Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is the largest city of Alaska’s interior. Population is around 90,000 people, many of which are scattered in cabins in the surrounding forests. In fact, a big part of the city itself is forested and dry cabins are not uncommon within city limits, too.

Fairbanks is located in the central Tanana Valley. Stretched beyond the northern area of the city border is a chain of hills that rises gradually until it reaches the White Mountains and the Yukon River. In the south you”ll find the Tanana River, and further south of the river is the Tanana Flats – an area of marsh and bog that stretches for more than 100 miles (approximately 160 km) until it rises into the Alaska Range. On clear days the Alaska Range is visible from Fairbanks. To the east and west are low valleys and ridges of hills up to 3,000 feet (910 m) above sea level.

University of Alaska Fairbanks

One of the main hubs in Fairbanks is the local university (University of Alaska Fairbanks or UAF), an acclaimed academic campus, especially in the natural sciences fields. The university is a leader in aurora research, as well as climate change and ecology. The Museum of the North, dedicated to the studies of the far north (everything from biology to ecology to ethnography), is located in UAF’s campus and is well worth the visit.