Pre- and Post-Meeting Tour Options

Actives $75; All others $250

Pre-meeting Overnight Tour: Departs Monday, February 21 at 11 am; returns Tuesday, February 22 at 5 pm (4 rooms available)

Post-meeting Overnight Tour: Departs Saturday, February 26 at 11 am; returns Sunday, February 27 at 5 pm (4 rooms available)

Located 130 scenic miles from Fairbanks, the Lodge at Black Rapids is a magnificent Alaskan property in the heart of the Eastern Alaska Range. The historic Lodge promises travelers everything they hope to experience—glaciers, mountains, aurora viewing and wildlife. Painstakingly restored, the enchanting lodge has a long and storied gold rush history. Listen to a history program given by the owner while enjoying a delicious Alaskan gourmet dinner. Spend the evening scanning the skies for the aurora.

One of the highlights of this tour will be an excursion to the Castner Glacier just a few miles from the lodge. The 2.6-mile round-trip hike to the Castner Glacier ice cave is straightforward and almost entirely flat but you do need to be fit and have the appropriate winter gear to safely access the glacier. This classic Interior glacier ice cave is a fascinating and beautiful. On the way back to Fairbanks enjoy a meal and a craft brew at the brand-new Big Delta Brewing Co.

Depart by ground tour north from Fairbanks and travel on the Dalton Highway, made famous by the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and Ice Road Truckers series, in the comfort of Arctic-appropriate tour vehicles. Learn the story of Alaska's Arctic both while traveling in the tour vehicle and at the various stops along the way. The remarkable wilderness of Alaska's Arctic is unlike any place on earth. Stop along the banks of the Yukon River and marvel at the majestic beauty and power of the mighty river. Cross the Arctic Circle in ceremonious fashion and receive an official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate. Arrive in Coldfoot Camp in the foothills of the Brooks Mountain Range. Spend the evening on an Arctic Village Aurora tour at a historic cabin in nearby Wiseman, Alaska. In the morning have free time to explore or go on an optional Arctic Snowshoe Outing or Dog Sled Adventure. Late morning to mid-afternoon, return via air by small plane from Coldfoot to Fairbanks relishing the amazing views of pure wilderness a small plane affords.

All participants $100

Pre-meeting: Starts Monday, February 21 at noon; ends Tuesday, February 22 at noon (8 spaces available)

  

Ready, Set, Go! Photographers will be paired with local photographers and/or University of Alaska Fairbanks students and driven to local places to take photographs. Both day photography only or a combination of day and night (so that you can scan the skies for the aurora) will be offered. Transportation, meals and snacks will be provided.

Travel by van through the bold winter landscape of the Tanana Valley and the towns of Nenana and Healy on the way to Denali National Park, home of Denali, the tallest mountain in North America. Have a delicious lunch near the Park while enjoying the splendor of the massive Alaska Range as a backdrop. Visit the Denali Dog Kennels where they are celebrating the 50^th anniversary of dog mushing in 2022. In the late afternoon, head back to Fairbanks via a four-hour ride on Alaska Railroad's renowned Aurora Winter Train. Passengers on the Aurora Winter Train will delight in the winter wonderland of Alaska’s backcountry from the comfort of a warm railcar, complete with comfortable seats, large picture windows and onboard dining.