101 Days of Summer

Expiration: Sep 15th 2026

Discover 101 Days of Summer with Explore Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. This pass unlocks a season of simple, friendly fun through check-ins that guide you to the best local spots, events, and hidden gems.

Ready to start your summer adventure?


Included Venues

See locations on an interactive map.

Buy an authentic piece of Alaska Native artwork

Explore original Alaskan art, literature and crafts at an art gallery

Be inspired by a visit to an arts, culture or history venue

Rejoice in the return of Aurora Season on August 21

Hoot and holler as you watch the boys of summer play a game of baseball

Go berry picking with your family and make your own jams and jellies

Peer through your binoculars and search for Alaskan wildlife and birds

Taste a variety of locally-brewed beer

See giant burl animals along the Richardson Highway

Gather around a campfire and roast marshmallows

Rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard

Take classes in traditional crafts, woodworking, outdoor skills, and hands-on arts

Sample cuisine from around the world

Soak up the sun while dining on a waterfront deck

Try a different kind of golf…with a disc

Savor a variety of locally-brewed vodka, whiskey and other spirits

Learn about Alaska's state sport of dog mushing

Let your dog play at a park made just for them

Discover everything that downtown Fairbanks has to offer

Frolic in a field of fireweed

Cast a line and catch a fish

Don't forget your fishing license!

Stop and smell the flowers in a garden

Pick up a meal from your favorite food truck or stand

Enjoy a free concert at a local venue

Search out a geocache in an urban or remote location

Celebrate Fairbanks' founding during Golden Days

View “the High One”

Relax like the miners did in a naturally heated hot spring

Cool off with ice cream or shave ice

Chill out and hang with the ice sculptures in an ice museum

Enjoy the 4th of July with food, family and friends

Start your search for Made In Alaska or Alaska Silver Hand holiday gifts

Take a photo with the "Love Alaska" sign

Shop for local produce and products at a farmers or open air market

Play on every playground in town

Wander along along the riverwalk

Participate in a run or walk for charity

Visit with Santa and let him decide if you're on the naughty or nice list

Drive along a local highway for a scenic road trip

Attend a Science for Alaska Summer Series Talk

Talks are 11:30 am on the second Saturday of each month, June through September, at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center:

  • June 13th | Michael West | The 2025 Tracy Arm Landslide-Tsunami

  • July 11th | Evans Callis | HAARP Facility Overview & Research

  • August 8th | Rick Thoman | Alaska's Cold Winter in a Warming Climate

  • September 12th | Kyle McAllen | Fire and Ice: Launching Rockets in Alaska 

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Dine on fresh Alaskan seafood

Grab some friends and play a game of soccer or softball

Share your adventures on social media using #explorefairbanks

Stay up and celebrate at Midnight Sun Festival

Visit local monuments and statues

Chase a midnight sunset at a nearby vantage point

Grab take out from your favorite restaurant and have a picnic in a park

Celebrate that "All is Fair in Love & Spore" at the Tanana Valley State Fair

Learn about Alaska’s transportation history

Discover new treasures at a yard sale, antique store or vintage shop

Pick up the 2026 Fairbanks Visitors Guide full of ideas of things to do

The 2026 Fairbanks Visitors Guide can be picked up at:

  • Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center

  • Fairbanks International Airport

  • Alaska Railroad Depot

  • Local businesses throughout town

The online version can be accessed at www.explorefairbanks.com/guide.

Spend some time with muskoxen, reindeer or yaks

Document your adventures with 3 Gypsies and a Passport

Complete the 101 Days of Summer and remember it. The Wilds of Alaska Journal is your place to document photos, favorite stops, hidden gems, and Midnight Sun adventures all summer long. Designed and printed in Alaska for locals and visitors alike. Great family activity! 

www.3gypsiesandapassport.com

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Make a stop in the town of Nenana

Discover handcrafted jewelry at Alaska Goldworks

Discover handcrafted jewelry inspired by Alaska’s beauty and gold rush history at Alaska Goldworks. Watch the goldsmith at work in our open studio and explore designs featuring natural Alaskan gold nuggets.

www.alaskagoldworks.com

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Book your next Alaska adventure with Alaska Lakes and Rivers Guided Expeditions

Book your next Alaska adventure with Alaska Lakes and Rivers Guided Expeditions! We offer year round fishing trips and more. Check out all we have to offer at www.aklarge.com!

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Climb aboard and ride the rails

Take an excursion with Alaska Wild Lights

Summer in Fairbanks is short, wild, & unlike anywhere on earth.  From wildlife, mountainous scenery, & midnight sun adventures, Alaska Wild Lights guides the excursions worth getting off the couch for. Join us @ alaskawildlights.com

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Visit the pipeline and learn what a “PIG” has to do with it

Have your picture taken at the Arctic Circle sign after traversing the Dalton Highway

Shop for outdoor gear at Beaver Sports

Beaver Sports is a locally owned outdoor retailer in Fairbanks, Alaska, serving adventurers since 1972. The three-story, College Road shop offers quality gear, clothing, shoes, skis, bikes, and boats, and the staff's expert advice is tailored to Interior conditions, helping residents and visitors explore Alaska year 'round.

www.beaversports.com

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Take to the trails at Birch Hill Recreation Area

Go for a swim, stroll or paddle at Chena Lake Recreation Area

Hike, camp or view wildlife in the Chena River State Recreation Area

Buckle up your flotation device and spend some time on a lake or river

Go for a stroll along the trails at Creamer's Field

Drop in to the town of Delta Junction

Test your adventurous spirit in Denali National Park

Capture the majesty of Alaska with Denali Photo Guides

Capture the majesty of Alaska! Whether you are a beginner or seasoned pro, we will help you get the most of your camera and take you to the best locations Denali has to offer. This tour is designed to benefit all skill levels with any type of camera (smartphones welcome).

www.denaliphoto.com

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Visit the historic mining town of Ester

Ask the experts at Explore Fairbanks for help planning your adventures

Visit the Fairbanks Pioneer Museum

The Fairbanks Pioneer Museum is packed with historical items from early Fairbanks. There is a 45-minute Stampede presentation with 15 murals by Rusty Heurlin and narrated by Rubin Gaines depicting the gold rush from Dyea to Dawson and Valdez to Fairbanks. The Museum also has a researchable archival collection.

Join in the fun of the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival

Fairbanks is rich in THE ARTS! Since 1980, the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival has been providing opportunities to learn and experience the arts through workshops and live performances. From music and dance, creative writing and theatre, to visual arts and film — there is something for everyone! Don’t miss us this summer, July 19-August 2.

www.fsaf.org

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Fill your water bottle with fresh spring water

Learn the art of gold panning at Gold Daughters

Learn the art of gold panning with our friendly guides. Shaky-shaky, dippy-dippy your way to gold fever and find real gold! Shop our unique Alaskan gift shop and explore a curated selection of gems, minerals, handmade jewelry and Alaskan gifts. Fun for the whole family, guaranteed!

Step into Alaska’s gold rush at Gold Dredge 8

Step into Alaska’s gold rush at Gold Dredge 8. Ride the Tanana Valley Railroad, explore historic mining grounds, and pan for real gold to keep. Discover the grit, stories, and excitement that built Fairbanks.

www.golddredge8.com

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Stop by Golden Heart Plaza in downtown Fairbanks

Stay local, explore more at Golden North Inn

Stay local, spend less, explore more. Golden North Inn is a locally owned Fairbanks inn with clean, comfortable rooms, airport shuttle service, and affordable rates during the Midnight Sun season. More adventure, less sticker shock.

www.goldennorthinn.com

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Play a round at Midnight Sun Golf Course

Midnight Sun Golf Course is the Northernmost golf course in the USA! Enjoy a full 18-hole round or take in the views from our deck and driving range with pizza, pulled pork, or chicken salad. We offer a variety of refreshing beverages, including sparkling water, soda, beer, and wine.

www.midnightsungolfak.com

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Strike a pose under the farthest north Antler Arch

Located behind the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center

Explore the exhibits on Alaska’s history, nature and culture at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center

Curl up with a book from the library

Spend some time "Where the Spirit of Christmas lives year-round"

Explore Alaska's Arctic with Northern Alaska Tour Company

Explore Alaska’s Arctic by air or by land. Northern Alaska Tour Company pioneered Arctic Circle touring on Alaska’s Dalton Highway almost 40 years ago.  Our one-day and multi-day adventures allow you to explore this remarkable region with a knowledgeable guide. We invite you to join us to explore Alaska's Arctic.

www.northernalaska.com

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Find out about historic Fairbanks and its gold rush history at Pioneer Park

Cruise down the Chena River aboard Riverboat Discovery

Cruise down the Chena River aboard Riverboat Discovery. This is more than just a boat ride: witness bush pilots in action, learn about the Alaska Native culture, and experience Alaska’s living history. A must-do Fairbanks adventure for all ages.

www.riverboatdiscovery.com

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Dive into the world of dog mushing with Sluice Box Sled Dogs

Experience the magic of Fairbanks during our 101 Days of Summer! Dive into the world of dog mushing with a Sluice Box Sled Dogs Kennel Tour, or explore the uniqueness of the Interior's tundra and boreal forests on our guided Forest Nature Hike. Both options available May through September.  Plan your adventure at www.sluiceboxsleddogs.com 

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Hit the Starter Block for a summer full of fun

Hang out at Tanana Lakes Recreation Area

Pick up a tasty treat at The Fudge Pot

The Fudge Pot, a Fairbanks favorite for 20+ years, serves delicious fudge, snacks, and gifts. Locally owned by Nadon Family Home, we empower people of all abilities. Visit us downtown for treats and a warm, inclusive welcome!

www.thefudgepotalaska.com

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Shop for Alaska-made products at The Great Alaskan Bowl Company

Visit one of America’s last working bowl mills while browsing the work of hundreds of Alaskan makers! Watch us cut, sand and laser engrave birch bowls, boards, steins and vases. Shop Alaskan gourmet foods, fine art and home goods 7 days a week, just 5 minutes from Fairbanks International Airport.

www.woodbowl.com

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Get an inside look at dog mushing with Trail Breaker Kennel

Join us for Beer & Puppies! Enjoy local beverages, puppy playtime, and an inside look at Alaska’s sled dog racing world. Meet our Alaskan Husky athletes, learn about the mushing lifestyle, and experience the excitement of the trail in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere!

www.trailbreakerkennel.com

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Visit the Troth Yeddha' Campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks

Experience the new planetarium at the University of Alaska Museum of the North

Experience Alaska’s night sky, northern lights, and deep space in the new planetarium at the University of Alaska Museum of the North. Immersive daily shows for all ages and a new must-do experience for the Fairbanks community and Alaska travelers.

www.uaf.edu/museum

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Join an aurora or berry picking tour with Wandering Alaska

Experience 101 Days of Summer with Wandering Alaska! Join us for harvestesting wild Alaskan berries and dancing Aurora Borealis on our numerous tours! From vibrant tundra colors to shimmering skies, we celebrate Interior Alaska's transition into autumn with 13 options beginning in August.

Book your adventures at
www.wandering-alaska.com

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Meander around the Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary

Have an adventure in a local, state or national park

Plan an overnight stay at Wilding Hotel Fairbanks

Thank you, Fairbanks. After an unforgettable aurora season, we're saying it back: locals stay at Wilding Fairbanks for $199/night, May 15–July 15. Standard suite, two-night minimum, residents only. Slow down under the Midnight Sun. Code WILDINGLOCAL. 

www.wildinghotels.com

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Celebrate Alaska Native strength and culture at the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics

Celebrate Alaska Native strength and culture at the 65th Annual World Eskimo-Indian Olympics, July 15–18, 2026, at the Carlson Center. Watch traditional games, dance, and regalia as athletes and families from across Alaska gather under the Midnight Sun.

www.weio.org

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Reconnect with yourself at Yellow Bird Yoga Healing Collective

At Yellow Bird Yoga Healing Collective, we help humans be human in the modern world through yoga, pilates, breathwork, myofascial release, healing technologies, and community connection.  We create space to move, heal, rest, and reconnect with yourself-supporting every body through every season of life.

www.yellowbirdyogaak.com

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