Pioneer Park Tours

Pioneer Park
Pioneer Park
Pioneer Park
Pioneer Park
Pioneer Park showing theater scenes, music and interior views


Take a trip through time at this historical theme park, which celebrates Alaska’s pioneering heritage with museums, playgrounds, restored aircraft and a riverboat.

Fairbanks’ Pioneer Park is an extensive outdoor complex alongside the Chena River and the birthplace of the city itself. Formerly known as Alaskaland, the 44-acre (109-hectare) park brings the state’s pioneering heritage to life through historical museums and exciting hands-on exhibits. Climb on board a 1930s riverboat, explore a hangar full of restored aircraft and learn about the gold rush that shaped the region.

Dating back to 1967 when the state celebrated its 100th birthday, Pioneer Park encapsulates Alaska’s rich cultural heritage through hands-on experiences and educational exhibits. Begin your visit to Pioneer Park with a visit to the magnificently restored sternwheeler, Riverboat Nenana. Nicknamed the Queen of the Yukon, this elegant riverboat houses the park’s visitor center and a large diorama of pioneering life on the Yukon and Tanana rivers. Pick up brochures and maps to plan your route around the park.

Find out about the gold rush that brought fortune and a wave of prospectors to the region at Mining Valley. Examine some of the equipment that was used to reach the precious metals far below the surface. Children will enjoy the antique carousel and exploring the Pioneer Park Playground, which has fun animal-themed play equipment. See a recreation of an Alaskan Native village and check out the Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts. This building dates back to the park’s inception in 1967 and hosts a changing program of art exhibitions.

Learn about a piece of American presidential history in the infamous Harding Car and head to the Tanana Valley Railroad Museum to learn about how rail enabled the mining industry of the fledgling state. This museum contains historical exhibits and restored locomotives. Jump on board an early locomotive known as Old 67 and take a lap of the park within a beautifully restored train car. Grab some lunch at the park’s on-site restaurants, which serve up seafood dishes and locally brewed beers.

Pioneer Park is located on the banks of the Chena River, a short distance west of downtown Fairbanks. The park is free to enter, however, several of the museums and other attractions charge admission fees. The park is open daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Reviews of Pioneer Park

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
72
5 - Excellent 45%
4 - Good
59
4 - Good 37%
3 - Okay
22
3 - Okay 14%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Don't miss the Bear gallery!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Our daughter was married there in the old chapel in the park.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Worth the walk.

4/5 - Good

Karen

nice salmon bake

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Nice to roam around and see some unique things.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Pioneer Park

Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center

Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center

3.5 out of 5
813 Noble St, Fairbanks, AK
Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center
Best Western Plus Pioneer Park Inn

Best Western Plus Pioneer Park Inn

2.5 out of 5
1908 Chena Landing Loop, Fairbanks, AK
Best Western Plus Pioneer Park Inn
Comfort Inn Fairbanks

Comfort Inn Fairbanks

2.5 out of 5
1909 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK
Comfort Inn Fairbanks
Pike's Waterfront Lodge

Pike's Waterfront Lodge

3 out of 5
1850 Hoselton Rd, Fairbanks, AK
Pike's Waterfront Lodge
Fairbanks Fox Den 2 Bedroom Townhouse

Fairbanks Fox Den 2 Bedroom Townhouse

3 out of 5
1580 Market Street, Fairbanks, AK
Fairbanks Fox Den 2 Bedroom Townhouse
Spacious Fairbanks Home w/ Fireplaces!

Spacious Fairbanks Home w/ Fireplaces!

2.5 out of 5
3026 Riverview Dr, Fairbanks, AK
Spacious Fairbanks Home w/ Fireplaces!
A Private City, Cabin-feel Studio for 1 Person

A Private City, Cabin-feel Studio for 1 Person

2 out of 5
1153 Park Drive, Fairbanks, AK
A Private City, Cabin-feel Studio for 1 Person
Lakefront Fairbanks Unit, 1 Mile to Pioneer Park!

Lakefront Fairbanks Unit, 1 Mile to Pioneer Park!

3 out of 5
966 Coppet Street, Fairbanks, AK
Lakefront Fairbanks Unit, 1 Mile to Pioneer Park!
Sophie Station Suites

Sophie Station Suites

2.5 out of 5
1717 University Ave, Fairbanks, AK
Sophie Station Suites
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.

Things to do near Pioneer Park

Pioneer Park in Fairbanks offers a variety of engaging activities, including art exhibits, guided tours, and opportunities to enjoy hockey. Visitors can also explore city outings and catch a movie at a local theater, making it a perfect destination for a fun-filled day in the heart of Alaska.

Shopping

Pioneer Park offers a charming shopping experience with unique gifts and souvenirs. Visit the Santa Claus House and North Pole Plaza, both located 22.5km away, if you're up for a drive. These spots capture the local spirit with a blend of city, family, and business vibes.

Recreation

At Growden Memorial Park, enjoy serene walks and relaxation amidst nature, just 644m from Pioneer Park. The Carlson Center Event Arena offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, located 483m away. For adventure and entertainment, the Big Dipper Ice Arena is a thrilling experience, 1.6km from Pioneer Park.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of skiing at Moose Mountain, located 14.5km from Pioneer Park, where you can enjoy exciting slopes and breathtaking views. For more skiing action, visit Ski Land, 29.0km away, offering great sports vibes. Don't miss the scenic Wickersham Dome Trailhead, 40.2km away, perfect for hiking enthusiasts.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Pioneer Park offers a blend of culture and entertainment. Catch a show at the Palace Theatre, located 161m away, or enjoy a family-friendly film at Regal Goldstream, just 805m from the park. For more theatrical experiences, visit the Fairbanks Drama Association, 1.1km away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Pioneer Park

Pioneer Park in Fairbanks, Alaska, offers a delightful mix of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore the scenic rivers, fascinating history museums, and intriguing galleries. This vibrant park caters to those seeking a blend of history and nature, making it a perfect spot for tourists. Nearby attractions and accommodations enhance your stay, ensuring a memorable visit to this charming destination.

  • Chena River: Experience the stunning outdoor beauty of Chena River, located only 3.2km from Pioneer Park. Enjoy activities like fishing, kayaking, or simply relaxing along the scenic banks, surrounded by nature's tranquility.
  • 40 Below Fairbanks: Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Fairbanks at 40 Below Fairbanks, a history museum just 161m away. Discover fascinating exhibits that showcase the area's unique history and the challenges of life in extreme cold.
  • Pioneer Air Museum: Explore the intriguing world of aviation at the Pioneer Air Museum, located 161m from Pioneer Park. This museum offers a glimpse into the history of flight in Alaska, featuring vintage aircraft and engaging displays.

Best time to go to Pioneer Park

The best time to visit Pioneer Park is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January-4.0°F (-20.0°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February3.7°F (-15.7°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March11.8°F (-11.2°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
April30.4°F (-0.9°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
May50.2°F (10.1°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June60.6°F (15.9°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July62.8°F (17.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
August56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September44.6°F (7.0°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
October28.8°F (-1.8°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November7.7°F (-13.5°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December-0.0°F (-17.8°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Pioneer Park

To save money during your visit to Pioneer Park, consider traveling between November and January, when hotel prices are lower. Booking your accommodations about a month in advance can help you secure better rates, especially on Saturdays, which are typically the least expensive days. Use Expedia's search tool to find affordable options by sorting prices from lowest to highest and filtering for eco-certified hotels. Additionally, look for package deals that combine your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings. Don’t forget to explore free activities in the park to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Pioneer Park are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Pioneer Park about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Pioneer Park is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Pioneer Park is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy to set your budget and choose your preferred location, among other options. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type. For instance, if you select the Eco-certified hotels filter, you'll see a selection of sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at Pioneer Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.