Fairbanks sits at the geographic and cultural heart of Alaska, truly living up to its motto, “The Golden Heart of Alaska.” Known for its welcoming community, gold rush history and unmatched access to Interior and Arctic adventures, it’s a place that leaves a lasting impression long after a trip ends.  

 

The golden spirit of community 

While visitors come to Interior Alaska expecting incredible scenery, wildlife, and adventure, they often leave most moved by the people they meet. Alaska’s cold, vast, and wild environment gives people who live here an earned reputation for being tough and resourceful, but this grit is matched with incredible friendliness and love. People here are remarkably kind, community-oriented, un-pretentious, generous, and helpful problem solvers. Most of all, Fairbanksans love Fairbanks. 

Fairbanks’ motto as the “Golden Heart of Alaska” is literal. Interior Alaskans are some of the nicest and most openly helpful out there. Visit Fairbanks and enjoy an unforgettable trip, made even better by some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. 

 

A legacy of gold 

Gold rush history is at the heart of Fairbanks. In 1902, Italian immigrant Felix Pedro found gold near Fairbanks at Pedro Creek. This discovery drew large numbers of gold prospectors to the area, creating a major community in Alaska. 

Just one year later, in 1903, Fairbanks was incorporated into a city. 

Gold remains an important part of life in Alaska through legend, active mines and tourist attractions. Fairbanks even has gold-themed events, like Golden Days, where the community honors its rich gold rush history with parades, games, a rubber duckie race and more. Catch a bit of gold fever while you’re here and experience the thrill of searching for real gold!  

Fun Fact: Fairbanks’ sister city is Fanano, Italy, the birthplace of Felix Pedro.  

 

The geographic heart of Alaska 

Fairbanks is at the true geographic heart of Alaska. It’s the perfect basecamp for exploration, offering easy access to endless nearby adventures. From crossing the Arctic Circle to taking a day trip to Denali National Park and Preserve, Fairbanks puts the amazing landscapes of Alaska’s Interior and Arctic within reach. 

A map of Alaska with a yellow heart marking Fairbanks at the center of Alaska.

 

You belong in the Golden Heart of Alaska 

Fairbanks is a golden place to visit, with something for every style of traveler. Watch out though, a lot of residents start out as vacationers! 

Visit the Golden Heart of Alaska and experience the best love there is: to love a place.

 

Header image credit: Michelle Duben @mcduben 

Sources: “Discovery Claim on Pedro Creek.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discovery_Claim_on_Pedro_Creek., “Gold Mining in Alaska.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold_mining_in_Alaska.,“Local History.” City of Fairbanks, Alaska, https://www.fairbanksalaska.us/mayor/page/local-history.