In the summer with the sun shining nearly 24 hours a day, Fairbanks is simply bursting with energy. Strike it rich panning for gold, float the Chena River, mingle with reindeer and musk oxen, cool off in an ice museum, take a refreshing hike, or be inspired by brilliant art galleries, museums, and historic sites. From late August to April you have a great chance to see the shimmering light of the aurora borealis and the town unveils a host of activities and events during the winter. Once a gold rush boomtown, Fairbanks is now Alaska’s second largest metropolis known as the “Golden Heart City”. The Alaska Highway, trans-Alaska oil pipeline, military bases, mining and the University of Alaska are all integral to Fairbanks’ past and future. Fairbanks is one of the last frontiers - inviting, invigorating and awe-inspiring.