Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge
Fairbanks, AK
A former dairy farm turned wildlife refuge where sandhill cranes and geese stop on migration in spring and autumn. Walk the field and forest trails, and bring insect repellent in summer.
The grounds were once a dairy farm: the Hinckley family built up the operation from 1904, and from 1936 Charlie and Anna Creamer ran the dairy, which closed in 1966. The State of Alaska then bought the land to create a refuge for migratory birds. The refuge covers about 2,200 acres (roughly 890 ha). The farm buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the only surviving pioneer dairy farm in Interior Alaska.
Sandhill cranes rest here in spring and fall; more than 100 other species have been recorded, including swans, Canada geese and plovers. Trails lead through woods and fields, and in winter there are mushing and skijoring trails. The former farmstead holds a visitor and environmental education center. Allow one to two hours for a loop; insect repellent is a good idea in summer.
- Nearest town
- Fairbanks, AK
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 64.8668, -147.7367
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually June–August. Cold, short days in November–April. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Nearby
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FAQs
Where is Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge?
Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge is in Fairbanks, AK, at GPS 64.8668, -147.7367. It is about 108 mi from Cantwell.
What is there to see near Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge?
Places worth a stop nearby: University of Alaska Museum of the North (3 mi) and Denali Visitor Center (86 mi).
When is the best time to visit Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually June–August. Cold, short days in November–April. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)