As we walk under the bridge over the entrance to Gold Rush Town, you can see the Tanana Valley Railroad's Engine #1 chug by with a load of passengers.
This would be a good time to let you in on local's secret number one: Pioneer Park was not so long ago called Alaskaland. Then someone somewhere decided that might confuse tourists into thinking that Fairbanks had an amusement park, so in 2001 they changed the name. But guess what, to the locals, it's still Alaskaland.
Next we have main street in Gold Rush Town, lined with historical cabins that have been relocated here from around the city of Fairbanks. We've just made a few minor alterations, making them suitable to house gift shops and snack bars.
Here we have the -40 cabin. For a mere $8, you can go home and tell all of your friends and family that you know what it feels like to be in Interior Alaska in the dead of winter.
Local's secret number two: You'd have to experience it for longer than a few minutes to know what it's really like, and we don't need a reminder in the middle of summer that we'll be feeling the sting of winter again very soon. Trust me, you should just keep your $8.
Around the corner we have the Palace Theater and Saloon. During the summer, shows are put on regularly and a good time is generally had by all.
In the center of the park is the majestic Sternwheeler Nenana. For a small fee, you can actually board and tour this example of Alaskan history.
Anyone getting hungry? There are several gastronomic options for you all around the park.
Local's secret number three: This is a Souvlaki. It is delicious, and since the downtown location closed a few years ago, this is the only place we can score one of these other than at the Fair that's only open for a week each year.
Enjoy your stay in Fairbanks!
So funny, when I read the very beginning my 1st thought was "It'll always be Alaskaland" :o) I enjoy reading your post just so I can touch base with Fairbanks now & again.
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