University of Alaska Museum of the North

Riddled with dead animals everywhere. Plenty of people will love this museum, just as reviews show, but I was shocked and disturbed nearly the entire time. First off, this museum is overpriced at $22 ($16 if you’re an Alaskan resident), plus $1.50 an hour for parking on weekdays. I’m a browser, but I only spent 1 hour here. But I could overlook the price tag if it didn’t so heavily glorify hunting and cover more than half of the museum in taxidermy, bloody hunting art, tools and clothing made of animal skin and fur, and have a big centerpiece of a murdered whale. I’m fully aware hunting and animal use is part of Alaskan culture, historically and presently, but it did not present it solely factually, and it overdoes it. It passionately presents it as the correct way to live, as shown in the whaling description, which was funded by the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission. I understand there is cultural significance of hunting and whaling, especially for Alaska Natives still today, but it all left little room in the museum to showcase artwork and sculptures of living animals and the beauty of Alaska’s nature. For a museum to be so blatantly pro-hunting and even pro-whaling is disheartening and not family-friendly. However, I did very much enjoy the small Natural Wonders exhibit of photographer Michio Hoshino, and I wish there was more of his work and the like. This small museum did an excellent job with their displays and covered a lot of Alaskan history, but it was most certainly not for me, nor is it likely a good visit for other animal lovers either.

Informative and worth the cost of admission. So much to look at, learn, and so many interesting experiences to have. I highly recommend experiencing “The Place Where You Go To Listen”, if only for a couple of minutes. Additionally, if you catch it on the right day, you might also get a glimpse of Denali like we did. We didn’t know how lucky we were as we had just arrived in Alaska for the first time but there’s a fantastic vista very close to the parking lot. In addition to the natural history exhibits, there is a lot of art to see by Alaskan artists along with native exhibits and exploration artifacts and equipment. So much cool stuff to experience that really set the tone for our great Alaska adventure. Don’t miss it!

We really enjoyed our visit to the Museum of the North. Great place to learn about Alaskan history!! We spent about 2-2.5 hours here but could have spent way longer if we wanted to look at the exhibits even more in depth! One thing to note is that parking is not free, we didn’t know that before visiting but it was only $4.50 or so for 3 hours so it’s not expensive at all.

Museum itself is great, definitely worth the price of admission. I love the way the main exhibits are set out and how many topics are covered. If you're freaked out by taxidermy, be aware that there is a lot, but it's mostly well done and always tasteful. One star taken away because I had hoped to get lunch and had half a sandwich that was mid and overpriced even for your average museum cafe. But cafe aside, I had a great time here and especially loved all the pinniped carvings and masks 💖

It's a beautifully and tastefully made Museum amidst scenic area. They also play few short movies on Dinosaur Research and Aurora Borealis of Alaska. Ticket charges are 22 USD for foreigners. Houses massive whale and other Animal fossils. A small ruck store is there though expensive. May other unique preserves and history on the walls. Theres a very interestingly constructed Quite Room where some earthy sounds are played. A must visit while in Fairbanks.

This is a fascinating natural history museum. There is so much to see. There is a schedule of when videos are playing. They have an art museum as well. The gift shop is small but has unique items. They also have a little cafe that you can stop at. There is an elevator for those who cannot climb stairs. We spent a lot of time walking through the museum. They offer a veteran/military discount as well as a senior discount.

Great museum. I really enjoyed reading and learning the history of AK. Make sure you go upstairs to the music room. It is very nice. You have to pay for parking btw, but it isn’t expensive.

An Absolute Must-See in Fairbanks! ​This museum is a true gem and an essential stop for anyone visiting or living in Fairbanks. The stunning architecture is the first thing you'll notice, and what's inside is just as impressive. It provides a fantastic look into the rich natural, cultural, and artistic history of Alaska.

This place deserves 5* and a MUST visit to truly understand Alaska fir those who are curious to know more than just enjoy the picturesque tranquility. Not a humongous place but the way it is curated is very viewer friendly. The writeups are descriptive and yet easy to read. The gift shop is ok and not many things stand out. Most are souvenirs like key chain, magnets, etc. Definitely worth the time.

Cool place! Neatly curated, easy to navigate, filled with interactive exhibits. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Free movies every hour on the dot.