The Museum of the North sits on a ridge on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus, in a striking building whose roofline echoes the peaks of the Alaska Range, and it is the best place in the Interior to understand the land you are visiting. The collections cover natural history, Native cultures, art and the gold rush, and the exhibits are arranged by region so that you can walk from the Arctic to the Southeast. The best-known specimen is Blue Babe, the mummified remains of a steppe bison that died in the Fairbanks area tens of thousands of years ago and was preserved in the permafrost. Visitors see the animal, with marks of the lion that killed it, which is a remarkable glimpse of the Ice Age. The Gallery of Alaska includes Native clothing, tools and ceremonial items, a large gold collection and displays on the animals, from brown bears to musk oxen. There is also a strong collection of contemporary and historic Alaskan art, and a room devoted to the northern lights that explains the science of the aurora and often shows a film.
The museum is a good choice at any time of year, but it is especially helpful in winter, when daylight is short and the weather can limit outdoor activities, and in the early evening before an aurora tour. The aurora film and exhibit help visitors understand what they will see at night and why Fairbanks is so well placed for it.
Allow two hours for a first visit, and more if you like to read exhibits. The building has a cafe and a shop, and the university campus around it has walking paths and views over the Tanana Valley.
The cultural galleries are the heart of the visit. They explain the Alaska Native peoples of the north, including Athabascan, Iñupiaq, Yup'ik and Unangax, and show how objects were made and used in daily life. Descriptions are written with the involvement of Native communities, which gives the displays an authority that casual roadside attractions lack. The natural history section covers glaciers, Ice Age animals and the boreal forest, and it is a good way to prepare for a trip to Denali or the Arctic Circle.
Tips
Check the current opening hours, since they differ between summer and winter and some days may be closed. Admission is charged, and there are discounts for students and children. Pair a morning here with an afternoon at Pioneer Park or Creamer's Field, or plan the museum on a day when you need an indoor activity. The campus is also close to some research facilities that sometimes offer tours, which are worth asking about at the visitor centre. The museum is accessible, and the exhibits suit all ages, with hands-on elements for children.
Visitor tips
Allow time for the Place Where You Go to Listen exhibit if it is running, a quiet sound installation that responds to the natural environment, and check the schedule of films and talks. The shop sells high-quality Native-made goods and books, which makes it a good place to buy gifts, and the cafe is handy for lunch.
If you visit in winter, put on indoor shoes, since you will be carrying cold-weather gear, and use the lockers if available. Combine the visit with a walk on the campus trails if the weather is clear, and look for views over the valley and the Alaska Range from the ridge.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided museum visit through natural history, Native cultures, art and gold, with the Blue Babe bison mummy and an aurora exhibit.
Best time
Any time of year, with winter and rainy days ideal for indoor time.
How long
Two to three hours.
Tips
Check hours, see the aurora film before an evening tour, and allow time for the Native art galleries.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants context for Alaska's wildlife, people and aurora before heading outdoors.
- Families
- Good for children, with animals and hands-on exhibits.
- Couples
- A thoughtful half day, with a stroll across the campus.
- Pair with
- Pioneer Park, Creamer's Field or a Cleary Summit aurora night.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
What is Blue Babe?+
A steppe bison mummy preserved in the permafrost near Fairbanks, famous for the marks left by the lion that killed it.
Is the museum open in winter?+
Yes. It is open year round, though hours differ by season, so check before you visit.
How long does a visit take?+
About two to three hours.
Does it cover Native cultures?+
Yes, there are galleries on Alaska Native peoples and a large collection of art and objects.
Does it explain the aurora?+
Yes, there is an exhibit and usually a film about the northern lights.