Gold Dredge 8 Gold Panning Experience in Fairbanks

Ride a historic train, learn about the Trans Alaska Pipeline, and keep the gold you pan yourself.

From$56/ person

Duration

2 Hours

Includes

Train ride, Gold panning, Snacks

Highlights

Journey into the Tanana Valley gold fields aboard a replica train and uncover Alaska’s mining heritage. Try your hand at gold panning and explore the massive dredge that once worked these grounds.

Enjoy an up-close look at the Trans Alaska Pipeline
Ride the open-air Tanana Valley Railroad replica through the site
Hear engaging gold rush stories from knowledgeable guides
Pan for real gold and take home what you find
Wander the historic Gold Dredge 8 camp and machinery

What's Included

Freshly baked cookies
Hot chocolate and coffee

Things to know

Tours run twice daily from mid-May to mid-September. Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to collect boarding passes.

Cancellation policy

Full refund for cancellations or changes made up to 48 hours before departure. After 48 hours, cancellations or guest reductions are non-refundable. Reservations may be rebooked for a later departure when space is available. Refunds exclude service fees and taxes.

Meeting location

1803 Old Steese Highway North, Fairbanks, AK 99712

Experience provided by Riverboat Discovery & Gold Dredge 8

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Gold Dredge 8 Gold Panning Experience in Fairbanks

Ride a historic train, learn about the Trans Alaska Pipeline, and keep the gold you pan yourself.

From$56/ person

Duration

2 Hours

Includes

Train ride, Gold panning, Snacks

Highlights

Journey into the Tanana Valley gold fields aboard a replica train and uncover Alaska’s mining heritage. Try your hand at gold panning and explore the massive dredge that once worked these grounds.

Enjoy an up-close look at the Trans Alaska Pipeline
Ride the open-air Tanana Valley Railroad replica through the site
Hear engaging gold rush stories from knowledgeable guides
Pan for real gold and take home what you find
Wander the historic Gold Dredge 8 camp and machinery

What's Included

Freshly baked cookies
Hot chocolate and coffee

Things to know

Tours run twice daily from mid-May to mid-September. Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to collect boarding passes.

Cancellation policy

Review summary

4.8

Excellent

3.1K reviewsGoogle Maps

This riverboat cruise consistently ranks as a standout attraction in Fairbanks, with visitors calling it one of the best tours they've experienced in Alaska. The crew earns particular praise for being knowledgeable and personable, creating an engaging atmosphere throughout the journey. You'll get a comprehensive Alaska experience that includes watching sled dogs in action, seeing a bush plane demonstration on the water, and touring a traditional Alaskan village with insights into Native culture. The scenery along the Tanana River is beautiful, and there are plenty of photo opportunities throughout. Many guests recommend dressing warmly so you can enjoy the outdoor seating and better views. The onboard chili gets good reviews, and the gift shop is worth browsing. One recent reviewer noted a seating issue where there weren't enough spots for all passengers, but this seems to be an isolated incident rather than a pattern. Overall, if you're looking for an authentic, well-organized Alaskan experience in the Fairbanks area, this tour delivers on multiple fronts.

What people are saying

We had a lot of fun on this excursion! Dress warm so you can sit outside and see more. We did this as part of our cruise tour so we were given lunch. They have a gift shop and photo opportunities. The staff were great and showed us so many cool places. Would definitely recommend it if in the area.