Ask anyone to name some things that Alaska is famous for, and you might think glaciers or mountains or hunting. But a couple things that are part of the history and future of Alaska are gold mining and sled dogs. While there are multiple opportunities around the state to learn about sled dogs and gold mining, doing both the Riverboat Discovery and Gold Dredge No. 8, you will not only learn about these, but also learn a bit about Alaskan history and culture. I did both Riverboat Discovery and Gold Dredge No. 8 in the same day and had lots of fun. Here’s the story of my day.
Riverboat Discovery
Riverboat Discovery is a 3-hour adventure on a huge riverboat, the “Discovery III” on the Chena River. It’s a family run business that involves exposure to history and culture of the Chena River area.
Insider Tip: it’s worth arriving a little early. You can look around their huge gift shop, see Susan Butcher’s sled, drink free coffee, and have your photo taken in the “Alaska at 40 below”. A room that’s kept at Alaska winter temperatures. I went in wearing shorts and a T-shirt and didn’t stay more than a couple seconds. If you don’t have time before the boat departs, you can do these things after your cruise.
Witness a Sea Plane Take Off and Landing
You will probably see Sea Planes all around Alaska. If you’re lucky, you might even get to ride in one. While I didn’t ride in any planes, I did get to witness a close-up take off and landing. The captain of the Discovery III chatted with the pilot and got answers to some Sea Plane FAQ’s.
Susan Butcher’s Sled Dogs
The Riverboat Discovery swings by the Trail Breaker Kennel on the banks of the Chena River to see sled dogs in training. This is the kennel of the late 4-time Iditarod Sled Dog Race winner, Susan Butcher, and her husband. From the boat we viewed the dogs, puppies, and saw the dogs run.
The Confluence of the Chena and Tanana Rivers
It is said that 99 glaciers feed into the Tanana River. The Riverboat Discovery makes it to the confluence of the Chena before turning back. The guide will tell you the story of why and how Fairbanks was settled.
Athabascan Village
The Athabascan Village gives you a chance to get off the riverboat. The big group is separated into smaller groups and you go around to different spots in the village to learn about aspects of Athabascan (Native Alaskan) culture and history – from smoking salmon to fur trapping and uses. Then you have some free time to either walk around the village or learn more about sled dogs or Athabascan life. I went to the talk given by the sled dog trainer. You can also see Caribou/Reindeer up close!
Riverboat Discovery Treats
Don’t miss your chance to get treats on the boat – a blueberry donut and coffee in the morning, and smoked salmon dip after visiting the village.
Driving to the Gold Dredge 8
It’s possible to do both the Riverboat Discovery and the Gold Dredge 8 on the same date, but note they are on opposite sides of town. The drive from Riverboat Discovery to the gold dredge takes 15-20 minutes. If you’re doing the drive on the Wednesday or Saturday, you can stop into the Fairbanks Farmers Market (aka Tanana Valley Farmers Market) like I did. The market is on College Road, which is not far off the route between the two attractions. Several food vendors are on site so you can pick up a quick lunch.
Gold Dredge Number 8
The Gold Dredge No. 8 tour is a two-hour experience that includes a train ride, education about the gold mining practices at the start of the 20th century, a chance to visit the inside of a gold dredge, panning for gold, turning your gold into jewelry, and a talk about the Alaskan oil pipeline.
Insider Tip: arrive early (before the tour buses arrive). You can hop in the front car so you have front row seats for the live music before the tour and the guide during the tour. But if you don’t end up in the front, don’t fear as there are video monitors throughout the train.
Gold Panning
I’ve probably driven or rode past 100’s of places to gold pan in my life in places such as South Dakota and Montana, but never had I ever done gold panning – until now! The entrance to the Gold Dredge Number 8 includes gold panning – they show you how to pan for gold and they give you a bag of “pay dirt”. There’s a pan and troughs of water for everyone. Gold is much heavier than sand or gravel so as you pan, the gold settles to the bottom of the pan if you do it right. The panning place has lots of assistants so if you need a little help, they will show or do it for you. When you’ve found your gold (you’re guaranteed to find some), you can place it in the provided plastic container, similar to the plastic containers that film used to come in. Alternatively, you can buy a locket to display your gold.
Next, everyone goes into the museum, gift, and jewelry shop. There’s free cookies and hot drinks. You have some spare time to get your gold weighed and valued (my gold was worth $16!), have it converted into jewelry, and time to shop and visit inside the Gold Dredge. After free time, you board the train to return to the parking lot where there is one more thing to do…
Learn About the Alaskan Pipeline
One visible bit of the Alaskan Pipeline is just between the train and the parking lot at the gold dredge. The guide will share some interesting facts about the pipeline (do you know why some of the pipeline is below ground and some is above?) which concludes this excellent tour.
Where to Stay in Fairbanks
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Fairbanks has a wide selection of hotels and motels. It’s a very drivable city so any place in or around the city would be a good choice. (Check Rates and Availability in Fairbanks)
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1 comment
Oh wow, this seems like a great place to visit 🙂