Fairbanks

About

Fairbanks, Alaska sits just 188 miles south of the Arctic Circle, making it one of the best places on Earth to experience the midnight sun. Around the summer solstice in late June, the sun barely dips below the horizon, giving visitors nearly 24 hours of daylight. It's a phenomenon that has to be seen to be believed.

The annual Midnight Sun Festival, held on June 20th in downtown Fairbanks, is the centerpiece of the celebration. Running from noon to midnight, the street festival fills several blocks with live music, food vendors, artisan crafts, and family-friendly activities. The energy of an entire community celebrating under a sun that won't set is something truly unique in American travel.

Beyond the festival, Fairbanks offers plenty of ways to soak in the endless daylight. The Midnight Sun Baseball Game, a tradition since 1906, starts at 10:30 PM and is played entirely without artificial lights. Visitors can also explore the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center, a free attraction that showcases Interior Alaska's culture, wildlife, and history through engaging exhibits and films.

For those willing to venture a bit outside town, Chena Hot Springs Resort sits about 60 miles east of Fairbanks. Open year-round, this century-old destination lets you soak in natural hot springs while taking in the Alaskan wilderness. In summer, the midnight sun makes for a surreal hot springs experience. In winter, the same location is one of the top spots in the world for viewing the Northern Lights.

Fairbanks itself is a small, welcoming city with a range of hotels, restaurants, and services. Summer temperatures are surprisingly mild, often reaching the 60s and 70s. The combination of extraordinary natural light, genuine Alaskan culture, and warm community spirit makes Fairbanks a bucket-list destination that delivers on its promise.

Plan to visit in mid to late June for peak midnight sun experiences. The festival and longest days cluster around the solstice, so timing your trip around June 20th gives you the best of everything Fairbanks has to offer.

Accessibility

The Midnight Sun Festival takes place on paved downtown streets in Fairbanks, which generally provides a firm, level surface for wheelchair users and those with mobility devices. However, specific accessibility accommodations for the street festival should be confirmed with event organizers closer to the date.

The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center actively works to make its programs and facilities accessible to all visitors. The center welcomes questions about accessibility and encourages visitors to contact them directly for specific accommodation needs or additional information.

Chena Hot Springs Resort, while a popular destination, is located about 60 miles from Fairbanks on a rural road. Visitors with mobility concerns should contact the resort directly to ask about accessible rooms, pathways to the hot springs, and pool entry options before booking.

Downtown Fairbanks has standard sidewalks and crosswalks, though winter ice and summer construction can affect conditions. Most hotels and restaurants in town meet ADA requirements. Accessible parking is available at major venues and downtown lots.

For the Midnight Sun Baseball Game at Growden Memorial Park, visitors should check with the venue about accessible seating and restroom facilities.

Contact the Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau or the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center for current accessibility details about specific events and venues. Alaska's outdoor attractions vary widely in accessibility, so calling ahead is always recommended to ensure your specific needs can be met.

More accessible places in Alaska

• Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center (Fairbanks)
• University of Alaska Museum of the North (Fairbanks)
• Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge (Fairbanks)
• Chena Hot Springs Resort (Fairbanks)
• Chena River State Recreation Site (Fairbanks)
• Pioneer Park & World Eskimo-Indian Olympics (Fairbanks)