Fairbanks
Fairbanks · Alaska, USA (Fairbanks)
A gold-rush town where the aurora is visible on more than 200 nights a year on average.
Know before you go
- Don't trespass on private land to see the aurora
- don't stop your car in the middle of the road to watch it
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
A gold rush sparked by a trading post
In August 1901 the trader E. T. Barnette set up a trading post on the south bank of the Chena River. Gold was soon found nearby, setting off the Fairbanks gold rush; miners flooded in and Barnette became the first mayor. The population fell sharply during the First World War, and when gold prices rose during the Great Depression the town boomed again.
Source: Wikipedia: Fairbanks
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
In August 1901 the trader E. T. Barnette set up a trading post on the south bank of the Chena River; gold was found nearby soon after, sparking the Fairbanks gold rush, and Barnette became the first mayor. It is also the birthplace of the University of Alaska system: the University of Alaska Fairbanks was founded in 1917, and excavations on campus have uncovered a Native campsite about 3,500 years old. Near Fairbanks the northern lights are visible on more than 200 nights a year on average, but summer has midnight sun and no aurora. Winter tourism centres on the aurora, ice sculptures and winter sports.
Local customs
Winter tourism centres on the aurora, ice sculptures and winter sports
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Driving in the US: what to do when police pull you over
- Signal right and pull over safely to the right
- Roll down your window after stopping, before the officer reaches you
- At night, turn on the interior light
- Keep both hands on the wheel and ask passengers to keep their hands visible too
- Getting out and walking towards the police car
- Suddenly reaching for the glovebox, a pocket or under the seat
Sudden movements may be read as a threat and become dangerous. The wording of the rules varies slightly between states.
Not yet verifiedSource: Texas Department of Public Safety driver handbook
Don’t DON'T
- Don't trespass on private land to see the aurora
- don't stop your car in the middle of the road to watch it
Locals appreciate DO
Locals appreciate visitors who bring proper cold-weather gear and respect private land.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | September–April, at night |
|---|---|
| Time needed | 3–4 days |
Travel tips
- Winters are extremely cold and need professional cold-weather gear
- drive out to the hills outside town to get away from lights. The aurora depends on solar activity and weather, so check the aurora forecast (Kp index) and cloud cover before you go
- chances are usually best between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. Get away from city lights, bring a tripod and dress very warmly.
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