PIONEER PARK

A few blocks from downtown, on the banks of the Chena River, this park recreates the Fairbanks of the early 20th century. A sort of mini-village reconstituted, we find some of the first wooden buildings of the region. Some of them can be visited and you can find period furniture and decorations.

The Pioneer Museum is dedicated to the history of the town and its inhabitants with objects mostly bequeathed by local families and numerous photos. The gold rush is discussed.

The Big Stampede Show offers a diorama on the history of gold prospecting. We find ourselves in the middle of a kind of giant dice with 360° screens.

The museum dedicated to the S.S. Nenana, a steamboat and paddle steamer that used to travel the Yukon River, is unfortunately closed but you can still see the ship in the middle of the park. Built in 1933, it did not participate in the famous Klondike Gold Rush (1896-99), as is also the case with the S.S. Keno of Dawson City and the S.S. Klondike of Whitehorse in Canada.

The Pioneer Air Museum tells the story of the bush pilots (entrance fee) and you can admire 14 planes.

In the evening, the theater organizes a humorous and singing show on the history of the city. In short, a place that mixes fun and information for young and old, because here and there, there are also some playgrounds, stores and refreshment stands. Don't forget to have your portrait taken in a retro way!

The Salmon Bake restaurant serves Alaskan cuisine.