Explore Fairbanks Releases 2021 Visitors Guide
The Northern Lights over Chena Lake, just outside Fairbanks.
Andy Witteman
Explore Fairbanks presents the Official 2021 Visitors Guide, a free 65-page, full-color booklet. Fairbanks enjoys year-round visitation that includes the Midnight Sun, Aurora, and winter seasons, which are all depicted prominently in the vibrant new guide.
The annual publication illustrates features and attractions specific to life in the region as well as ways to journey to Denali National Park and Preserve, the Arctic, and Interior Alaska. Additionally, the guide focuses on Fairbanks’ delightful downtown, the contemporary arts and food scene, insider tips and local outdoor hot spots. This year’s guide also includes information on traveling in the time of COVID-19 that advises on how you can explore the area responsibly.
Fairbanks delineates the Aurora Season as August 21 through April 21, when the sky is dark enough to afford visitors the opportunity to chase the aurora. Fairbanks’ location is superlative for northern lights viewing because it is under the “Auroral Oval,” a ring-shaped zone where aurora activity is concentrated.
Additionally, Fairbanks’ low precipitation, distance from coastal areas, and minimal population all contribute to consistently clear nights and low light pollution. All combined, these variables make the region an outstanding destination for aurora viewing.
Conversely, the Midnight Sun Season runs from April 22 through August 20. The midnight sun shines brightly for the whole summer with the most sunlight occurring between May 17 and July 27 when Fairbanks experiences seventy straight days of light.
Winter Season is central to life in Fairbanks and the region can guarantee a snowy winter landscape mid-October through late March.
Current Issue
December 2024
Known as the “Golden Heart of Alaska,” Fairbanks is located in the center of Alaska and serves as the basecamp for Alaska’s vast Interior and Arctic. Places situated nearby are Denali National Park, the Arctic Circle, Chena Hot Springs, North Pole and a myriad of villages, parks and preserves.
The guide highlights activities available throughout the year in the frontier community including fishing, wildlife viewing, birdwatching, hiking, visiting museums, and activities on the Chena River.
Other pursuits take place during the winter months, including dog mushing, ice sculpting, snowmobiling and skiing. The guide also features exhibitions, attractions and performances focused on inspirational Alaska Native peoples, plucky pioneers and nature-inspired artists.
The Arts, Entertainment and Events section showcases blockbuster events such as the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics, Golden Days, and the Midnight Sun Festival. The guide also lists a wide variety of seasonal and year-round accommodations, services, restaurants, shopping and attractions. The Aurora and Midnight Sun Tracker, a popular feature of the Explore Fairbanks website, is also featured in the guide.
For a free copy of the 2021 Fairbanks Visitors Guide and the companion piece, the 2020-2021 Fairbanks Winter Guide, contact Explore Fairbanks at 1-800-327-5774 or (907) 456-5774 or write to Explore Fairbanks, 101 Dunkel St, Suite 111, Fairbanks, AK 99701-4806. View or order both guides online at explorefairbanks.com.
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