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Armed Forces
Heard, Understood, Acknowledged
Here…. in Fairbanks, the Golden Heart of Alaska!
Fairbanks is proud of its Military heritage and recognizes what an integral role the Armed Forces commands in the region. Adjacent to Fairbanks is Fort Wainwright Army Post and to the south are Eielson Air Force Base, Fort Greely Army Post and Clear Air Force Station. These military installations are a fundamental part of Fairbanks’ population and personality. We are honored that many people who served in the Armed Forces retire here—in fact, the retired military are 2,000 strong, a significant portion of the populace. Alaskans are proud to welcome the many people in the armed forces that are stationed here in the Fairbanks region and want to help you and your visiting friends and family make your stay filled with the warmth of the midnight sun and the beauty of the aurora borealis.
WWII and the Alaska Highway
The military became intertwined with Fairbanks during World War II. During the war, it became evident that a northernmost post was necessary to enable the United States to assist European allies and the desire for a road to Alaska became a priority. Expedited by the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, construction began on the Alaska Highway in March of 1942 at Mile 0 in Dawson Creek, Yukon Territory, Canada, and joined the Richardson Highway in Delta Junction en route to Fairbanks a mere eight months later. An amazing military feat, the 1,390-mile-long (2,237 km) glorious, rough-and-tumble Alaska Highway rambles through some of the toughest, most remote terrain on the planet and still offers a most beautiful and pristine journey today.
Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center
Beautiful and educational, the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center in downtown Fairbanks has brochures, maps, free WiFi and phone, and local walking tours. This regional visitor center has friendly, knowledgeable staff to answer your questions. A free 9,000-square-foot exhibit hall features outstanding displays and dioramas showcasing Interior Alaska’s people, wildlife, landscapes and seasons. Enjoy free films and programs on Alaska’s natural and cultural history. More
Tourism Employment
Would you like to be a tour guide, waitress, driver, cleaner, cashier or desk attendant? These jobs and more are part of the vibrant and upbeat tourism industry offering employment opportunities in Fairbanks and surrounding areas. Click to view job current seasonal and year-round openings. More
Local Military Discounts
From museum admission to lodging discounts, our local visitor industry partners love to support our troops and their families. We maintain a list of military discounts that are available in the Fairbanks area, as well as from our Denali neighbors and other parts of Alaska. If you don't see a business on the list, just ask a front desk clerk, server or a cashier and they will gladly let you know how to claim your discount. More
Surrounded by wilderness the outdoor adventure lover can kayak, canoe, hike, fish and camp in the Fairbanks area and in the winter add to that dog sledding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing too.
-Rita Cook,
Huffington Post
Golden Heart Alaskan
There was this moment when I realized some of my most contented times are spent outdoors. Now I take every opportunity I can to be present in the physical landscape. My career as an artist gives me access to remote wilderness areas. In less than two hours I can be in Denali to the south or the Gates of the Arctic to the north. Whether you visit or live in Alaska, you should take a moment to explore the landscape and peoples around Fairbanks—it is real and raw, commanding and inspirational, it’s why we all come here and it's like nothing else.
-Sheryl Maree Reily,
Fairbanks artist
