Easy and Interesting Visit at the Morris Thompson Cultural Center, Fairbanks

Understanding where you’re visiting and tuning into the history and culture of an area is important, especially if you’re visiting for the first time. The Morrris Thompson Cultural Center in Fairbanks, Alaska is just the spot to get your bearings and set yourself up for a great visit. Whether you’re planning on spending your time out in the wilderness in summer or if you’re here in the winter and want to experience the Aurora Borealis every night, you need to be sure to stop in to the Morris Thompson Cultural Center. Between the museum portion and the helpful staff (this is also the Fairbanks visitor center) you’ll be set up for an awesome trip.

I know most people arrive in their destination with a solid plan of the things they want to do and likely feel they don’t need to go to the visitor center, but when you’re in Fairbanks this is actually an invaluable stop. The museum portion is wonderful, but then getting help from the locals and park rangers (there’s a National Park Service desk too) is great. If you have any questions about visiting Fairbanks or planning your time, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re happy to share more and help you plan a great trip!

Why Visit the Morris Thompson Cultural Center in Fairbank

I am a planner but I know not everybody is. If you’ve arrived in Fairbanks and don’t have a solid itinerary for your time here, you for sure. need to stop into the Morris Thompson Cultural Center. Between the staff that works for the tourism board and the National Forest Service and Park Rangers, there are plenty of people to give you advice and instructions for planning your time in Fairbanks.

One of the cool things that they have set up here is during the winter or once the Northern lights have started, there is a computer station. allows guests to look at the solar reports and understand the probability of upcoming Northern Lights displays. The Aurora Borealis is temperamental and also only visible when there aren’t clouds. Be sure that you stop at the computer station to get all the information you need for having an awesome Aurora Borealis experience in Fairbanks.

In addition to all the helpful things, there’s also a really great Museum that’s a part of the Morris Thompson Cultural Center. You can learn all about Fairbanks history through interesting exhibits about nature and what Fairbanks was like during the turn of the century when it was really booming, as well as learn about Alaska sports like hockey and dog mushing, And of course you need to check out the exhibits about the Alaska Native peoples who have occupied the Fairbanks area for thousands of years. I always like to spend time in exhibits like these that include indigenous history because it really helps to understand where it is that you are visiting and appreciate all the more what a privilege it is to be there.

Making the Most of the Visitor Center Staff

I recommend visiting the Morris Thompson Cultural Center first thing when they open. If you don’t already have a plan for your day or for several days in Fairbanks, they will get you all set up. I found that the people who work here on both the Visitor Center side and the National Forest Service side are really passionate about the area and know all of the cool things to do and all of the best hikes. For anyone planning on a more exotic sort of experience while they are in Fairbanks, you can also talk to the Forest Service rangers about Gates of the Arctic National Park and driving north towards Prudhoe Bay. These people are the experts!

If you’re visiting in summer and want to spend some time fishing, make sure that you check in with the Forest Service desk for current information about fishing regulations. You cannot get your Alaska fishing license here, but just a few blocks away at Big Ray’s sportsman’s store. they will get you set up with an Alaska visitors fishing license. Kids 16 and under don’t need a license.

If you’re in Fairbanks with kids, give yourself at least a half an hour to go through the museum portion of the Morris Thompson Cultural Center. Our kids loved it and I think it got them extra excited to be out in the wilderness understanding a little bit more of what we would be seeing. All parts of the Morris Thompson cultural Center are free, so definitely take advantage of both the services and a helpful information. you’ll glean from the desks and Museum portion.

Being Prepared for Exploring Fairbanks

Before you arrive at the Morris Thompson cultural Center, think about what questions you have for the people on staff. I like to have my map ready, but they also have some in there for you, as well as a notepad so I can jot down all the suggestions they provide. For as much as I know about Fairbanks and traveling in Alaska, I still think the information they share with you as a visitor is invaluable.

Another tip, while you are at the visitor center, make sure you download offline maps of the area. If you’re heading up to Chena Hot springs or North Pole, or if you’re jumping on the Elliott Highway to go north or the Dalton Highway to go even further north, you definitely need to have offline versions of the maps. When you’re getting advice, you can save different locations within your map program and once you have an offline map you’ll be able to still access all of the route information that’s been provided to you. Use the crew at the Morris Thompson Cultural Center for an amazing trip!

Parking for the Morris Thompson Cultural Center

there’s a plenty large parking area at the Morris Thompson cultural Center. once you’re parked here and you do your question stuff and visit the museum, head over to the river to grab a picture with the antler Arch. you can also continue along the river to visit the different parks and enjoy the mellow side of being in Fairbanks.

Things to do in Fairbanks

I feel like when people talk about visiting Alaska, Fairbanks is a last thought, but it shouldn’t be. I love this city, it’s people, it’s dogsled culture and the beautiful nature all around it. Fairbanks is THE winter destination in Alaska with ample dark sky space to watch the Northern Lights and endless outdoor opportunities, whether you’re looking for a mellow snowy escape or hardcore Alaskan adventures. In summer, Fairbanks is a great home base for visiting the Arctic Circle, Denali National Park, spending days kayaking or fishing. It’s beautiful!

Ideas for Fairbanks activities:

Where to Stay in Fairbanks, Alaska

Keep in mind when you’re planning your trip to Fairbanks that it is not a large city. It’s the second largest in Alaska, but it’s not huge. Hotel options are limited and when it comes to booking a luxury hotel stay, that’s not really a thing here. There are nice hotels and really cool lodges and vacation rentals, but white glove luxe ain’t happening. We’ve stayed in all kinds of Fairbanks accommodations, so have solid recommendations (below). I like being based downtown if we have a diverse, busy itinerary, but staying outside of town up in the hills is such a treat, it’s worth planning a night or two away from the city.

You’ll find that the cost of lodging in Fairbanks ranges wildly from season to season. In the summer, standard hotel rooms are not likely available for under $250 per night, with the average being well over $300 per night. In the winter you can get some awesome hotel deals as low as $125 per night. Just keep this in mind as you’re planning your visit to Fairbanks or anywhere in Alaska.

Here are our hotel picks in Fairbanks: