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Riverboat Discovery Sternwheeler Cruise in Fairbanks
Get a taste of the colorful history and cultural traditions in the great interior region of alaska..
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Home » City-Based Day Tours » Fairbanks » Riverboat Discovery Sternwheeler Cruise in Fairbanks
Day Tour Details
What's included:.
- Narrated tour onboard the Riverboat Discovery III
- All taxes and fees
What's Not Included:
Meals and transfers to and from your hotel.
Riverboat Discovery Cruise Experience: Take a Video Tour:
Dates & Rates
Contact us to book this tour..
Thank you for your interest in this tour! At this time, it is not currently available to book online. Please feel free to continue to peruse our website for more Alaska travel ideas. If you would like options and information from our team of Alaska experts, please call 1-866-317-3325 or fill out the form below.
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AlaskaTours created an amazing trip for my Dad & I!! We got to experience so much awesomeness that Alaska has to offer. Our agent Kim was the best and thought of everything with us and took such care of us traveling in this crazy COVID time. Can't wait to return to Alaska.
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Make 2024 your year
Your three-hour tour will take you into the heart of Alaska and introduce you to a family who has made the rivers of Alaska their way of life for five generations.
Chena Village Living Museum
Be immersed in frontier living first hand with a guided walking tour of an Athabascan village. You’ll see an Athabascan village with cabins made of spruce logs, a cache used for storing supplies, a primitive spruce bark hut and fur pelts. Our guides will explain how the wolf, fox, martin and beaver were used to provide food and protection in the harsh Arctic climate. They will also share how the Athabascans skillfully survived for over 10,000 years and how they adapted to village life and Western culture in the past century.
At the end of your guided tour, you will have time to explore the village on your own, interact with our guides and visit dogs from Susan Butcher’s Trail Breaker Kennel.
Bush Pilot Demonstration
See an Alaskan bush pilot takeoff and land right next to the boat! ( 1 ) Our pilot will share his stories of village life and explain the vital role planes play in remote Alaska.
Trail Breaker Kennel
Visit the home and kennel of the late four-time Iditarod champion Susan Butcher as we pass Trail Breaker Kennel along the Chena River. Learn first hand about kennel life and the challenges that go into making a champion dogsled team. Dave and Tekla Monson, Susan’s husband and daughter, share stories of life on the trails as puppies play in anticipation of joining the team. Keep your cameras ready; you will not want to miss the dog mushing demonstration!
Steamboat Landing
Trading posts in the early days of Western contact were popular with people in Alaskan Villages, and that tradition continues with the Discovery Trading Post (on-board Discovery III) and Steamboat Landing (onshore). Both stores offer gifts and products that are unique to Alaska and the Native culture. To this day, we strive to follow Captain Jim’s commitment to give visitors “the best value at the best price” by offering Fairbanks’ largest selection of Alaskan souvenirs and gifts.
Discovery Dining Hall
If you are hungry, be sure to check out our Discovery Dining Hall. With seatings at 11:45 AM and 1 PM you can enjoy a full family-style meal and eat to your fill. The Discovery Dining Hall offers our hearty miner's beef stew, rustic roasted vegetables, a kale apple pecan salad, sourdough rolls and, for dessert, a German chocolate brownie. For beverages we offer iced tea, water, coffee and hot tea. Beer and wine are available for purchase as well.
Captain's Corner Grab & Go Lunch
For something quick, stop by the Captain's Corner located inside Steamboat Landing. We have fresh made sandwiches, wraps and salads ready each day. Enjoy your lunch on our beautiful outdoor deck as you soak in the sun and enjoy views of the Chena River.
Beer, wine and snacks are also available for sale aboard Discovery III.
A family business
The Binkley family’s steamboating tradition goes back over 100 years and five generations. In 1898, when Charles M. Binkley hiked over the Chilkoot Pass with other stampeders, he was not so much in search of gold as he was the chance to build and operate boats on the Yukon and its tributaries. He became a respected pilot and boat builder in the North. His son, Captain Jim Binkley, Sr., followed in his father’s footsteps and piloted freight vessels on the Yukon and Tanana Rivers in the 1940's.
As transportation systems changed in the north, railroads and airplanes began to carry much of the freight. In 1950, noting the coming changes in the freighting business, Captain Jim and his wife, Mary, began a river excursion business focusing on sharing their love of Alaska and its culture with visitors. Over the coming years, Captain Jim and Mary B’s business grew from the Godspeed, a 25 passenger vessel, to the Discovery III, a 900 passenger vessel. Today, Captain Jim’s grandchildren run the company and Mary B is still active in the business.
In addition to growing their sternwheel business, the Binkley’s have added a gold mining attraction: Gold Dredge 8. The family has developed a tour in the heart of the gold fields where the first gold strikes attracted miners from the Klondike. They have incorporated large scale industrial mining and the smaller 'Mom and Pop' side of mining into an all-encompassing tour that also features the Trans Alaska Pipeline and a replica of the Tanana Valley Railroad.
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Can I do both the Riverboat Discovery and Gold Dredge 8 tours in one day?
Yes, our tours are designed so you can do both tours in one day. However, please note that these tours are not at the same location.
Are reservations required?
Although reservations are not required, they are highly recommended. We recommend making reservations as soon as you know the date you would like to go on our tours.
What time should I arrive for my tour?
We recommend arriving at the Riverboat Discovery at least 30 minutes prior to departure time. When you arrive at the Riverboat Discovery you will need to check in at our ticket counter to pick up your boarding passes.
We recommend arriving at Gold Dredge 8 at least 15 minutes prior to departure time. When you arrive at Gold Dredge 8 you will need to check in at our train station in the parking lot to pick up your boarding passes.
How do I get to your location?
The Riverboat Discovery is located a few miles from Fairbanks International Airport. Take Airport Way West towards the airport; take a right onto Dale Road; continue about 1/2 mile and take a right onto Discovery Drive; we are located at the end of Discovery Drive.
Gold Dredge 8 is located about 25 minutes outside of Fairbanks on the Old Steese Highway. Take the Steese Highway (Route 2) North; take a left onto Goldstream Road; take a left onto Old Steese Highway (the first cross-road); our entrance is the first driveway on the right.
How long should I allow to get to each location?
The Riverboat Discovery is roughly 7 miles from downtown Fairbanks. We recommend allowing 20 minutes to get from downtown Fairbanks to the Riverboat Discovery.
Gold Dredge 8 is roughly 10 miles from downtown Fairbanks. We recommend allowing 25 minutes to get from downtown Fairbanks to Gold Dredge 8.
What address do I enter in my GPS to get to your location?
Riverboat Discovery: 1975 Discovery Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99709
Gold Dredge 8: 1803 Old Steese Highway North, Fairbanks, AK 99712
I don’t have a car. What is the best way to get to the Riverboat Discovery and/or Gold Dredge 8?
We recommend renting a car while in Fairbanks so you can explore the beauty of our widespread community. Many local hotels offer shuttles to the Riverboat Discovery. We recommend checking with the front desk at your hotel for the best transportation option to the Riverboat Discovery. Many of our Riverboat Discovery guests arrive via taxi or shuttle. We do not recommend taking a taxi to our Gold Dredge 8 location. It is outside of town and a taxi would be quite expensive. We recommend either renting a car or checking into a shuttle service such as Go North (907-452-9999) or Airlink (907-452-3337).
What should I bring on my tour?
We recommend bringing a camera and a light jacket.
What should I wear on my tour?
We always suggest wearing layers. A portion of our tours at both locations are outdoors where you are exposed to the elements. Our boats at the Riverboat Discovery have heated/air-conditioned decks for your comfort. The train at Gold Dredge 8 is open air and has a roof.
Is the tour ever cancelled due to the weather?
In our 70+ year history, we have never cancelled a tour due to the weather. If it is sprinkling rain, we provide ponchos, seat cushions and umbrellas for our guests at both locations. If it is pouring rain at the Riverboat Discovery, we will bring the village tour onto the boat.
Will I see wildlife?
You will see reindeer as part of the tour at the Riverboat Discovery.
Will there be a Bush Pilot Demonstration Today?
We strive to have every part of the tour available each day, however several weather factors can ground the planes doing the demonstration. We may cancel the Bush Pilot Demonstration due to severe winds, fog, ice flows, or any other weather conditions that make it unsafe to fly on that day.
Is there anything available to eat on the tour?
We have complimentary coffee and fresh donuts at the Riverboat Discovery. If you are looking for something more than donuts, we have three options available at the Riverboat Discovery: Discovery Dining Hall, where we serve a hearty miner’s stew (vegetarian and gluten-free options available upon request); galleys on board the boats that have snack food (reindeer dogs, chili, chips, etc.); Captain’s Corner, where we offer lunch boxes (sandwiches, salad, chips and a soda). We also serve locally made ice cream on the boats and at Captain’s Corner in the gift shop. At Gold Dredge 8, we serve complimentary freshly baked cookies, coffee and hot chocolate.
Is there assigned seating on the boat or train?
No, seating is on a first come first served basis. Every seat on board is a great seat. We have TV monitors on every deck and train car that feature a live broadcast and provide supplementary informational footage.
Is there alcohol available for purchase?
Yes, at the Riverboat Discovery, we serve beer and wine on board our boats and in the Discovery Dining Hall.
Are there restrooms on the boat and train?
At the Riverboat Discovery, there are restrooms available on the boats, at our village and in our gift shop. At the Gold Dredge 8, there are restrooms available at our train station and in the gift shop.
How long is the tour and how often do tours run?
The tour at the Riverboat Discovery is three hours long. The Gold Dredge 8 tour is two hours long. Both of our tours run twice a day from mid-May to mid-September.
I purchased my ticket through an on-line agency. Do I need to check-in on-site?
Yes, you will need to check in at our ticket counter/train station to exchange your voucher for a boarding pass.
What is your refund policy?
We offer a full refund if you cancel your reservation up to 48 hours prior to your scheduled tour time. After 48 hours, we do not offer a refund but you can reschedule your tour for another time.
Are your tours wheelchair accessible?
Yes, our tours are wheelchair accessible . At the Riverboat Discovery, wheelchairs must board at the stern (back of the boat near the paddle wheel). When you arrive please notify an associate at the ticket counter or collection booth as we require wheelchairs to pre-board and be escorted by a trained Deckhand. Our Athabascan Village has gravel paths that allow easy access. If you need assistance at the Athabascan Village please notify a Deckhand. At Gold Dredge 8, we have certain train cars that are wheelchair accessible. When you arrive notify the associate that is assisting with boarding and they will direct you to the appropriate train car.
Are animals allowed on the boat or train?
Due to customer allergies, we only allow designated trained service animals.
Is the paddle wheel decorative?
No, the paddle wheel is used to power the boat.
Are the tours appropriate for young children?
Yes, we find that all ages enjoy our tours.
1975 Discovery Drive Fairbanks, AK 99709
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- Riverboat Discovery Cruise Fairbanks
Climb aboard a classic Chena River sternwheeler to experience the living history of Fairbanks, Alaska.
- Things to Do in Fairbanks
More Details
Rates & dates, departure times, availability.
Add to My Trip
For decades, riverboats like the Discovery III sternwheeler ran the big rivers of Alaska's interior. They hauled freight and passengers, linked distant communities and helped build new ones. Today the boat takes visitors on a unique tour to explore that history and see firsthand some of Alaska's quintessential pastimes.
Experience some of Alaska's quintessential pastimes.
The stately Discovery III has three decks with comfortable indoor seating, and a fourth top deck with open-air seating. The large red paddlewheel splashing at the stern propels the boat on its journey down the Chena River. It's right on the water shortly after leaving Steamboat Landing that guests see their first Alaskan demo. A bushplane on floats takes off alongside the boat, banking in a long arc until it loops back and lands again. The pilot talks about the wild life of bush flying in Alaska before the boat continues downstream. The next stop is an exuberant sled dog demo at the riverside kennels of late four-time Iditarod musher Susan Butcher.
Upon reaching the confluence of the Chena and Tanana Rivers, guests disembark for a walking tour of a Chena Indian Village. Native Alaskan guides lead groups to see spruce cabins, caches, smokehouses, and crafts created by Athabascans native to interior Alaska. After spending time further exploring the village on their own, guests board the boat for a return ride up the Chena River.
The Riverboat Discovery Cruise includes a bush plane demo, sled dog demo, and Chena Indian Village tour. There is a small giftshop and galley selling snacks, drinks, ice cream, and hearty lunch boxes on the boat. The tour returns to the Steamboat Landing where guests can visit the Discovery Trading Post, the largest Alaskan souvenir shop in Fairbanks .
What to Bring
Wear comfortable clothes and dress in layers. Most of the tour is conducted outside, so bring a light coat or rain jacket if necessary.
Special Instructions
Guests must check in at the Steamboat Landing station at least 30 minutes prior to the tour departure to exchange their voucher for a boarding pass.
Transfers & Meeting Points
The Riverboat Discovery Cruise is just five minutes from the Fairbanks airport and 20 minutes from downtown Fairbanks. Many local hotels offer shuttles to the Riverboat Discovery. Guests must coordinate their own transportation to the tour.
Riverboat Discovery Cruise 1975 Discovery Drive Fairbanks, Alaska 99709
Here are the rates and operating dates for this product. Remember, we have a lowest price guarantee for nearly everything we sell.
Child rates apply to children under the age of 13. Infants under the age of 2 may travel for free but must sit on an adult's lap.
| Dates | Adult | Child | Infant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6/1/24 (Sa) to 8/31/24 (Sa)6/1/24 (Sa) to 8/31/24 (Sa) | Adult: $90.00 | Child: $49.95 | Infant: $0.00 |
Departure times and locations are listed below. Click on a link for an interactive map.
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| Depart | Location |
|---|---|
| Depart: 8:45 AM | Location: |
| Depart | Location |
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| Depart: 2:00 PM | Location: |
SHOW MAP >
With the 2021 summer season still taking shape, some tour providers may not yet have their operating dates set. Availability on AlaskaTravel.com reflects the most current information and is updated daily. Please contact us if you have questions about this tour.
Select a departure below to see current availability. If your desired date is sold out (red) we will do our best to find an alternative, but we may not be able to accommodate your request.
Book Now >
Quick Facts
- Duration 3 Hours
- Options AM, PM
- Operating Dates Daily from 6/1/2024 to 8/31/2024
- Activity Level Less Active
What's Included
- Guided tour through an Athabascan village.
- Passage on a classic sternwheeler riverboat.
- Bush plane and sled dog demonstrations.
- Complimentary coffee and fresh donuts.
Guest Feedback
"We loved this! They made what might look like an ordinary river come alive! This was in our "Top 3 Attractions" list!"
~Ron from Illinois~
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Fairbanks Sightseeing Tours
Riverboat Discovery Cruise & Gold Dredge 8 Combo
Approximately 7 3/4 hours
May 15 -September 15
Adult - $159.95
Child - $138.95
- Easy Activity Level
- Meal Provided
- Wheelchair Accessible
Board the only remaining authentic Alaska sternwheeler for a cruise along the Chena and Tanana rivers in Chena River State Recreation Area. During this narrated cruise, you will witness the unique line where the clear waters of the Chena meet the Tanana, the world’s greatest glacier river carrying tons of glacial silt from the Alaska Range. Your next adventure carries you to the home of Dave Monson and the late Susan Butcher, four-time Iditarod champion. Here, you will meet their winning sled dogs and witness a sled-dog demonstration. From there, continue on to the Old Chena Indian Village and disembark for a glimpse into local life and history. Native guides will take you on a tour of an Athabascan Indian village, a spruce bark hut and trapper’s cabin made of spruce logs. Next, board a train to visit the Gold Dredge 8, a National Historic Monument! Local miners will give a brief course in mining, then you can try panning for yourself. You will find gold — we guarantee it! Finally, explore the dredge camp and visit the gift shop, where you can have your gold weighed and find out the dollar value based on the current market price. Turn your gold into a memorable keepsake before boarding the train for the return back to the station.
This tour can be booked in conjunction with a Gray Line Alaska package or on its own. To book this tour, please call 1-888-425-1737.
Riverboat Discovery Cruise & Gold Dredge 8 Combo
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Book shore excursions with confidence! We offer competitive pricing, friendly service and unmatched destination expertise.
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Description
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
Enjoy a cruise on the Chena and Tanana rivers aboard an authentic sternwheeler and watch a bush pilot takeoff and land on the surface of the Chena River in a float plane. Along the way you'll make a stop at the home of a late four-time Iditarod champion, meet some winning sled dogs and witness a dog sled demonstration. Next, you'll disembark the sternwheeler for a guided tour through a replication of an Athabascan Indian village, where you will learn in depth about Native Alaskan village life. Next you are off to Gold Dredge 8! Enjoy a close up view of the Trans Alaska pipeline and a presentation about the history and operation of the pipeline before boarding the train that will take you to Gold Dredge 8 where you will see first hand how the dredge worked the gold fields. You will find gold - we guarantee it!
Special Notes:
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Cruising Through Alaska History and Culture Aboard a Sternwheeler
Riverboat Discovery excursion along the Chena River in Fairbanks, Alaska
(Disclosure: Thanks to Explore Fairbanks for hosting my stay in Fairbanks. Observations and opinions, as always, are my own.)
Staff stand on the dock at Steamboat Landing in Fairbanks, Alaska and wave at us as we sail away on the sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery for a 3-hour narrated cruise along the Chena River.
A sternwheeler is a ship propelled by a paddle wheel positioned at the stern. Sternwheelers played a major transportation and freight role in Alaska in the late 1800s and first part of the 1900s. At one time there were 250 sternwheelers on Alaska rivers, 91 on the Chena. Powered by wood furnaces, they would use one cord of wood an hour. The current Riverboat Discovery is a tourist excursion boat powered by diesel, but it has a strong connection with the past.
The boat is owned and operated by descendants of Charles M. Binkley, who started building and piloting boats in the North in 1898. In the 1950s, with railroads and airplanes beginning to carry most of the freight, his son Captain Jim Binkley Sr. and his wife Mary started a river excursion business. It was their granddaughter piloting the Riverboat Discovery the day of my cruise.
Float Plane
Bush planes, landing with floats on the water in summer and with skis on snow in winter, were and still are another important transportation vehicle in the North. Shortly after leaving the dock, we were treated to a demonstration of a float plane taking off and landing.
Trail Breaker Kennel
Before the use of snow mobiles, called “snow machines” in Alaska, dogsledding was a common method of winter travel used by indigenous peoples and early European settlers and trappers. Although dog teams are no longer used much for travel or moving goods, dogsledding has become a popular winter sport. The Iditarod dogsled race, which was created in the 1970s partly to save dog sled culture, has contributed to its popularity. The race runs between Anchorage and Nome. The more grueling Yukon Quest, which runs between Whitehouse in Canada’s Yukon and Fairbanks, started in 1984.
Susan Butcher was a four-time Iditarod race winner, winning her first race in 1986 and winning again in 1987, 1988, and 1990. She passed away in 2006, but her family still operates Trail Breaker Kennel, one of the longest operating kennels in Fairbanks where visitors experience the Alaskan mushing lifestyle. We paused at the banks of the kennel to see some of the dogs and learn about dog sledding from Susan’s husband.
Chena Village
The only place where we stopped and disembarked on the cruise was at a recreated Chena Athabascan Indian Village from the early 1900s. Captain Jim Binkley Sr. supplied villages like this by sternwheeler from the late 1930s through the 1950s. Guides at Chena Village explained how various animals were used for food and protection (clothing and shelter), how Athabascans survived nomadic life and how they adjusted to village life. Dogs from Susan Butcher’s kennels were also on site for those who wanted to get closer to the animals and learn more about them.
On The River
As we cruised the river, we passed a variety of log cabins, old and new, large and small, on properties along the shore. We saw a herd of caribou (a planned sighting as this is a domestic herd) and a bald eagle along the shore (unplanned sighting).
We turned around at the point where the Chena River joins the Tanana River. The Tanana River is a 584-mile tributary of the Yukon River. The Tanana River is a braided river, something I’d not heard of until I visited Alaska. A braided river consists of a network of river channels that continually split and join and are separated by small and often temporary islands. Braided rivers are typically wide and shallow and carry a lot of sediment.
Steamboat Landing
At Steamboat Landing, where the Riverboat Discovery docks and sets sail from, you’ll find a gift shop and Discovery Dining Hall, where a hearty lunch of miner’s stew, rustic roasted vegetables, apple pecan salad, sourdough rolls and a brownie is served family style at long tables.
Here you’ll also find the Alaska @ 40 Below Experience, where you have a chance to enter a specially designed chamber to experience what -40 degree temperatures feel like. I did not join the line-up for what looked like the entrance to the locker plant at the butcher shop in my childhood hometown, where my family rented a locker to store frozen vegetables and sides of meat before we had our own freezer. (The inside of that locker was actually many degrees warmer than -40.) Coming from a place with cold winters, I’ve lived through -40 degree temperatures in real life and preferred to remain in the hot summer temperatures, so I passed on the Alaska @ 40 Below Experience. However, even the idea of temperatures that cold must seem unfathomable to people who’ve lived their lives in warm climates or have not experienced temperatures much below freezing. I can understand wanting to know what it feels like.
The Riverboat Discovery sails twice a day from early May through mid-September. It is an excursion well worth taking should you visit Fairbanks in the summer.
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A step back in time. (Or at least until you hit the gift shop part.) Looks like a great way to spend the day, scenic and relaxing.
Ken, the Riverboat Discovery is well worth doing when in Fairbanks. It is both a step back in time and a modern-day experience.
I’ll never forget the thrill of taking a cruise a few years ago on a paddleboat down the Mississippi and your ride on the ‘Riverboat Discovery’ looks just as memorable. I loved learning about the history of the sternwheeler ships as well as more about the dogsled races. And … oh that gorgeous fur parka!! Anita
Anita, that parka was special. It was made of some many different furs I couldn’t remember them all, with specific ones selected for right around the face because of their insulating quality and handling of moisture. I also don’t remember how much it weighed, but it wasn’t light!
Wow, this palace looks amazing. Your images is lively with the nice captions.
Thanks William, and thanks for stopping by.
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Climb on board an authentic Alaskan sternwheeler, the Riverboat Discovery, and take a journey back in time along the Chena and Tanana Rivers. Since 1950, the Binkley family has operated riverboat tours in Fairbanks; now you can cruise out into nature with third- and fourth-generation captains and experience the area's history and beauty firsthand.
SEASONAL BUSINESS open May 11, 2022 to September 17, 2022. Two tours daily departing at 8:45AM & 2:00PM. Please call ahead if visiting in May or September. More than just a boat ride! Board the Sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery for one of the most unique Alaskan experiences available! This three-hour cruise will take you into the heart of Alaska ...
May 27 - August 31, 2024. Child rate: $66. Child age: 3 to 12 years old. Tour overview: The perfect Fairbanks day tour combines river views and Alaska Native history and traditions! Climb aboard the Riverboat Discovery III for an unforgettable 3-hour cruise into Alaska's history. Travel the Chena and Tanana Rivers on Alaska's only authentic ...
Your three-hour tour will take you into the heart of Alaska and a family who has made the rivers of Alaska their way of life for five generations. ... Cruise the great rivers of the Last Frontier. ... Riverboat Discovery: 1975 Discovery Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99709. Gold Dredge 8: 1803 Old Steese Highway North, Fairbanks, AK 99712 ...
Approximately 5 hours. Price From. $99.95 Per Person. Snack Included. Easy Activity Level. Family Friendly. Wheelchair Accessible. Enjoy a cruise on the Chena and Tanana rivers aboard an authentic sternwheeler and watch a bush pilot take off and land from a riverbank landing strip. From late June through early August, these waters teem with salmon.
Many local hotels offer shuttles to the Riverboat Discovery. Guests must coordinate their own transportation to the tour. 1975 Discovery Drive. Fairbanks, Alaska 99709. Rates & Dates. Here are the rates and operating dates for this product. Remember, we have a for nearly everything we sell. Child rates apply to children under the age of 13.
More than just a boat ride! Board the Sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery for one of the most unique Alaskan experiences available! This three-hour cruise will take you into the heart of Alaska and introduce you to a family who has made the rivers of Alaska a way of life for five generations. You will see a bush floatplane takeoff alongside the boat, visit the home and kennels of the late four ...
This tour can only be booked in conjunction with a Gray Line Alaska package. To add this tour to your package, please call 1-888-425-1737. Board an authentic sternwheeler near Fairbanks, Alaska for the Riverboat Discovery Cruise, a journey along the convergence of the Chena and Tanana rivers.
The Riverboat Discovery Cruise. 3.5 hours | Fairbanks | 2AK-FAI-600 2 A K - F A I - 6 0 0. Avg ... Board the only remaining authentic Alaskan sternwheeler for a cruise along the Chena and Tanana rivers in Chena River State Recreation Area. With the feel of an old-time steamboat that frequented the river during the gold rush days, the modern-day ...
This tour can be booked in conjunction with a Gray Line Alaska package or on its own. To book this tour, please call 1-888-425-1737. Enjoy a memorable day in Alaska's gold country with a visit to the Dredge, followed by a cruise along the Chena and Tanana rivers in an authentic sternwheeler.
Take a ride on the authentic sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery III for a fully-narrated 3-1/2 hour cruise along the Chena and Tanana Rivers. See a bush plane demonstration. Visit the home and kennels of the late four-time Iditarod winner Susan Butcher. Gain insight into the ancient Athabascan Indian culture with a one-hour visit to an authentic ...
TOUR PRICE: $90. This 3.5-hour tour includes: Narrated sternwheeler journey on the Chena River. Guided tour of Native Alaskan village. Free coffee and donuts. Food available for purchase onboard. CALL TO BOOK: 800.544.0552. One of Alaska's top tours - a sternwheeler river adventure. See an operating fish wheel, a bush pilot demonstration ...
Enjoy a cruise on the Chena and Tanana rivers aboard an authentic sternwheeler and watch a bush pilot takeoff and land on the surface of the Chena River in a float plane. Along the way you'll make a stop at the home of a late four-time Iditarod champion, meet some winning sled dogs and witness a dog sled demonstration.
A sternwheeler is a ship propelled by a paddle wheel positioned at the stern. Sternwheelers played a major transportation and freight role in Alaska in the late 1800s and first part of the 1900s. At one time there were 250 sternwheelers on Alaska rivers, 91 on the Chena. Powered by wood furnaces, they would use one cord of wood an hour.
25% off children ages 4-12, and free for 3 and under. Greatland River Tours. Reserve by calling (907) 452-tour (8687) or email them at [email protected]. Hoselton Road (turn off Airport Way at Pikes Landing) Cruise the Chena River on an authentic sternwheelter while learning about old-time Fairbanks. Meals are served on board daily.
Approximately 7 1/2 hours. Price From. $169.95 Per Person. Easy Activity Level. Meal Provided. Shopping Opportunities. Wheelchair Accessible. Board the only remaining authentic Alaska sternwheeler for a cruise along the Chena and Tanana rivers in Chena River State Recreation Area. During this narrated cruise, you will witness the unique line ...
Used by 130,000 travelers, the Alaska TourSaver® coupon book has helped save visitors hundreds--sometimes more than a thousand dollars on Alaska trips. Read some testimonials. 100 Coupons. Size: 4 in. X 6 in. Weight: 6 oz.
Bundle. Fairbanks: Riverboat Cruise and Local Village Tour. Activity provider: Riverboat Discovery. 4.9 / 5110 reviews. Likely to sell out. See the beauty of Alaska on a riverboat cruise in Fairbanks. Meet a family who has made the rivers of Alaska their way of life for 5 generations. Visit a dog-sledding kennel and learn about mushing.
Riverboat Discovery. 1 Map Website. $89.95 3 hrs. Climb on board an authentic Alaskan sternwheeler, the Riverboat Discovery, and take a journey back in time along the Chena and Tanana rivers. Sternwheeler boats transport you out into the Alaskan wilderness, and also back to a time when Gold Rush fever was sweeping across ...
For more information call Riverboat Discovery (907) 479-6673, or visit their website. (Scroll to see other photographs of the Riverboat Discovery tour.) This way to Fairbanks' Premier Tourist Attraction! Riverboat Discovery III, (parked at Chena Village) Fairbanks, Alaska summer of 2000. (Click for larger view.)
Take a ride on the authentic Sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery III for a fully-narrated 3-hour cruise along the Chena and Tanana Rivers. Highlights. See the 'Wedding of the Rivers' where the Chena and Tanana Rivers converge. Tour a village to gain an insight into the Athabascan Indigenous culture
Cruises From Fairbanks. Our Alaska Cruisetours are the only way to see this fascinating town as part of your Alaska cruise. And it is something to see. Fairbanks, Alaska's second-largest city was born of gold rush frenzy, thanks to Felix Pedro, a prospector who found the precious metal in 1902 in a stream now known as "Pedro Creek ...
Enjoy a four-night land tour followed by a seven night southbound cruise with Princess Cruises, the #1 cruise line in Alaska. The Great Land is a place of epic drama, with soaring mountains, giant glaciers, and dazzling wildlife. ... and various native customs at a recreated Athabaskan Village on an authentic Sternwheeler Riverboat cruise. Then ...