Northern lights
Best from late August to April, away from city lights.
Fairbanks
Alaska's interior city, one of the world's best places to see the northern lights, with hot springs and a midnight sun in summer.
In winter, the aurora shows on over 200 nights a year. In summer, the sun barely sets. The Museum of the North and a riverboat tour make this a great base.
- Best Time
- September to March, June and July
- Time Needed
- 3–5 days
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Year-round
- Getting There
- About 8 hours by train from Anchorage, or a short flight.
What to See
1 of 4 are freeChena Hot Springs
A resort with an ice museum and aurora viewing.
Riverboat Discovery
A sternwheeler on the Chena River.
Museum of the North
On the University of Alaska campus.
Know Before You Go
- Winter temperatures can reach -40°F.
- Summer has no aurora, because it's never dark.
Where to Stay
Stay in Fairbanks or at Chena.
Where to Eat
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Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the Alaska list.