Fairbanks, Alaska is a one-of-a-kind northern adventure hub with gold-rush grit and aurora-lit skies. Founded in 1901 during the Klondike Gold Rush, the town grew rapidly when prospector Felix Pedro struck gold nearby. The Alaska Railroad and military installations gave Fairbanks a long-term boost, and today it stands as Alaska’s second-largest city—a quirky, resilient place where temperatures swing from -40°F in winter to 80°F in summer. History lovers can explore the Pioneer Park, Morris Thompson Cultural Center, and even take a trip back in time on the Riverboat Discovery, which cruises the Chena River with tales of early settlers and Native cultures.
When it comes to fun, Fairbanks delivers year-round. In winter, it’s one of the best places on Earth to see the northern lights, with dazzling displays from August to April. Snowshoeing, dog sledding, and soaking in the Chena Hot Springs under the aurora are iconic local experiences. Summer flips the switch to Midnight Sun mode, with 24-hour daylight fueling hikes, fishing, canoeing, and the wild Midnight Sun Festival in June. Don’t miss a visit to the University of Alaska Museum of the North, which offers an unforgettable look into Alaska’s wildlife, culture, and geology—plus a mummified steppe bison named “Blue Babe.”
After all that exploring, Fairbanks knows how to feed you. For hearty Alaskan fare, try The Pump House, a riverside restaurant housed in a 19th-century gold rush saloon, or grab reindeer sausage and halibut tacos at the Food Truck Court downtown in summer. Lemon Grass Thai is a local favorite for bold flavors, while Jazz Bistro brings Cajun flair to the Arctic. Coffee and baked goods are best at The Crepery or River City Cafe, and no visit is complete without sampling local brews at HooDoo Brewing Company. In Fairbanks, the food is as eclectic and surprising as the town itself.
Looking for a place to stay in Fairbanks, Alaska? Come visit The Aurora, an epic stay where the Northern Lights are visible on just about every clear night from September through April. During the summer months, watch the midnight sun set right in front of your living room window.
Nestled on a mountain 20 minutes from Fairbanks and away from all light pollution, The Aurora is the perfect place to unwind and experience the beauty of Alaska.
"Breathtaking home! One of the best views I have ever seen, extremely clean with so many amenities!" - Laura, May 2024
The space
★ PROFESSIONALLY DESIGNED INTERIOR!
★ Outdoor barrel sauna with panoramic views
★ Full coffee bar awaits you! French press, drip, pods, tea and more!
★ Unlimited household supplies: TP, paper towels, detergent, and more!
★ Unlimited High speed internet - Zoom Ready!
★ Shuffleboard table with extra loft space
★ Custom queen over queen bunk bed perfect for families
★ Quiet low-light pollution perfect for viewing the Northern Lights (Sept-April)
★ Midnight sunsets from the living room (May-July)
★ FREE personalized host support by Misti & Steve
As you enter the home, you will be greeted with a spacious mud room to store your hiking boots, coats, and coolers. Two bedrooms welcome you on the main floor along with a full renovated bathroom with tub/shower combo. The first bedroom has a brand new queen over queen bunk bed perfect for those traveling with children. The second bedroom has a new deluxe king bed where you can snuggle in to watch your favorite show on the 50" TV.
The newly designed gourmet kitchen has two separate prep sinks and a large cabinet pantry to store all of your Fred Meyer and Costco groceries for your stay. The kitchen is open to the living room making for easy conversation while you cook up your Alaskan feast. Cozy up to to the wood burning stove while you look out at the Alaska wilderness. A barrel sauna with a panoramic window has been added to the deck. Warm up in the chilly evenings and gaze out on a view of the valley while the Northern Lights dance in the sky.
"Has all amenities, true high-speed internet, a large deck with some areas facing north and most important to me was the Blaze King fireplace." -Spencer, March 2023
The second level is where you will find the primary suite complete with a luxurious new king bed with a second professionally-designed bathroom and your very own shower wand. The loft area is a perfect place for kids to sip cocoa, play shuffleboard, and watch the Northern Lights out the expansive windows.
"I've stayed at many Airbnb's and I've NEVER once stayed at one that had plenty of paper goods, spics, trash bags, soap, and sponges. Plenty of towels and robes. This place goes ABOVE AND BEYOND to have everything you'd need and more. They responded almost immediately each time. The beds were actually good sized AND very cozy. They don't charge extra for firewood. Serious...such an amazing place. Thanks for an amazing Alaskan experience!" -Jen, February 2025
Outdoor living is spacious with a large deck for enjoying the endless summer sun complete with outdoor dining table.
"Absolutely stunning cabin with an even more stunning view. We got the full fall views within the forest below, northern lights at night and even a surprise sunset view of Denali on our last night!" -Jennifer, April 2023
