Fairbanks Riverboat Discovery: A Unique Look At Alaskan Life

Paddleboat tours are a nostalgic way of reliving history. In Fairbanks, the Riverboat Discovery Tour offers just that: a unique glimpse into Alaska’s rich history and stunning wilderness. 

On our journey on an authentic sternwheeler, we were mesmerized by the breathtaking landscapes alongside the Chena and Tanana Rivers.

The Fairbanks attraction is not just a boat ride but an adventure connecting us to the region’s gold rush past and the culture that still thrives today.

While we took the tour as part of an Alaska cruise and land tour, independent travelers on an Alaska road trip itinerary can enjoy it, too. We’re sharing our experience of this fantastic excursion and why it was the highlight of our stay in Fairbanks, Alaska.

History Of Riverboat Cruises In Fairbanks

Riverboat cruises in Fairbanks have a rich and fascinating history that showcases the evolution of transportation and tourism in Alaska. Since the Chena River is shallow, paddle wheelers provide the perfect mode of transportation, only needing nine inches of clearance.

The Binkley family has been offering riverboat cruises in Fairbanks for over a century. The business was primarily operated by Captain Jim and Mary B. While their grandchildren now run it, we saw Mary outside her home as we traveled by.

Today, the tours run twice daily from mid-May to mid-September. It’s the perfect summer outing for families, friends, or anyone looking to discover Alaska’s beautiful wilderness.

Two Types Of Riverboats

Two vessels are in operation, Discovery II and III, offering 3-1/2-hour rides down the Chena River.

• Discovery II: Launched in 1971, the Discovery II has three passenger decks and can hold up to 400 guests.

• Discovery III: The later model Discovery III came into service in 1987. Its four passenger decks can accommodate 900 passengers.

The vessel used depends on the number of guests. We took our cruise on the large, reasonably full vessel in early June.

We could choose from indoor or outdoor seating and weren’t assigned seats. During the cruise, we could move to different areas as there were plenty of empty seats.

The vessels are designed with inclusivity in mind. They are wheelchair accessible and equipped with washrooms, a gift shop, and a small galley.

How To Get There

Getting to the Fairbanks Riverboat Discovery is simple and convenient. Several transportation options are available from downtown Fairbanks, and the trip takes 15 minutes.

Our journey begins at Steamboat Landing, 1975 Discovery Drive, Fairbanks, AK. There are lots of complimentary parking at the site, where we boarded the Riverboat Discovery for our exciting adventure.

Transportation Options:

• Shuttle Services: Many local hotels provide shuttle services directly to Steamboat Landing. It’s a hassle-free option for those staying nearby.
• Taxi Services: Taxis are available, though they can be pricey if coming from downtown Fairbanks. Plan ahead to avoid unexpected costs.
• Rental Cars: Renting a vehicle offers the most flexibility. This way, you can explore the area around Fairbanks at your own pace.

Since I took my tour with Holland America, transportation was provided from and to our hotel.

Exploring The Chena River

As we left Steamboat Landing, we could see some beautiful waterfront homes. The narrated journey included the weather in Fairbanks, the gold rush, and how locals deal with the darkness in winter.

Along the way, we enjoyed some presentations, the first of which was the takeoff and landing of a bush pilot plane.

Bush Pilot Demonstration

The bush pilot demonstration is subject to suitable weather and flying conditions. We were lucky enough to enjoy an engaging display showcasing the skill of a pilot who navigates Alaska’s challenging terrain.

We watched a skilled takeoff and landing on water right next to the riverboat. I was surprised to learn that in rugged regions of Alaska, 25% of people have a pilot’s license, the preferred mode of transportation, I guess.

During this demonstration, we learn about the history of bush flying and its impact on Alaska’s development. The pilot had a microphone and could talk to us during his demonstration.

Trail Breaker Kennel

Our next stop was the Trail Breaker Kennel, one of Alaska’s oldest dog sledding kennels. Susan Butcher, founder of the kennel, is renowned for being the second woman to win the famed Iditarod race. After her first win in 1986, she went on to win three more times.

Her daughter, Tekla, took the microphone and talked about Alaskan huskies, which are used for both racing and recreation. The kennel offers tours that provide insights into the training process and the dogs’ daily lives.

Watching from our riverboat, we observed a team attached to an ATV do a dirt run around the lake. It was 82F the day we visited; a bit too hot for the dogs’ liking. So, they finished with a refreshing dip in the river.

Later, at the Chena Village Museum, guests could purchase a copy of the book Granite about Susan’s greatest lead dog. The kids’ books are personalized and make great Alaskan gifts for children.

Chena Village

The Chena Village Living Museum was the highlight of our riverboat tour. The reconstructed Athabascan village contains structures built from raw materials, showcasing how locals lived.

This village sits at the crossroads of the Chena and Tanana Rivers and resembles an authentic village from the early 1900s.

Demonstrations showed how the Athabascan people caught and smoked fish to preserve it for the winter. We saw a large smokehouse filled with drying salmon near the fish wheel.

Chum (dog) salmon was dried to feed their dogs, while they ate the King and Coho (silver) salmon.

In the village, several cache structures built high off the ground, protected fish, food, and animal skins. They showed the different animal pelts and finished with someone modeling a stunning regalia parka made from different furs.

The regalia parka was a breathtaking and masterful piece made by Dixie Alexander. Not surprisingly, these detailed coats sell for tens of thousands of dollars. The pinnacle of the parka is the signature hood.

After three demonstrations in the village, we had some free time to wander freely. We saw their caribou and some husky puppies from Trail Break Kennel and browsed the trapper cabins scattered throughout the property.

The exhibits include tools, crafts, tanning hides, and the river’s significance to the community.

The caribou and reindeer pen demonstrate their key to the locals’ survival. They were not only hunted for meat, but their hides were also used for shelter and clothing, and their bones for weapons and tools.

Sights And Landmarks

As we cruised along the Chena River, we were treated to breathtaking sights and landmarks that highlighted Alaska’s beauty. The riverbanks are adorned with large estates, and we were surprised to see homeowners offering a welcoming wave as we sailed by.

While much of the journey involved wilderness, we passed one establishment, The Pump House, a local business hopping with customers.

Food And Beverages On The Cruise

On our Fairbanks Riverboat Discovery Tour, we enjoyed a selection of complimentary beverages and donuts. The blueberry donuts were the best, and I noticed many going back for seconds and thirds.

Additionally, guests can purchase alcohol or additional food items. The selection included:

• Reindeer or beef hot dog
• Reindeer chili
• Salmon snack
• Chips and candy

I tried the delicious reindeer chili, a bargain of USD 5. Iced tea, lemonade, hot cocoa, and hot apple cider were also offered for just USD 1.

On our return to Steamboat Landing, we were given a complimentary snack of smoked salmon and cream cheese on a cracker. Guests wanting to purchase tins of salmon could do so at the gift shop on land.

Lunch At Discovery Dining Hall

After an enjoyable riverboat cruise, we headed to the Discovery Dining Hall for a satisfying meal. The large room was filled with long tables adorned with green tablecloths.

The Menu

The Discovery Dining Hall’s hearty menu reflects the spirit of the Alaskan experience. However, being gluten- and lactose-intolerant, I couldn’t eat much of the offerings. I stuck with the apple pecan salad with a lovely apple cider mustard dressing.

A standout dish is the miner’s stew, which everyone remarked was fantastic. It was accompanied by sourdough dinner rolls, Tuscan vegetable couscous, and a dessert of German chocolate brownies.

The meal was an all-you-can-eat, so diners could request more if a bowl was emptied quickly. If you’ve purchased a tour without the meal, you can buy the dining experience for USD 19.95 for adults and USD 11.95 for children.

The Captain’s Corner Snack Bar & deli also has convenient grab-and-go foods.  

Steamboat Landing’s Amenities

Steamboat Landing offers a range of amenities designed to enhance the visitors’ experience.

Alaska @ 40 Below

The 40 Below Room is a unique feature at Steamboat Landing. The cold room allows guests to experience the effects of extreme cold that Fairbanks is known for in winter.

In this room, the temperature is maintained well below freezing. Entry is complimentary, and there is an option to purchase a photo. The day we arrived, no one had been into the room, so the temperature had fallen to -65F.

Having been to the Canadian Rockies in winter, I jumped at the chance to be the first inside. On my first go, I entered with a coat. The extreme cold made me slightly breathless on entry. The worst part was touching the door handle, which was frozen.

Later, I went in again when it had warmed up to -40F, this time wearing just my T-shirt. It was a fun experience, but honestly, it doesn’t mimic Fairbanks in winter since we weren’t in there long enough.

Discovery Trading Post

The Discovery Trading Post, the Steamboat Landing’s gift shop, had the best selection of items. While Fairbanks was our last stop on a 14-day trip, we bought additional items here. Their prices were better than any other destination we visited in Alaska.

Getting Tickets

While you can arrive at the Steamboat Landing without reservations, booking tickets ahead is best as cruise lines take most of the available spots.

Combination Tour With Gold Dredging

Complementing the river adventure is Gold Dredge 8, an authentic gold mining experience that transports visitors back to the gold rush era.

We took this tour, which allowed us to immerse ourselves in Alaska’s majestic rivers and rich mining history. The all-day tour typically lasts around six hours and includes seeing part of the Alaskan pipeline.

While I had done gold panning before, this one explored a historic dredge and was a lot more interactive and well done. It’s an excellent activity for families wanting to go home with their panned gold.

While we didn’t strike it rich during the panning process, we gained insight into the challenges and triumphs faced by miners years ago.

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