Museum of The North at UAF
Fairbanks is a full day's trip from Anchorage (about 8 hours by car or 12 hours on the train), but it is just a little hop by plane with several flights a day offered from Anchorage. There are some wonderful things to see and do in Fairbanks. One of the best attractions is the Museum of the North at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (907 Yukon drive).
One of the new items on display is a Ichthyosaur (marine dinosaur) fossil discovered in the Brooks Range of Alaska. Discovered in 1950, the beasty had a long wait to be completely dug up, transfered to Fairbanks, studied and then finally displayed at the Museum's annual open house this weekend. It is the oldest, largest, northern marine reptile discovered, though there are larger examples of Ichthyosaurs down South.
The Museum of the North has always been one of my favorite museums. Their collection includes 1.4 million artifacts and specimens. So they have much to chose from for their displayed items. The collection of Alaska Native works is impressive as is their display of Alaskan animal specimens. Both are broken into regions (5 of them) from around the state.
They also have a lovely collection of art, including oil paintings by Sidney Lawrence. On the grounds are several totem poles of note. My favorite is right out front and tells the story of the origins of the mosquito. If you are heading North, be sure to plan a trip to this museum!
