entire place is bustling, although in winter many of the shops and restaurants do close down. There is no admission to get into the park, although the museums and some attractions do charge a fee. You can visit this awesome village at 2300 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99701-4014.
Have you ever been to Pioneer Park? What did you think? What was your favorite part? Let us know in the comments below!
Fall is one of my favorite seasons (it’s tied with winter, actually). Watching Alaska transform from summer to winter is a magical time of year. The air is crisp, the leaves are changing, and the nights are getting longer. Yes, please!
advertisement
If you’re a fan of fall like me, then you’ll want to bookmark this ultimate guide to fall attractions in Alaska. We’ve scoured the state for the best hiking trails, best pumpkin patches, and best fall festivals to put you in the autumnal spirit.
Grab your coat and let’s hit the road.
Alaska Fall Foliage: Where To Go In Alaska For Fall Foliage
Since Alaska is much further north than the lower 48, it’s one of the first states to see the leaves change. Typically, the leaves change color in Alaska beginning in late August and it continues until early October. Mid-September tends to be peak fall foliage. Here are some of the best places to go in Alaska for fall foliage:
1. Denali National Park and Preserve
Polychrome Pass, Alaska range mountains, Denali National Park, Alaska.
Wow Factor: 6 million acres of Alaskan wilderness to explore
Need To Know: Denali National Park and Preserve isn’t a day trip. You’ll want to spend a few days here to fully explore the area.
Viewing Denali is a bucket list item for many, and fall is one of the best times to view it! The captivating fall colors coat the tundra with an impressive display of reds, oranges, and yellows. Sightseeing tours are very popular, though you may be inspired to go on a more adventurous tour like ziplining or white water rafting.
2. Chugach State Park
default
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Wow Factor: Clocking in at 495,000 acres, it’s the fourth largest state park in the United States.
Need To Know: There is no fee to enter, but there is a $5 parking fee
advertisement
advertisement
Boasting an extensive ocean shoreline complete with glaciers, ice fields, and mountains, there’s truly something for everyone at Chugach State Park. The Hillside Trail System is the park’s most popular area with plenty of trails to explore, including the Flattop Mountain Trail which is one of the most popular hikes in Alaska.
3. Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Peninsula, Alaska.
Location: Seward, Alaska
Wow Factor: Coastal fjords, glaciers, mountains, and diverse wildlife all within about 700,000 acres.
Need To Know: You could spend an entire week here and still not feel like you saw everything.
When the leaves start to change color in Alaska, the Kenai Peninsula transforms into a kaleidoscope of color. The Kenai Canyon, in particular, puts on a fabulous show. Kenai Fjords National Park offers almost 700,000 acres to explore, including fjords, canyons, mountains, glaciers, and more. Make a weekend out of it and spend a few nights in a cabin in Seward to really immerse yourself.
Wow Factor: A picturesque little spot that's only 60 miles away from Anchorage
Need To Know: Parking is $5, $10 to use boat launch
advertisement
advertisement
Willow Creek is a popular spot for salmon and rainbow trout fishing, but you don’t need to be an angler to enjoy this slice of paradise. The 3,500-acre recreational area has 140 campsites and plenty of hiking trails to enjoy.
Need To Know: You'll need to board a boat or a plane from Juneau to get here
Would you rather see the most impressive tidewater glaciers in the world or hike through a lush temperate rainforest? Well, Glacier Bay won’t make you choose—you can do both! Glacier Bay has more than 50 named glaciers, and there are plenty of glacier tours to get the best views. You might even see one calving! Of course, there’s plenty to do on land, too. The park is home to countless wildlife including brown and black bears, mountain goats, moose, eagles, and more.
Best Pumpkin Patches In Alaska
Nothing says fall more than frolicking through a pumpkin patch. Find your perfect pumpkin to celebrate the season at one of these incredible pumpkin patches in Alaska:
6. Williams Reindeer Farm
Location:5561 Bodenburg Loop, Palmer, AK 99645
Wow Factor: The farm hosts fall festival days throughout the season, with a full roster of family-friendly activities.
Need To Know: They sell out of pumpkins every year, so get there early in the season!
advertisement
advertisement
Williams Reindeer Farm has one of the largest pumpkin patches in Alaska, but it’s so much more! This working reindeer farm is home to about 100 reindeer, Rocky Mountain elk, bison, Tibetan yaks, alpacas, and one Moose (Lucy). The fall festival takes place every weekend in October and is always a local favorite. Get your tickets now and start planning your epic day of fall fun.
7. Pyrah’s Pioneer Peak Farm
Location: 4350 Bodenburg Loop, Palmer, AK 99645
Wow Factor: The farm’s Fall Harvest Festival includes the pumpkin patch, hayrides, barnyard animals, and more.
Need To Know: Tickets are $10 per person
Pyrah’s Fall Harvest Festival is always a good time. For select days in the fall, the farm transforms into an all-day fall festival with all of your favorite autumnal activities. Face painting, hay rides, mazes, and more await! Purchase your tickets before you go to ensure your spot.
Best Fall Festivals in Alaska
The two pumpkin patches mentioned earlier can both double as fall festivals, but there are so many wonderful fall festivals in Alaska to enjoy! Whether you’re in Juneau, Anchorage, or all the way up in Fairbanks, make sure you attend one of these fall festivals in Alaska this year:
8. Homer Fall Festival
Location: Homer, Alaska
Wow Factor: This is one of the newer fall festivals, and 2024 marks the 3rd year for it!
Need To Know: The Homer Fall Festival takes place in the last week of October.
advertisement
advertisement
From zombie 5k runs to pumpkin carving contests, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this fall festival. This is one festival you’ll want to pull out all the fine touches on your costume, as prizes will be awarded! There’s even a special award for the best pet costume.
9. Sitka WhaleFest
Location: Sitka, Alaska
Wow Factor: WhaleFest is simultaneously one of the most educational and entertaining festivals in Alaska!
Need To Know: The festival takes place November 1 - November 3, 2024
Every year, Sitka WhaleFest brings world-renowned scientists and marine lovers together to raise awareness and appreciation for these fascinating animals. Experts will lead three days of lectures and whale-watching excursions with live music, food and art vendors, and so much more to enjoy.
10. Alaska Bald Eagle Festival
Location: Haines, Alaska
Wow Factor: This festival attracts thousands of bird watchers from around the world.
Need To Know: Festival dates: November 8 - 10, 2024
After you’ve enjoyed a weekend of whales, make your way over to Haines for a weekend of eagles! Similar to WhaleFest, the Alaska Bald Eagle Festival hosts plenty of avian experts for presentations, exhibits, photography workshops, and more.
Free & Cheap Alaska Fall Activities
I’m a firm believer that you can have a good time without spending a fortune. These days, every penny counts! Here are some free and cheap fall activities in Alaska that won’t break the bank:
advertisement
advertisement
11. Farmers Markets
Location: All over Alaska
Wow Factor: It's always a good idea to support local wherever possible!
If you haven't visited your local farmers market this season, what are you waiting for? They are perfect places to support local businesses. There are dozens and dozens of farmers markets all across Alaska, and each one of them is worthy of a visit.
Wow Factor: It's a fairly easy trail surrounded by lush trees with a waterfall finish!
Need To Know: This can be a pretty popular trail on the weekends. Go early or during the week to escape the crowds
The Thunderbird Fall Trail is a quick and easy way to tackle Alaska’s impressive landscape without having to detour too far into the wilderness. The 1.8-mile trail is accessible for all ages and skill levels and is especially dreamy during the fall.
13. Glenn Highway
Traveling alongside the Glenn Highway, located in the Matanuska Valley, a variety of landscapes can be seen. Travelers will not be disappointed. Many opportunities for scenic pictures made for a wonderful day of travel.The Vista point near King Mountain was a majestic sight as the sun rose across the valley.
Location: Anchorage to Glennallen
Wow Factor: This scenic drive in Alaska covers everything from mountain views to glacier sights!
Need To Know: You don’t need to drive the full 3.5 hours, you can always drive for as long as you’d like, then turn around!
advertisement
advertisement
Scenic road trips are the best way to experience the fall foliage. The Glenn Highway from Anchorage to Glennallen will take you on a 3.5-hour scenic drive that’ll really showcase Alaska’s fall foliage. Be sure to pull over near Chickaloon where you can catch a beautiful view of Kind Mountain! It’s extra awesome when draped in fall colors.
14. Turnagain Arm
The lookout and scenery of Turnagain Arm in Bird Point. Seward Highway.
Location: Just south of Anchorage
Wow Factor: Stunning views with plenty of places to pull over
Need To Know: Keep an eye on the water for beluga whales
Turnagain Arm is one of my favorite scenic drives in Alaska. This drive is stunning year-round, but boy oh boy does she light up in the fall. Those golden birch leaves just sparkle! If you want to experience the views on foot, check out the Turnagain Arm Trail.
Wow Factor: It's a steep trail, but the views of the glacial lakes are worth it!
Need To Know: The 2.2-mile out-and-back trail is notoriously steep
There’s a lot packed into this 2.2-mile trail. It’s got about 1,000 feet of elevation gain, so you’re going to work for it to reach the top. The views of the glacier lakes and the Mat-Su Valley are one in a million. Even if you miss the peak fall foliage, the views will not disappoint.
What's your favorite part of fall in Alaska? Let us know in the comments below.
Spring, summer, winter, or fall, kids just love a good playground. And now there’s a new massive indoor playground in Anchorage, Alaska that’s the perfect all-inclusive playground for kids of all ages. If the weather isn’t great, or you just want to experience this epic playground firsthand, then head on over to the Fairview Recreation Center in Anchorage for a wonderful day of play.
advertisement
Located right in the heart of Fairview in Anchorage, Alaska is a wonderful little recreation center.
This cool building is home to many different things: an indoor gymnasium, commercial kitchen, weight and dance rooms, even an arts and crafts room. And now there’s an inclusive indoor playground, too.
This playground opened its doors on Friday, March 4th.
The space used to be an under-utilized auxiliary gym in the heart of the recreation center. Now it’s undergone a complete makeover into the indoor playground of every child’s dreams!
The playground is fully accessible for those with physical disabilities. And there are two Americans with Disability Act-accessible family bathrooms that were converted during renovation just outside the playground, for when your child needs to use the bathroom, or a diaper change needs to happen.
Because it’s open every day, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy every piece of it. Kids could easily spend hours jumping around from ladders to slides.
During the winter, September through May, you’ll find longer hours for the kids to play indoors. Hours are slightly shortened for June through August, but not by much. No matter when you go, you’re guaranteed to have a good time!
Would you play at this massive and super fun indoor playground in Anchorage, Alaska? Have you already played here? What do you think? Is it absolutely amazing? Let us know in the comments below!
Looking for more great things to do in Anchorage with kids? Check out these 8 Amazing Playgrounds In Alaska That Will Make You Feel Like A Kid Again.
If you need more awesome Alaska kids activities, we suggest packing up the car with the whole crew and some supplies for our small towns of Alaska road trip. At about eight hours of drive time total and featuring ten stops total, this is the perfect way to spend a weekend with the whole family and see all of the best small towns in Alaska, each with its own unique natural and man-made wonders and attractions.
