This Alaskan City Is a Prime Northern Lights Destination — How to Visit

Fairbanks is a great place to view the northern lights.

Most visitors to Alaska If you’re looking to explore the beautiful southern coast, Fairbanks is the destination for you. Fairbanks, Alaska’s second-largest municipality, has a population close to 33,000. It just barely beat Juneau by a few thousand residents according to the 2020 census. Fairbanks has some pretty intense temperature swings throughout the year — summer highs are in the 70s, while winter lows are below zero — but it’s still a year-round destination for travelers. Summer activities include hiking, festivals, and farmers’ markets. There are also the northern lights. Do we need to say more? This is what you need information about Fairbanks in Alaska if you’re considering making the trek north.

How to See the Northern Lights from Fairbanks

Fairbanks is home to the most famous attraction, the northern lights. one of the best in the world To see the atmospheric phenomena. (In fact, one of the best is the Geophysical Institute. aurora forecast services, It is located at University of Alaska Fairbanks. During aurora season, which runs from August 21 through April 21, the northern lights show up four out of five nights on average, typically between 10 a.m. and 2 a.m. — but that doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to see them. You still need clear skies to see the aurora borealisYou should plan to stay at least for a few nights, or even a whole week, in order to maximize your chances. The city’s northern location means that the lights are plentiful here. It is also near the area where the northern light most frequently appears: the Auroral Oval. A ring that circles the Earth at 65 to 70 degrees north.

Fairbanks is small, but it is still affected by light pollution. So the best way to view the northern lights is outside. You can drive to remote areas but you also have the option of taking a tour that includes activities such as a dip at the northern lights. Chena Hot Springs A visit to the Aurora Ice MuseumOr, you can go on adventures such as snowmobiling or ice fishing. You might still see the aurora even if your not in town. Fairbanks has many hotels that offer northern lights wake-up calls. They will call your room to make sure you see the aurora if you arrive in Fairbanks before they show up.

Fairbanks: Things to Do

Fairbanks is also known for its museums. Fountainhead Antique Auto MuseumThe Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors CenterThe, and University of Alaska Museum of the North. Fairbanks enjoys the midnight sun in the summer. This is when the sky stays lit all night. There are many festivals and fairs. Midnight Sun FestivalThe annual event sees over 30,000 people come together for 12 hours of live entertainment, shopping, and delicious food. Fairbanks is also a great starting point for day trips and multi-day adventures into Denali National Park and the arctic.

Fairbanks Hotels

Fairbanks is home to many budget and mid-tier hotels that are part of major hospitality chains like Marriott, Hilton Wyndham Hyatt, Wyndham and Hyatt. However, there are a few independent hotels and inns within the city. Pike’s Waterfront Lodge, Alaska Heritage HouseAnd Billie’s Backpackers Hostel. If you want to see the northern lights in their full glory, get out of town and look for more remote accommodation options. A Taste of Alaska Lodge, Alaska Grizzly LodgeAnd Chena Hot Springs Resort. If you are going to Fairbanks to see the northern lights, make sure to reserve your trip well in advance.

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