One day to tour on our own - need recommendations

Question

We (me, dh, ds(19) and dd(17)) are doing a land and cruise tour that starts in Fairbanks at the end of July. We will be flying in the day before it starts and staying in town at springhill suites and looking at renting a car for a day. Our land tour includes the riverboat excursion so trying to figure out what not to miss the day before...here are a few of our ideas and I wanted to get feedback on them or what else is not to miss and also any restaurant recommendations:)

Dredge Gold 8

North Pole

Reindeer Farm

Would like to do a dog musher camp - but looks like we can do that at some other stops as well

Answer

With just one day in Fairbanks before your land and cruise tour, you’ll want to focus on a mix of unique Alaskan experiences and iconic sights that are easy to reach by car. Renting a car is a great idea, as it gives you flexibility to see several attractions without being rushed by tour schedules.

Your ideas are solid, and here’s some detailed feedback and recommendations for your day:

Dredge Gold 8: This is a fascinating stop if you’re interested in Alaska’s gold mining history. The large gold dredge and surrounding grounds are very photogenic, and you can see some mining equipment and learn about gold extraction. Visiting here gives a hands-on historical experience. Allocate about 1–1.5 hours.
North Pole: Visiting North Pole is fun for a quick stop and a chance to see the Santa Claus House. It’s a whimsical experience, great for photos and souvenir shopping. You don’t need more than 30–45 minutes unless you really enjoy shopping.
Reindeer Farm: A Reindeer Farm visit is unique to Alaska and especially fun for teens. You’ll get a chance to see, feed, and sometimes even interact with reindeer. It’s generally a short visit, about 1 hour, but very memorable.

As for dog mushing camps, since your tour includes other stops where you’ll likely have a chance to see sled dogs and mushing demonstrations, it may not be necessary to schedule a separate session in Fairbanks. However, if you want a preview or hands-on experience, some kennels near Fairbanks do offer short rides or demonstrations in summer.

Additional sights to consider depending on your interests and timing:

Pioneer Park: A small historical theme park with museums, historic buildings, and train rides. Good for a quick stroll and to stretch your legs.
Chena River area: Beautiful for a scenic drive or a short walk along the river. Great if you want to take a few photos or enjoy Alaska’s summer greenery.

For dining in Fairbanks, here are some recommended spots:

The Pump House: Classic Alaskan cuisine with a view of the Chena River. Offers seafood, prime rib, and local specialties.
Lavelle’s Bistro: Upscale dining with locally sourced ingredients, excellent for dinner before your tour.
Alaska Salmon Bake: Casual, family-friendly, with outdoor seating and traditional Alaskan fare like salmon and halibut.
Cookie Jar Restaurant: Cozy breakfast or lunch spot with hearty portions and local flavors, good for starting your day.

Suggested itinerary to maximize your day:

Morning: Start with Dredge Gold 8 to enjoy the gold mining history before the crowds.
Late morning: Head to North Pole for a quick fun stop at the Santa Claus House.
Midday: Visit the Reindeer Farm for interaction and photos.
Afternoon: Optional Pioneer Park or scenic drive along Chena River if time allows.
Evening: Dinner at The Pump House or Lavelle’s Bistro before returning to your hotel.

With this plan, you get a mix of history, local wildlife, whimsical stops, and iconic Alaskan scenery, all in one day, without feeling rushed.