Tourism In The City Of Fairbanks, Alaska
Ever dreamed of going to a place where the wildlife thrives and the sunsets are to die for? Fairbanks, Alaska has just that and so many other activities in store. People pour into Fairbanks during the Aurora season, which is the time period visitors are most likely to catch the northern lights. Fairbanks is known for the beautiful country in which many enjoy taking tours to visit hot springs or hiking to find the perfect vantage point to see for themselves what lies out in the Alaskan terrain.
Fairbanks Alaska is part of what is called the inner central region. It tops the chart in being one of the biggest inner region cities in Alaska. Located on the Chena river just 115 miles south of the Arctic Circle where it meets the Tanana River. “The city is midway along the Trans-Alaska Pipeline”. It is the farthest city north that still has paved roads and unlike surrounding cities, people can drive cars. Fairbanks is also known for it’s hot long days lasting up to 22 hours and cold weather reaching down below zero during the winter months some temperatures reaching -60 degrees and averages 65 inches of snow per year.
To travel here depending on the flight path, a passport will most likely not be required. But if any U. S citizen were to drive or make any trips into Canada, a passport is required as well as other important papers that may be necessary. Fairbanks Alaska was founded in the 1901 by a man named E. T Barrett. The city was not incorporated until two years later in 1903. “E. T Barnett’s building of a trading post on the banks of the Chena River, and the gold rush to Fairbanks was on”. After several years gold was discovered in the area and it flourished with people in search to get there hands on the treasure. Throughout the good and bad economy changes people fluctuated with the demand of gold. For an example during the first world war, the demand for gold was down which left fewer people in the area. During the great depression numbers raised dramatically within the community of Fairbanks. Although the gold discovery had Fairbanks booming for treasure, this helped the town grow tremendously in being able to build banks, stores, skyscrapers and public safety services. Alaska wasn’t a state until 57 years after the United States purchased this land. Still to this day you can also see original wooden buildings that were built in the early 1900’s still standing. Log cabins were a very common build in Fairbanks and in the surrounding cities, unlike the lower states that used many different styles of homes, which makes Fairbanks a very unique place for its history.
Although Fairbanks attracts lots of tourists, but it takes a different breed to actually live in these environments of Alaska. Only 32, 000 live in Fairbanks. The reason for this is most can’t withstand the harsh winters of cold and snow Alaska throws at the table. Temperatures can reach well below zero which can cause life to be very rough if not taken seriously. Hypothermia is a common factor in these situations and can easily be caught. Hypothermia can take over in just minutes of being outside in the cold especially when temperatures reach below zero. But despite the cold weather Fairbanks brings plenty of jobs to the table including, “Mining, agriculture, forestry, and tourism also provides some jobs. ”
A tourism job could be very enjoyable especially if you enjoy learning and teaching newcomers about the history of Fairbanks. Oil is also very big in Alaska, pipelines running for miles, workers are needed to keep everything intact and up to date to keep these lines running. There's a reason for the good pay too, working the pipeline can be very dangerous and comes with many risks. Fairbanks Alaska is mainly known for the northern lights during the Aurora season but still brings many more activities with it. Fairbanks is like a huge playground with things to do year round. During the summer visit “museums and visitors centers we have locally expertly share the history, stories and local way of life”, or giant ice sculptures at ice museums. Also guided hiking adventures, aurora viewing spots, guided fishing trips and wildlife areas can be easily accessed. During the winter months skiing is a very popular activity. Fairbanks has one of the largest ski resorts in Alaska and has the perfect conditions for skiing. Fairbanks has 7 total ski resorts, some just being outside of the city limits.
Fairbanks Alaska is a very beautiful place that has lots of interesting history behind it. E. T Barrett discovered Fairbanks in 1901 and after discovering gold in the area it became very popular and booming. Between oil and gold this town has grown tremendously into the second largest city in Alaska. Despite the dramatic weather changes, once people are used to the climate they can’t get enough of the amazing terrain. The northern lights can only be seen in Alaska and many believe Fairbanks is the best place to enjoy the view. Also guided hunting trips and hiking are popular, people come from everywhere to get a taste of the wildlife and beautiful terrain.
