| Day 2 |
Monday |
May 25th |
|
| 9:00 a.m. |
Depart: |
Fairbanks |
|
| 9:30 a.m. |
Do: |
Rent a car-Alaskan Car Rental $1,263.11 |
|
| |
|
(Take Hwy 2. Past the Safeway on the left side.) |
|
| 25 min |
Arrive: |
North Pole, AK |
19 |
| |
|
Santa Claus Christmas House (10-6) |
|
| |
|
I Knew He Was Real! Letterbox |
|
| |
Depart: |
North Pole |
|
| |
|
(Go back on Hwy 2. It will right in Fairbanks. Turn left on Airport Way. Turn right on Cushman St. Turn right on 2nd.) |
|
| 19 min |
Arrive: |
Fairbanks |
13.8 |
| |
Do: |
Fairbanks Ice Museum (12-7) $15
Crown of Light Film $10 (12 and 7) |
|
| |
|
(Turn left on Lacey St. Go left on First past Cushman.) |
|
| |
|
Chena River Story Sign |
|
| |
|
(Go back on First. On the left side.) |
|
| |
|
Golden Heart Plaza and Clock Tower and Carillon |
|
| |
|
(Go left on First. Turn left in front of the tower. On the left side.) |
|
| |
|
Chena River Viewpoint |
|
| |
|
(Walk right on the path.) |
|
| |
|
Lend Lease Monument |
|
| |
|
Moose Antler Arch |
|
| |
|
(Turn right on Dunkel St. On the left side.) |
|
| |
|
Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center (8-5) Free |
|
| |
|
(Walk back to the car. Drive to Pioneer Park.) |
|
| |
See: |
Pioneer Park (12-8) Mem Day-Labor Day
1920 Lathrop St |
|
| |
|
The Pioneer Museum $5 donation
Filled with fascinating artifacts of early Fairbanks. The settlers of Fairbanks probably would have been surprised if they had known their everyday utensils would one day be on display in a museum. A few of the museum’s pieces are a hundred years old. Not very old by most museum standards, but their value is enormous considering the distance they traveled, often in backpacks, on dog sleds, or over thousands of miles of water to reach Fairbanks. Pioneers didn’t lack for inventiveness with materials at hand in the Alaska wilderness, and they didn’t deprive themselves of the gadgets and conveniences of civilization either. It is fascinating collection. Admission: Free, however, donations are accepted.
The Big Stampede Theater, where the Gold Rush to Alaska is preserved and presented on canvas paintings by artist Rusty Heurlin and narrated by Ruben Gaines. The audience views the 15 paintings while seated on a revolving platform—the only one in Alaska. |
|
| |
|
Harding Car-Also known as the Denali Car. President Warren G. Harding rode in this car when he came to Alaska in 1923 to drive the Golden Spike for the Alaska Railroad, completing the 500 mile long line. Harding was the first President to visit Alaska. |
|
| |
|
Kitty Hensley House -was built in the early 1900’s but was moved to Pioneer Park in 1967, where it is still located. The cabin has been furnished with authentic pieces of furniture from the period. Kitty Hensley was a true eccentric and an information sheet describing her activities can be found in the cabin. |
|
| |
|
Pioneer Air Museum $5 (12-6) Housed in the gold dome, the Interior and Arctic Alaska Aeronautical Foundation operates a historical aviation museum. The museum features aircraft and memorabilia from the Alaska air adventures of yesteryear. The museum displays aircraft used in Alaska from 1913 to 1948. |
|
| |
|
SS Nenana Sternwheeler Riverboat- Known as the "Last Lady of the River" she was built in Nenana, Alaska in 1932 and launched in 1933. This 247 foot wooden hull boat carried both passengers and freight along with her crew of 32.
The SS Nenana operated on the Yukon and Tanana rivers until 1954 and she was named a National Historic Landmark in 1989. |
|
| |
|
Tanana Valley Railroad Museum- Free
Engine #1 was restored over a ten year period by the Friends of the Tanana Valley Railroad and is on display in the Museum. It is the oldest operating steam locomotive in Alaska and the Yukon Territory. |
|
| |
|
(Go left on Pager Rd. Turn right on Airport Way.) |
|
| 4 min |
|
Value Village (10-7)
3023 Airport Way |
.8 |
| |
|
(Continue right on Airport Way. At Fred Meyers go left on Old Airport Rd. On the right side.) |
|
| 4 min |
Lodge: |
Golden North Inn $193
4888 Old Airport Rd |
1.5
(35.1) |