The aurora borealis, midnight suns, and seemingly endless sunrises and sunsets paint vivid colors in the sky above Fairbanks, Alaska. The largest city in the state’s interior, Fairbanks is set against a backdrop of ancient mountain ranges, sparkling rivers and lakes, and abundant wildlife.

The city’s arty heart is the Paint the Pipes project — a cluster of decorated ventilation pipes between Barnette Street and Noble Street, ranging from floral designs to a tribute to the Alaskan wilderness. The Georgeson Botanical Garden, which spans five acres on the western edge of the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus, showcases native state flora alongside fragrant fruit trees and a maze of scented roses.

Tubing and kayaking are popular ways to explore this gentle stretch of the Chena River, which snakes through the north of the city, while wildlife-spotting opportunities include beavers in the water and eagles overhead. Further out of town, you can cast a line for Arctic grayling just off Chena Hot Springs Road. And the city is a popular launchpad for exploring northern Alaska.

The best time to consider cabin rentals in Fairbanks, Alaska is between May through September. The temperatures during these months range from crisp to balmy, with June and July warm enough for lighter clothes and hiking excursions. The city spends its summers outdoors, so keep an eye out for public events like the Golden Days in July, which celebrates the city’s Gold Rush history with parades, food, and races. After a short fall, winter sets in here in October and lasts through May; for much of that time, Fairbanks is covered over in snow and temperatures are bone-chillingly cold and dry. If you’re planning on spending any time outdoors, bring outerwear designed for extreme weather conditions. That said, October through December is the best time to visit if your goal is to see the Northern Lights.

Table Top Mountain

If you take a scenic drive north from Fairbanks on Route 6, climbing in tandem with the undulating Chatanika River, you’ll enter the White Mountains National Recreation Area after 90 minutes and soon reach the Table Top Mountain Trail. Birdwatching is a major draw on the loop trail, which winds its way over 4.5 miles of steady climbing up the mountain. Look out for hawk owls on your way up to the summit, where you can take in commanding views as far as Mount Prindle.

Folk School

The nonprofit Folk School of Fairbanks offers year-round classes for all ages in subjects from woodworking and traditional crafts to outdoors skills, arts, and sciences. The school also hosts annual camping events where travelers and locals can meet like-minded nature lovers. It’s a great stop during your trip to learn something new.

Denali National Park and Reserve

Home to North America’s tallest mountain, Denali, this massive national park is an American treasure that spans more than 6 million acres. The edge of the park begins 2 hours southwest of Fairbanks. Teeming with bear, moose, and caribou, the park rewards travelers with snowy mountain summits, blue glacial fields, lush valleys, and braided rivers. During the warmer months, hiking is the best way to experience Denali firsthand.