Interior Alaska Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Denali National Park showing farmland
Fairbanks featuring interior views
Fairbanks featuring outdoor art and a garden
Fairbanks
Fairbanks as well as a couple

Voyage into the heart of Alaska and discover a region characterised by untouched landscapes filled with the promise of adventure.

Interior Alaska is a region of magical beauty and untamed wilderness. The heartland of The Last Frontier is dominated by mountains, including the breathtaking Denali, the highest peak in the U.S. The region also offers historical and cultural attractions, all framed by this backdrop of stunning, expansive scenery.

The largest city in Interior Alaska is Fairbanks, which is both a gateway to the surrounding wilderness and fascinating destination in its own right. Learn about the history of the state in the University of Alaska Museum of the North, one of the most important cultural attractions in the state. Follow the story of Alaska from its first settlers, through the 19th-century gold rush into the state as it is today.

Interior Alaska was one of the busiest destinations for gold miners during the rush era. Travel back to the prospecting years in Pioneer Park. Ride steam trains around the park, explore museums and try panning for gold yourself.

Stand in awe of Denali, the mountain also known as Mount McKinley. Join a private bus trip through Denali National Park, which takes you into some of the wildest parts of Interior Alaska. Watch from your windows for caribou, grizzly bears and golden eagles.

Activity centers in the Denali National Park and Fairbanks offer a variety of excursions into the Alaskan wilderness. Plummet down rocky slopes on mountain bikes and hike on trails that take you far away from anything man-made.

The rivers of Interior Alaska provide several different forms of entertainment. Plunge down rapids on a white-water rafting expedition or choose something more serene, such as a steamboat ride along the Tanana River.

Board a flight to Fairbanks and land right in the middle of Interior Alaska. Travel here in summer for access to Denali National Park and other seasonal attractions that are dependent on the weather. Come in winter to see the northern lights shimmering over fields and mountains covered in a blanket of snow.

Where to stay in Interior Alaska

Museum of the North

College

If you're spending some time in College, University of Alaska Museum of the North and Creamer's Field are top sights worth seeing.

College
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Aurora

Aurora might not have many top sights, but Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum and Creamer's Field are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Aurora
Fairbanks showing a bridge and a river or creek

Downtown Fairbanks

If you're spending some time in Downtown Fairbanks, Fairbanks Ice Museum and Chena River are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Fairbanks
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Westgate

Though Westgate may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Pioneer Park and Carlson Center Event Arena.

Westgate
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South Fairbanks

When in South Fairbanks, you can plan a visit to Fort Wainwright and Fairbanks Ice Museum, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

South Fairbanks
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Hamilton Acres

While Hamilton Acres isn't home to many top sights, Fort Wainwright and Fairbanks Ice Museum are some notable places to visit nearby.

Hamilton Acres
Pike's Waterfront Lodge

Pike's Waterfront Lodge

3 out of 5
1850 Hoselton Rd Fairbanks AK
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Fairbanks. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,174 reviews)
All good

Reviewed on 30 Dec 2025

Pike's Waterfront Lodge
Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center

Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center

3.5 out of 5
813 Noble St Fairbanks AK
The price is NZ$181 per night from 11 Jan to 12 Jan
NZ$181
11 Jan - 12 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Fairbanks. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (413 reviews)
Yes

Reviewed on 27 Dec 2025

Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fairbanks Airport

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fairbanks Airport

3 out of 5
4920 Dale Rd Fairbanks AK
The price is NZ$222 per night from 30 Jan to 31 Jan
NZ$222
30 Jan - 31 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Fairbanks. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
The staff was okay. The breakfast the one time I did eat was okay. The room location was and will never be my choice again.

Reviewed on 27 Dec 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fairbanks Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge and Cabin Rentals

Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge and Cabin Rentals

3 out of 5
17351 E Michele Drive Talkeetna AK
Stay at this cabin in Talkeetna. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions Denali ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (487 reviews)
My husband fell in love with this cabin.We will definitely be back. many trails within close distance

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge and Cabin Rentals
Denali Tri-Valley Cabins

Denali Tri-Valley Cabins

3.5 out of 5
1/10th Mile Lester Road Healy AK
Stay at this cabin in Healy. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a picnic area. Popular attractions Tri-Valley Community Library and Black Diamond Golf Course ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (463 reviews)
Check in was super easy. The cabin was clean and very comfortable. I would definitely stay here again.

Reviewed on 24 Sept 2025

Denali Tri-Valley Cabins
Star-Shaped Midcentury Modern Aurora Retreat + Hot Tub + Game Room

Star-Shaped Midcentury Modern Aurora Retreat + Hot Tub + Game Room

Fairbanks AK
Stay at this holiday home in Fairbanks. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Fairbanks Golf Course and University of Alaska Museum ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (5 reviews)
Excellet little hidden Gem. We love to do staycations pretty regularly, it helps everyone connect as a foster family. They have all said they just want to keep coming back here. Only minor downside would be the heat is a little hard to regulate in parts but thats pretty common up here at -20 :)

Reviewed on 8 Dec 2025

Star-Shaped Midcentury Modern Aurora Retreat + Hot Tub + Game Room
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Interior Alaska