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Tourist gold mines: Fairbanks, Juneau - tales of Alaska, gold and history - Brief Article
Travel America, March-April, 2002 by M.T. Schwartzman
Beyond Anchorage, Alaska's next largest cities are Fairbanks and Juneau.
Fairbanks, situated in the geographic center of the state, is the hub of the north. With a population approaching 32,000, it is a transportation, education, and tourism center of the area known as "The Interior."
Fairbanks might have remained just a dot on the map if it weren't for prospector Felix Pedro, who in 1902 reportedly shouted, "There's gold in them thar hills," to proclaim his strike--which set off a stampede that transformed the town.
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Fairbanks this year celebrates the centennial of Gold Rush fever with its annual Golden Days festival from July 12 through July 21. Events include a re-creation of Felix Pedro's weigh-in, when he rode into town with his discovery of gold; a "trading post" crafts festival; and other festivities.
Several authentic sites remain from Fairbanks' Gold Rush era. For starters, there's the El Dorado Gold Mine, which features a vintage 1904 narrow gauge railway that once transported miners. At the end of the ride, visitors see a modern mining camp in operation--and pan for gold themselves.
Then there's Gold Dredge No. 8, which operated from 1928 through 1959 during Fairbanks' "second Gold Rush." In its 30 years of operation, this dredge alone took in about seven million ounces of gold. Today, the dredge serves as a reminder of days gone by and is the centerpiece of a National Historic District.
Other worthwhile attractions in Fairbanks include the Alaska Public Lands Information Center, run by the National Park Service, and the University of Alaska Museum, where you can see Blue Babe--the remains of a mummified, prehistoric bison found in the area. Also of interest are the Alaskaland theme park, the Ice Museum, and the Riverboat Discovery.
Juneau, population 30,000, is the capital of Alaska and a popular port of call for cruise passengers. Its attractions include top-notch museums, great shopping, and spectacular scenery. Readers of the Los Angeles Times once named Juneau one of the top five ports of call in the world--the only U.S. city that made the list.
Like Fairbanks, Juneau was founded on gold. In 1880, two prospectors made a strike at Gold Creek, and until World War II gold production was a mainstay of the local economy.
These days, tourism is the single largest private employer in town--which means an unparalleled experience for visitors. Glacier viewing, heli-hiking, whale watching, sportfishing, and flightseeing are just a few of the outdoor activities that Juneau offers. Walkers and trail hikers will find Juneau especially appealing: It's been called "The Little San Francisco of the North" for its winding, hillside streets.
Two outstanding museums document Juneau's rise from gold camp to state capital. The Alaska State Museum covers every aspect of Alaskan history, from native culture to European exploration. The Juneau City Museum documents the city's mining past and has a unique gift shop for authentic and affordable gifts.
Juneau's most recognizable landmark is the Mount Roberts Tram, which takes visitors on a thrilling, high-speed ascent to the 2,000-foot level of the mountain. From this lofty perch, there are great views of the town and harbor below. Juneau also has its share of fine restaurants and frontier saloons, which give Alaska's third-largest city an ambience reminiscent of its Gold Rush days.
Contact: Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau (TravelAmerica Magazine), 550 First Ave., Fairbanks, AK 99701; (800) 327-5774; www.explorefairbanks.com. Also contact Juneau Convention & Visitors Bureau (TravelAmerica Magazine), 101 Egan Drive, Juneau, AK 99801; (888) 581-2201; www.traveljuneau.com.
COPYRIGHT 2002 World Publishing, Co. (Illinois)
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group
