Before European colonizers arrived in the area, modern-day Fairbanks was home to the Native American Athabascan peoples for thousands of years. A Native camp was discovered, which is said to be 3,500 years old, with older remains found at deeper levels below this camp and in other areas. Other archaeological sites reveal artifacts that scientists believe to be over 10,000 years old. For example, scientists have found arrowheads in the area that match similar items found in Asia, proving that people entered North America via the Bering Strait land bridge deep in the past. European colonizers settled in the area relatively recently compared to the rest of North America. The city of Fairbanks was founded in 1901 by Captain Barnette. Barnette's steamboat ran aground when Italian immigrants who were looking for gold in the area came across Barnette and his party. After meeting, the Italians convinced Barnette of the area's potential, which led to Barnette setting up a trading post. The area experienced an economic boom as gold prospectors flocked to the site. They built drift mines, dredges, and lode mines to help with their panning and sluicing and named the area after Charles W. Fairbanks, a Republican senator from Indiana. Besides experiencing a gold rush, the city of Fairbanks served as an important agricultural center for the state during its early days. Ladd Army Airfield began its infrastructure construction in 1939, which stimulated an economic, developmental, and population boom. The Canol pipeline extended north from Whitehorse in the 1940s, followed by the Haines - Fairbanks pipeline construction between 1953 to 1955. This pipeline is 626 miles long with a diameter of 8", suitable for transporting petroleum products. Unfortunately, Fairbanks is prone to flooding, which has proven to be a problem. The city's first bridge crossing was built in 1904 and was known to wash out because of flooding. In 1967, the Chena River surged over its banks and flooded most of Fairbanks. After this, city officials created the Chena River Lakes Flood Control Project. This project built and operates the Moose Creek Dam with an 8-mile-long spillway to resolve flooding problems.

The city of Fairbanks, Alaska, offers a range of activities and attractions, such as:

The Northern Lights. Fairbanks is one of the best cities to view the Northern Lights. You can book a multi-day northern lights package, including Northern Lights viewing excursions, meals, and overnight stays.

Pioneer Park. This park is the state's only historical theme park. It showcases the area's history with fascinating old buildings dating to when the gold rushes were lucrative. It also showcases interesting museums, art galleries, a historical sternwheeler, and a train and carousel that are still in working condition.

Chena Hot Springs Resort. Visit this resort and enjoy hot springs, pools, nature and wildlife, canoeing, and hiking. This resort also has indoor and outdoor pools, an ice museum, and tours.

Gold Panning. Purchase panning equipment from hardware stores and start exploring a selection of public areas where you can do some gold panning.

Fishing. Book a fishing tour in Fairbanks and explore the city's rivers and lakes. Fairbanks' common fish species are king salmon, northern pike, char, lake trout, and Arctic grayling.