Visitors to Fairbanks wanting to be immersed in the state's unique ways and culture can board an authentic Alaskan sternwheeler for a trip back in time with Riverboat Discovery.
The company is owned by the Binkley family, whose steamboating history goes back over 100 years: In 1898, Charles M. Binkley hiked over the Chilkoot Pass, not so much in search of gold but to operate boats on the Yukon River and its tributaries.
Since 1950, the family has operated riverboat tours in Fairbanks, offering visitors an unusual, informative tour while sharing the beauty of Interior Alaska. Guests board either the Discovery II or the Discovery III, two of the Binkley family's sternwheeler boats, for a more than three-hour, fully narrated tour along the Chena and Tanana rivers where they get a taste of the Alaska wilderness while learning about the area's unique history. The original Discovery I is available for special occasions.
"The Riverboat Discovery has always been a family business and one of the most successful and popular attractions in Alaska," said Ashley Bradish, marketing and public relations director. "Our tour is meant to show visitors a slice of Alaskan life as it was many years ago and as it is today."
During the tour, guests have a good chance of spotting some of Interior Alaska's abundant wildlife as the sternwheeler churns the water in what sets a leisurely pace -- all the better for enjoying the peace and beauty of the river. One of the stops is at a riverside fish camp where guests learn how Alaska natives prepare salmon for smoking and drying. Guests also will experience the thrill of seeing an Alaska bush pilot land a plane and then take off from the river.
One of the highlights is a stop at Chena Indian Village where guests can learn about Native history and culture. Guests are taken on a guided walking tour of the replica of an authentic Athabaskan village where guides provide insight into their traditional way of life. They explain how the wolf, fox, marten and beaver were used to provide food and protection from the harsh winters. They also will explain how Athabaskans survived for thousands of years and have adapted to Western culture in the past century.
The tour stops at the dog kennel run by the family of late Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race champion Susan Butcher where guests can learn about Alaska's premier sporting event and these incredible canine athletes.
The Riverboat Discovery tour operates from mid-May to mid-September. Tours depart from Steamboat Landing at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., but arrive 45 minutes early. Tickets are $64.95 for adults and $39.95 for children.