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University of Alaska Museum of the North

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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University of Alaska Museum of the North

The University of Alaska Museum of the North is located on the University of Alaska campus in Fairbanks. The museum curates and exhibits fossil collections found on BLM lands across Alaska. There are more than 1,000 dinosaur bones at the museum that date from the Late Cretaceous Period. The museum is also home to a range of fossils from the Pleistocene Period, including bones from bison, mastodons, mammoths, and saber-tooth tigers. The museum even houses bones from ancient camels that once roamed what is now Alaska.

The museum is centrally located, and the city of Fairbanks provides a range of amenities. The area is also surrounded by many beautiful wilderness locations, including Denali National Park, so there is easy access to a range of recreational activities that include hiking, camping, mountain biking, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, off-roading, fishing, boating, and rock climbing. To find BLM sites, search for "BLM camping near me."

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Boreal Forest and Seasonal Wetland Trail

Beautiful and peaceful, this trail is located in the nearby Creamers Field State Game Refuge.

Length: 2.1 miles

Intensity: Easy

Monument Creek Trail

This loop trail offers spectacular views and is an excellent place to view wildlife or do some snowshoeing.

Length: 2.9 miles

Intensity: Easy

Firebreak Trail

Although it's mostly used for off-roading, this trail is also an excellent choice for hiking or mountain biking.

Length: 30.6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Chena River Nature Trail

Located in the Chena Lake Recreation Area, this beautiful trail offers picturesque views and is a great option for spotting wildlife.

Length: 2.6 miles

Intensity: Easy

Tanana Lakes Trail

This trail is well-maintained and is an excellent option for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing.

Length: 2.9 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

Most local anglers prefer to head to the Chena River, which flows through Fairbanks, for the best fishing. The river is a fantastic spot to catch Arctic grayling, trout, and several types of salmon. Denali National Park also offers good grayling fishing in several locations.

Climbing

The area around Fairbanks is a hotspot for rock climbing. Grapefruit Rocks, located north of Fairbanks, is often considered the best location, and it offers over 110 climbing routes of varying difficulties, including sport, traditional, top-rope, and mixed routes. There are also several bouldering options. Savage River is another fantastic option, with 58 total traditional, top-rope, and bouldering routes.

Wildlife Viewing

Some of the best locations near the University of Alaska Museum of the North for viewing wildlife include Denali National Park, Creamers Field State Game Refuge, and the Chena River and Chena Lake Recreation Areas. Migratory birds are commonly sighted near waterways, and other wildlife in the area includes bears, foxes, moose, caribou, marmots, and porcupines.

Picnicking

Baranof Park in Fairbanks is a great picnic option. There are tables and BBQ pits available, and this large, quiet park also offers a small playground. Aurora Park offers several shady picnic areas, and Snedden Memorial Park offers several picnic tables, gazebos, and grills.

Snowmobiling, Snowshoeing, and Cross-Country Skiing

Winter activities are popular in the Fairbanks area, and many nearby trails are perfect for these sports. For example, Firebreak Trail is very popular for snowmobile riding, and many other trails are ideal for snowshoeing.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Both BLM RV camping and non-BLM camping are available around Fairbanks. The Fairbanks / Chena River KOA offers 160 sites, 154 of which have full hookups for water, sewer, and electricity. A laundry room with 12 washers and 11 dryers is also available. Rosehip Campground offers a more rugged, peaceful camping experience, with 37 campsites available and no limit on RV size. Restrooms and water are available, and there is a nearby boat launch.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at Chena River Wayside. The camping area is primitive, but campers can use the area's picnic tables and grills. The Red Squirrel Campground is also an excellent option for private camping in a remote area. Campers can set up a dispersed site here, and although the amenities are limited, the views of the surrounding scenery are spectacular. This campground is also a great location for viewing the northern lights.

RV Rentals Near University of Alaska Museum of the North Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your University of Alaska Museum of the North BLM trip

The University of Alaska Museum of the North is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission ends at 5 p.m. During the summer, hours are often extended to 7 p.m. There are hundreds of exhibits to view, so plan to take your time if you want to see everything the museum has to offer. The museum also offers rotating exhibits and collections, some of which are geared toward kids or feature hands-on activities. If you want to learn more about the specific exhibits available, you can check the museum's website for its current listings.

Admission to the museum is free for University of Alaska faculty, staff, and students, and it's also free for children under four years old. Otherwise, admission is $16 for adults, and discounts are available for children, active military personnel, local Alaskans, and seniors. The museum also has a café where visitors can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or a snack.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

The University of Alaska Museum of the North is an indoor site, but it's still important to practice Leave No Trace policies such as being considerate of other guests and respecting the exhibits and surrounding area. If you're visiting any Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, you'll also want to put other practices, such as disposing of any trash, maintaining only controlled fires, and staying on trails, into place. These practices help to preserve wild areas, making it safer for native plants and animals and helping to ensure that everyone can enjoy their visit.