Interior Alaska is defined by wide river valleys, boreal forests, and long, winding roads connecting small communities and major wilderness areas. With long summer days under the Midnight Sun, visitors can enjoy extended sightseeing, flexible schedules, and extra time to experience the region without feeling rushed. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or solo, Interior Alaska offers a mix of iconic views and unforgettable outdoor experiences.
You could easily spend a week or more exploring the Interior, especially if you want to add longer excursions. Fairbanks serves as the hub of the region and is an ideal basecamp for travelers who want to explore Alaska’s interior while staying in one central location. Fairbanks / Chena River KOA Journey is a convenient basecamp for day trips and scenic drives, and travelers looking for additional support can also coordinate local tours, transportation options, and group-friendly experiences through the campground. From here, you can visit the famous town of North Pole, relax at Chena Hot Springs, experience local culture, and plan a bucket-list visit to Denali National Park.
Here are the top places and activities you don’t want to miss on your Interior Alaska road trip!
Downtown Fairbanks and the Chena River
Start by getting your bearings in Fairbanks with a walk along the Chena River and a visit through downtown. This is a small city with a big personality, offering local shops, restaurants, breweries, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to settle into the rhythm of Interior Alaska. During the summer months, the extended daylight allows for relaxed evenings and extra sightseeing after a full day on the road.
Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center
For an excellent introduction to the region, visit the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center. It’s a great first stop for learning more about Alaska’s people, landscapes, and seasons before heading out on additional adventures. Visitors can explore exhibits, attend presentations, and gain a deeper understanding of the Interior’s history and culture.
University of Alaska Museum of the North
If you have time for one museum, this is the one to choose. Located on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus, the Museum of the North connects Alaska’s natural history, art, and culture in a way that enhances every part of your trip. Give yourself at least a couple of hours here—you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the landscapes, wildlife, and communities you’ll encounter throughout your journey.
Pioneer Park
For a relaxed and family-friendly outing, Pioneer Park offers a mix of historic buildings, open spaces, and seasonal attractions. It’s an easy stop because visitors can explore at their own pace, whether that means a quick walk-through or a longer afternoon enjoying the grounds. This flexibility makes it a great addition to a busy sightseeing itinerary.
North Pole, Alaska and Santa Claus House
Yes, the North Pole is a real place—and it’s one of the most fun and memorable stops near Fairbanks! The Santa Claus House is the main attraction and offers a quirky, lighthearted experience that appeals to travelers of all ages. Snap a photo with the giant Santa statue, browse ornaments and gifts, and enjoy one of Alaska’s most unexpected roadside attractions.
Riverboat Discovery
To experience Interior Alaska from a different perspective, consider a cruise on the Riverboat Discovery. This classic sternwheeler cruise offers a relaxing way to learn about life along the Chena and Tanana Rivers while enjoying scenic views and stories from the region’s past and present.
Travelers looking for a more seamless experience can also coordinate group bookings and transportation assistance through the campground, making this a convenient option for larger travel parties or RV caravans. It’s a great way to spend a day with less driving and more time enjoying the scenery.
Chena Hot Springs Resort and the Aurora Ice Museum
Chena Hot Springs is one of the most popular excursions in Interior Alaska. The scenic drive east of Fairbanks offers opportunities to spot wildlife along the roadside. Once you arrive, you can relax in the natural hot springs or explore the Aurora Ice Museum, a year-round ice attraction filled with carved sculptures and frozen displays.
For travelers visiting as part of a caravan or organized group, transportation coordination and tour planning options are available through the campground, which can make this full-day outing easier to organize and enjoy together.
Denali National Park and Preserve
Denali is one of Alaska’s most iconic destinations and a must-see for any Interior Alaska itinerary. The drive south along the Parks Highway is scenic on its own. Once in the park, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of wildlife viewing, hiking, ranger programs, and guided tours.
Travelers planning a group visit can also explore tour coordination and transportation assistance to help simplify logistics for a Denali excursion. As always, check current park conditions and road access before your visit, as access can vary depending on the season.
Group Experiences at Camp
Although the area offers endless outdoor experiences, sometimes, you just need to relax from the comfort of camp. Fairbanks / Chena River KOA Journey offers plenty of activities and gathering opportunities without needing to hop in the car. Firepits along the Chena River offer a great group gathering spot, while recreation like cornhole, the playground, and KampK9 get campers of all ages moving.
When you travel with friends or family, these on-site campground experiences can add an extra layer of convenience and community to the trip.
Northern Lights Viewing
If your travels extend into late August or beyond, you may have the opportunity to experience the Northern Lights! Viewing conditions are best on clear, dark nights away from city lights, and Interior Alaska is one of the best places in the state to witness the aurora.
Keep your schedule flexible, bundle up for late-night viewing, and ask locals about recent aurora activity. While sightings are never guaranteed, catching the Northern Lights can easily become the highlight of an Interior Alaska adventure.
Interior Alaska is Waiting!
From spectacular views of Denali to the North Pole, Interior Alaska is a diverse landscape with adventures for all kinds of travelers. And whether you’re pitching the tent or hitching up the travel trailer, Fairbanks / Chena River KOA Journey provides a comfortable basecamp for the area. Check out all the KOAs in Alaska and plan your adventure today!
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.
