Fairbanks, Alaska – Wheelchair-Friendly Activities
Fairbanks, Alaska – Wheelchair-Friendly Activities
Due to its inland location, getting to Fairbanks is part of the fun of visiting. The Alaska Railroad provides a jaw-dropping tour through the Alaska wilderness of Denali National Park on its way from Anchorage to Fairbanks. You can also drive along the scenic route if you prefer. If you are looking to get to Fairbanks as quickly as possible, you can fly into Fairbanks International Airport.
Once you arrive, there are many things that you can do to explore the city. Check out the Chena Hot Springs Resort. You can book a room here to enjoy all the activities if you like, or you can pick and choose them ala carte. One thing that is a must do is to experience the hot springs. There is help readily available to transfer someone to the water from a chair or scooter if need be. Nothing is as relaxing as soaking in the soothing springs.
While on the property, you can also learn about dog mushing by taking the Chena Kennel Tour. Put a smile on your face by taking the opportunity to play with some future dog sled puppies! Depending on when you visit, you can also book a tour to view the spectacular Northern Lights. Talk about taking your breath away!
Another great way to spend some time in Fairbanks is to visit the University of Alaska Museum of the North. All the exhibits here are accessible, and the museum does have a few wheelchairs available, however they are on a first-come, first-served basis so you might want to call ahead if not bringing one with you. They also provide media services including open captioning and audio tours as well. Auditorium shows at the museum can be enjoyed with an assisted-listening device available from the front desk and transcripts of the presentation are on offer if desired.
The permanent exhibits range from the Gallery of Alaska, which features information about the five regions on display, to the Collections Gallery, which is the expeditions and archaeological exhibit of Alaska. There are lots more galleries and interesting items to discover!
If you are interested in finding out more about the cultural aspects of Alaska, you might want to visit the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center. The facility is wheelchair accessible, and there are also assisted-living devices available at the front desk. You can also inquire about equipment that allows for narration of all the exhibits and many of them are tactile as well. The theater provides an area where someone can remain in their chair or scooter, or easily transfer to a seat.
The Center provides for a wide array of online and in-person displays and presentations. Take a closer look of how Alaskans move through their daily life throughout different seasons. Learn about the cultural and economic history of the state. Explore how the Alaskan Natives Claims Settlement Act shaped the future of the regions involved and how they work within it today.
Don’t forget to take in downtown Fairbanks while you are here! Discover all the historic buildings, do some souvenir shopping, and take in a great restaurant or salmon-bake.
Regardless of how you spend your time in Fairbanks, let Special Needs Group help you uncover all the wonderful things to do and see more comfortably. We can provide you with a scooter, wheelchair, or portable oxygen concentrator, to aid you in your travels. Check with us at 800-513-4515 for these or other needs you may have! We look forward to assisting you.
