Fairbanks was just as active and lively in prehistoric times as it is now. Inhabited by Paleolithic people around 40,000 to 15,000 years ago, the residents of prehistoric Alaska eventually commenced trade with Asia and southern settlements. Dwellers of early Alaska were categorized into major groups — the Athabascans, the larger group of Eskimos, Inupiat and Yup'ik, the Aleut, and the Southeastern Coastal Native Americans. As a result, the land in Fairbanks is embellished and graced with Native American presence. Captain E. T. Barnette founded the city in August 1901 during a gold strike. The discovery of gold near Barnette's trading post aided in constructing several buildings and architecture; it swept away natives of the area due to gold fever but gave healthy communities the way to rise and flourish. It is named after Indiana Senator Charles Warren Fairbanks, who later became US Vice President under Theodore Roosevelt. Tanana Valley emerged to be an important agricultural center for Alaska. Consequently, Fairbanks sprang up to be the most populous city in the state— the position now taken over by Anchorage.

Extensive wilderness extending in all directions beget endless exploration in Fairbanks. Less than 200 miles away from the Arctic Circle, the city is blossoming with a steady influx of people enticed by a wide range of recreational facilities. Running Reindeer Ranch showcases family-owned reindeers tours; McKinley Explorer forms a significant part of the largest dome railcar fleet; Chena River State Recreation Area offers year-round adventures entertaining more than 150,000 visitors annually. Dog sledding, hiking, skiing, fishing, and snow machining are other exhilarating activities you can enjoy.

Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge occupies the land of the turn-of-the-century dairy farm that was operational until 1966 and has now been revamped into a wildlife refuge excellent for embarking on nature-led trails. Constructed for the Alaska '67 Centennial Exposition to commemorate the centennial of the state's purchase from Russia, Pioneer Park hosts a zoo and several amusement rides.