Interior Alaska History Through 3 Lenses

A look at Alaskan History from prehistoric times through the modern age. Begins with a stop at the Museum of the North to learn about Ice Age mammals of the interior and the regional differences of Alaska. Partly guided, with some time to explore. Second stop is the Morris Thompson Cultural Center, where we learn about Native culture and the yearly cycle of Interior Alaska. After this we go to Pioneer Park for a walk through the gold rush cabins and a discussion of the settlement of Alaska. We finish out with a visit to the Trans Alaska Pipeline Viewpoint for a discussion of how the Pipeline changed Alaska.

Pickup and Introductory Drive. Meet travelers at hotel or pickup location. Brief overview of the tour structure during the 10-15 minute drive to the UAF campus. UAF Museum of the North. 30 to 45 minutes guided exploration of the museum with a focus on prehistory, 30 minutes self-guided exploration of exhibits. Morris Thompson Cultural Center. Athabascan life and culture, seasonal adaptations and community. Pioneer Park/Alaska Land. Walk through gold rush era cabins to learn about the exploration and settlement of Interior Alaska and the riverboats that made it possible. A final stop at the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Viewpoint. Discuss the oil boom and the incredible engineering that made it possible to build the pipeline. Drive back to Fairbanks