4 Day Northern Lights Vacation from Fairbanks

Once you arrive in Fairbanks—the largest city in Alaska's interior—you'll want to start exploring. Begin at the University of Alaska Museum of the North, where you'll get a fascinating glimpse of the cultures and wildlife that call this part of Alaska home, as well as a deep dive into contemporary Native Alaska art. Then experience a winter activity like dog sledding, ice fishing, or snowmachining. Of course, you'll want to see the northern lights if they appear; ask your hotel to give you an aurora wake-up call if they appear.

Today you'll have the opportunity to book another winter tour. You may want to glide over the snow on a sled pulled by excited dogs who have run classic Alaskan races like the Iditarod. Or take a guided ice fishing tour, where you can walk out on a frozen lake and angle for arctic char and other fish. Or zoom through the backcountry on a snowmachine. Whatever you do, be sure to squeeze in a nap so you can stay up late and go on an evening tour to go look for the spectacular northern lights.

Take another day to explore the fascinating town of Fairbanks, or try something very special: a tour beyond the Arctic Circle to see the northern lights! Fly, drive, or do a combo trip north, where you'll get a real sense for not only this rugged landscape, but also for the people and culture in this unique area.

It's your final day in Fairbanks. Spend it by learning even more about this fascinating town. You have several options when it comes to visiting museums, like the Pioneer Air Museum, Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, or Tanana Valley Railroad Museum. Then duck into a brewery and sample some of the innovative suds being brewed up here. And don't forget to go shopping for souvenirs of the Alaskan north before flying out.