University of Alaska Museum of the North
Fairbanks, AK
A museum on a ridge above Fairbanks with natural history, Alaska Native art and displays on the aurora. The building itself is striking, and the viewpoint outside looks toward the Alaska Range.
The University of Alaska Museum of the North on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus was founded in 1926 and, according to Wikipedia, is the only research and teaching museum in Alaska accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The current building opened in late 2005, with additional galleries following in 2006; its angular architecture is inspired by Alaska's landscape and natural phenomena.
The collection holds more than 2.5 million artifacts and specimens. Its best-known pieces include Blue Babe, a mummified steppe bison about 36,000 years old, and Bus 142 from the story of "Into the Wild," which has stood here since September 2020. With about 93,000 visitors a year, it is easy to handle; allow one to two hours. The museum is served by the MACS Transit bus network.
- Nearest town
- Fairbanks, AK
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 64.8587, -147.8433
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
FAQs
Where is University of Alaska Museum of the North?
University of Alaska Museum of the North is in Fairbanks, AK, at GPS 64.8587, -147.8433. It is about 107 mi from Cantwell.
What is there to see near University of Alaska Museum of the North?
Places worth a stop nearby: Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge (3 mi) and Denali Visitor Center (84 mi).
When is the best time to visit University of Alaska Museum of the North?
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)