Fairbanks in March? Oh yeah, it’s happening. The Iditarod is kicking off from the Golden Heart City this year, and that’s a big deal. Thanks to low snow conditions down south, mushers and their eager sled dogs are skipping the traditional Willow start and launching straight into the frozen wilderness of Interior Alaska. That means Fairbanks gets to steal the show, and trust me—you don’t want to miss it. If you’ve ever wanted to see dozens of top-tier sled dogs explode down the trail in a cloud of snow and sheer excitement, now’s your chance. But since you’re making the trip, why stop at just one epic event? Here are four more things to do while you’re in Fairbanks, because let’s be honest—you didn’t come all this way just to sit in a hotel.
World Ice Art Championships
If you think snow and ice are just obstacles to be shoveled, prepare to have your mind blown. The World Ice Art Championships in Fairbanks bring in some of the most talented ice sculptors on the planet, and the results are pure frozen magic. These aren’t your average backyard snowmen—we’re talking intricate castles, life-sized animals, and towering figures that make you question if these artists have actual superpowers. I’ll be up there in a few weeks with my family to check them out in person, because they’re that cool. (And, let’s be honest, it gives me a solid excuse to drink hot cocoa and pretend I know things about ice carving.)
Chena Hot Springs
What’s better than soaking in a natural hot spring while surrounded by snow-covered trees and crisp Arctic air? Not much. Chena Hot Springs is the perfect place to warm up after watching the Iditarod mushers disappear into the wilderness. If you’re feeling fancy, grab a drink at the Ice Museum’s ice bar—it’s basically the most Alaskan thing you can do. Just don’t try to lick the ice glasses (you’d be surprised how many people make that mistake).
Aurora Viewing
March is prime time for catching the northern lights in Fairbanks, and let me tell you—this is bucket-list material. Head just outside the city to one of the many viewing spots, or book a heated aurora cabin if you prefer to watch the show without turning into an icicle. There’s something humbling about standing under the swirling green and purple ribbons of light, realizing that you’re witnessing one of nature’s greatest displays. Bonus points if you stay up all night convincing yourself that this next flare will be the best one yet.
The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center
Need a break from the cold? Step inside the Morris Thompson Center and dive into the history and culture of Interior Alaska. The exhibits here showcase everything from traditional Athabascan life to the wild stories of early explorers who somehow survived in this extreme environment with nothing but a few dogs and questionable decisions. It’s a great spot to warm up and actually learn something—so when your friends back home ask why you flew to Fairbanks in winter, you can hit them with some solid historical facts instead of just “because it sounded cool.”
Whether you’re there for the Iditarod restart, the ice sculptures, or just to say you survived a Fairbanks winter, this trip is going to be one for the books. Dress warm, drink something hot, and enjoy every frozen second of it!
