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Pioneer Park is a 44 acre park dedicated to preserving and showcasing life in Interior Alaska. Created in 1967 for the Alaska Centennial Expo, marking 100 years since the Alaska purchase. Park attractions include:
◊ Gold Rush Town: A collection of 29 historical cabins and Gold Rush era houses including the former home of Judge James Wickersham, the Original First Presbyterian Church (The first Church built in Fairbanks: 1904) as well as Georgia Lee's house, which is rumored to have been a house of ill repute.
◊ Palace Saloon & Chena Hotel: Built in 1906, the saloon survived a fire that ravaged downtown Fairbanks and was later moved to Pioneer Park in '67.
◊ Riverboat S.S. Nenana: A National Historic Landmark, the S.S. Nenana plied Alaskan waters delivering people and supplies to river towns from 1933 until her last voyage in 1954.
◊ Harding Rail Car: In 1923 President Warren Harding traveled to Nenana, Alaska where he drove a golden spike, signifying completion of the Alaska Railroad.
◊ Alaska Air Museum: Showcasing the history of aviation in Alaska and housing 14 civilian and military aircraft.
◊ Pioneer Hall: Houses the Pioneer Museum featuring Gold Rush memorabilia and an art exhibit by Alaskan artist C.R. "Rusty" Heurline depicting life in and the settlement of the Alaska Territory.
◊ Crooked Creek & Whiskey Island Railroad: A operating narrow gauge railroad that circumnavigates the park.
◊ Tanana Valley Railroad Museum: Features a fully restored 1899 Tanana Valley Railroad Engine #1, which is the oldest working steam locomotive in Alaska.
◊ Mining Valley: A recreation of a Gold Rush era mining operation containing a working replica of a gold mining sluice gate.
◊ Alaska Salmon Bake: Known around the state for cooking world class King salmon, steaks, and ribs; all grilled over an outdoor alder wood fire with dining in a beautiful park like setting in Mining Valley.
◊ Mini Golf, a large playground & picnic areas, an operating merry-go-round from 1915, a community civic center, and the Fairbanks North Square & Round Dance Center can also be found in the park. Pioneer Parks sits on the bank of the Chena River, which runs through Fairbanks. In the summer vendors rent bicycles as well as kayaks and canoes for visitors who are up for a little Last Frontier adventure.
Although Pioneer Park is open all year, the Gold Rush Town Shops, restaurants, carousel and railroad are only open during the summer season; Memorial Day through Labor Day. Free parking is always available and overnight RV parking is available for a nominal fee.
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Jesse & Kathy - I love your posts. They are always fun and upbeat. Thank your for sharing your state with us. Alaska is on my short list of places to visit and your posts only make me want to see it more.