Tanana AlaskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Tanana, Alaska.
1. Yukon River Village
HISTORIC RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY
Yukon River Village of Tanana is a small community of approximately 170 people situated directly on the Yukon River, 730 miles from its mouth. Visitors can experience the authentic rural Alaskan lifestyle while exploring this historic settlement. The village offers a unique glimpse into traditional ways of life in interior Alaska with its riverside location and cultural significance.
2. Cos Jacket
HISTORIC GHOST TOWN
Cos Jacket is a fascinating ghost town located on the lower Tanana River, offering visitors a glimpse into Alaska's past. The abandoned settlement features several sagging log structures, a cabin-size cache with a tin roof, and historic artifacts like wooden barrels and iron cookstoves. Nature is slowly reclaiming this once-populated area, creating an atmospheric destination for history enthusiasts.
3. Tanana River
SCENIC WATERWAY ROUTE
The Tanana River is a major waterway in central Alaska that flows into the Yukon River near the village of Tanana. The river offers excellent opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and wildlife viewing in a pristine natural setting. Its tea-colored waters and surrounding wilderness make it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an authentic Alaskan experience.
4. Alfred Starr Cultural Center
ATHABASCAN CULTURAL HERITAGE
The Alfred Starr Cultural Center focuses on preserving and showcasing the culture and lifestyle of the Athabascans along with the local history of Nenana. Exhibits cover Alaska Native traditions, practices, and the rich heritage of indigenous peoples in the region. Visitors can learn about traditional crafts, hunting methods, and the deep connection between native communities and the land.
5. Tanana Lakes Recreation Area
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Tanana Lakes Recreation Area offers diverse outdoor activities with features including two sandy swimming beaches and both motorized and non-motorized lakes. Visitors can enjoy the accessible playground, hiking trails, ATV paths, and numerous picnic sites throughout the park. The recreation area also includes a pavilion and rifle range, making it a comprehensive destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
6. SS Nenana
LAST LADY RIVER BOAT
The SS Nenana, known as the "Last Lady of the River," is a 247-foot wooden hull boat built in Nenana, Alaska in 1932 and launched in 1933. This historic vessel carried both passengers and freight along the Yukon and Tanana rivers until 1954, with a crew of 32. The SS Nenana was named a National Historic Landmark in 1989 and is now preserved at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks.
7. Kitty Hensley House
PIONEER QUEEN ANNE HOME
The Kitty Hensley House Museum has been located at Pioneer Park since 1967 and represents early pioneer homemaking in Fairbanks. Kitty Hensley, who arrived in Fairbanks in 1907, was the original owner of this Queen Anne style house and the riverboat "Florence S." The museum reflects how early day pioneer homemakers were an integral part of settling Fairbanks and is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
8. Harding Car
PRESIDENTIAL RAILROAD HISTORY
The Harding Car, also known as the Denali Car, is a historic railroad car that carried President Warren G. Harding when he visited Alaska in 1923. Harding rode in this car to drive the Golden Spike for the Alaska Railroad, completing the 500-mile long line. This preserved piece of history represents a significant moment as Harding was the first President to visit Alaska.
9. Pioneer Air Museum
AVIATION HISTORY COLLECTION
The Pioneer Air Museum in Fairbanks preserves the rich aviation history of Alaska with a collection of historic aircraft and memorabilia. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the crucial role aviation played in connecting remote Alaskan communities and supporting development throughout the vast territory. The museum honors the bush pilots and aviation pioneers who helped shape Alaska's transportation networks and cultural identity.
10. Pioneer Museum
GOLD RUSH ERA HERITAGE
The Pioneer Museum in Fairbanks showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the gold rush era and early settlement of interior Alaska. The museum's collections include mining equipment, household items, clothing, and photographs that document the challenges faced by early pioneers. Visitors gain insight into the determination and resourcefulness of those who helped establish communities in this remote northern frontier.
11. Tanana Valley Railroad Museum
HISTORIC RAIL TRANSPORTATION
The Tanana Valley Railroad Museum preserves the history of rail transportation in Alaska's interior region. Exhibits feature restored locomotives, rail cars, and equipment that once served the communities along the Tanana Valley. The museum tells the story of how railroads transformed access to remote areas and supported mining, agriculture, and community development throughout the region.
12. Wickersham House Museum
JUDICIAL PIONEER HOME
The Wickersham House Museum preserves the historic home of James Wickersham, an influential judge, delegate to Congress, and pioneer in Alaska's development. The house contains original furnishings, personal belongings, and an extensive library that belonged to this significant figure in Alaska's history. Visitors can explore the restored rooms and learn about Wickersham's contributions to Alaska's judicial system and path to statehood.
13. Cosna River
PRISTINE WILDERNESS WATERWAY
The Cosna River is a pristine waterway that dumps iced-tea colored water into the Tanana River near the abandoned settlement of Cos Jacket. This unspoiled river offers excellent opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, and wilderness canoeing adventures. The surrounding forests and wetlands provide habitat for diverse plant and animal species, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.
14. Mission of Our Savior
HISTORIC EPISCOPAL CHURCH
The Mission of Our Savior is a historic Episcopal church established in Tanana during the early 20th century to serve the local community. The mission building stands as a testament to the influence of religious organizations in Alaska's remote villages and their role in education and healthcare. Visitors can appreciate the simple architecture and learn about the mission's contributions to the cultural development of the Tanana region.
15. Nuchalawoya Cultural Center
NATIVE CULTURAL PRESERVATION
The Nuchalawoya Cultural Center serves as a gathering place for cultural activities and preservation of Athabascan traditions in Tanana. The center hosts demonstrations of traditional crafts, dance performances, and storytelling events that connect younger generations with their heritage. Visitors can learn about subsistence practices, language preservation efforts, and contemporary challenges facing Alaska Native communities.