riverboat discovery

A highlight for our guests is the tour of our Chena Native Village. There you will get to meet some of our Alaskan Native Guides who will show you how the Athabaskan survived for 10,000 years in these harsh environments, and how they adapted to Village life and Western culture in the past century.

Cabin & Cache

Riverboat travel into the interior prompted the building of trading posts, allowing trade between Native fur trappers and newly arrived people from all over the world. Constructed by a crew of Alaska Native craftsmen, our Trappers Cabin, Line Cabin, and Cache provide a glimpse into the development of villages along the rivers of Alaska.

Garments & Hides

Learn how the Athabascans hunted the reclusive moose, the process for tanning moose hide, and then enjoy viewing our authentic moose hide and fur native regalia pieces. They were all sewn by hand by renowned skin sewing and beadwork artist Dixie Alexander.

Ancient & Reindeer

Our resident herd of reindeer anchors this area depicting an early Athabascan campsite. Discover how these nomadic people existed in this harsh climate and did so quite successfully for thousands of years before any western influence. From hunting techniques to creative uses of birch bark, you’ll be amazed by the ingenuity and creativity of Athabascan ancestors

At the end of your guided tour, you will have time to explore the village on your own, interact with our guides and visit dogs from Susan Butcher’s Trail Breaker Kennel.

Trail Breaker Kennel Dog Yard

A handler from Susan Butcher’s Trail Breaker Kennel will be available to answer any questions about the Alaskan Husky and the sport of Dog Mushing. There will be a few sled dogs there to help them in any demonstrations

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• Riverboat Discovery Cruise Fairbanks

Climb aboard a classic Chena River sternwheeler to experience the living history of Fairbanks, Alaska.

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More Details

Rates & dates, departure times, availability.

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For decades, riverboats like the Discovery III sternwheeler ran the big rivers of Alaska's interior. They hauled freight and passengers, linked distant communities and helped build new ones. Today the boat takes visitors on a unique tour to explore that history and see firsthand some of Alaska's quintessential pastimes.

Experience some of Alaska's quintessential pastimes.

The stately Discovery III has three decks with comfortable indoor seating, and a fourth top deck with open-air seating. The large red paddlewheel splashing at the stern propels the boat on its journey down the Chena River. It's right on the water shortly after leaving Steamboat Landing that guests see their first Alaskan demo. A bushplane on floats takes off alongside the boat, banking in a long arc until it loops back and lands again. The pilot talks about the wild life of bush flying in Alaska before the boat continues downstream. The next stop is an exuberant sled dog demo at the riverside kennels of late four-time Iditarod musher Susan Butcher.

Upon reaching the confluence of the Chena and Tanana Rivers, guests disembark for a walking tour of a Chena Indian Village. Native Alaskan guides lead groups to see spruce cabins, caches, smokehouses, and crafts created by Athabascans native to interior Alaska. After spending time further exploring the village on their own, guests board the boat for a return ride up the Chena River.

The Riverboat Discovery Cruise includes a bush plane demo, sled dog demo, and Chena Indian Village tour. There is a small giftshop and galley selling snacks, drinks, ice cream, and hearty lunch boxes on the boat. The tour returns to the Steamboat Landing where guests can visit the Discovery Trading Post, the largest Alaskan souvenir shop in Fairbanks .

What to Bring

Wear comfortable clothes and dress in layers. Most of the tour is conducted outside, so bring a light coat or rain jacket if necessary.

Special Instructions

Guests must check in at the Steamboat Landing station at least 30 minutes prior to the tour departure to exchange their voucher for a boarding pass.

Transfers & Meeting Points

The Riverboat Discovery Cruise is just five minutes from the Fairbanks airport and 20 minutes from downtown Fairbanks. Many local hotels offer shuttles to the Riverboat Discovery. Guests must coordinate their own transportation to the tour.

Riverboat Discovery Cruise 1975 Discovery Drive Fairbanks, Alaska 99709

Here are the rates and operating dates for this product. Remember, we have a lowest price guarantee for nearly everything we sell.

Child rates apply to children under the age of 13. Infants under the age of 2 may travel for free but must sit on an adult's lap.

Departure times and locations are listed below. Click on a link for an interactive map.

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With the 2021 summer season still taking shape, some tour providers may not yet have their operating dates set. Availability on AlaskaTravel.com reflects the most current information and is updated daily. Please contact us if you have questions about this tour.

Select a departure below to see current availability. If your desired date is sold out (red) we will do our best to find an alternative, but we may not be able to accommodate your request.

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Quick Facts

• Duration 3 Hours
• Options AM, PM
• Operating Dates Daily from 6/1/2024 to 8/31/2024
• Activity Level Less Active

What's Included

• Guided tour through an Athabascan village.
• Passage on a classic sternwheeler riverboat.
• Bush plane and sled dog demonstrations.
• Complimentary coffee and fresh donuts.

Guest Feedback

"We loved this! They made what might look like an ordinary river come alive! This was in our "Top 3 Attractions" list!"

~Ron from Illinois~

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Don’t miss the Riverboat Discovery in Fairbanks (Local Review)

Last Updated on April 9, 2024

The Riverboat Discovery is a wonderful tour you don’t want to miss if you’re traveling to Fairbanks on your trip to Alaska during the summer months.

I’m a former Alaskan and resident of Fairbanks, and I still work in Alaska part of the year as a tour director. Over the past twenty years, I’ve taken hundreds of people to the Riverboat and been on this tour many times. It never gets old, even after many visits! I’ve never had a guest who didn’t love it or a client who booked it independently (including those who are skeptical of tours!) who didn’t thank me for the recommendation.

Why is the Riverboat such an amazing experience? For one thing, it’s a family owned business for three generations, going back to the busy days of riverboats on Alaska’s rivers. Their hospitality and experience really shine through when you join them for a few hours on the river.

In addition, the Riverboat goes up the Chena River and takes you to places you wouldn’t be able to get to any other way, like the impressive confluence of the Chena and Tanana Rivers. The recreated authenitic Athabascan Chena Village visit is another element that makes this a unique and unforgettable tour.

Listen to my interview with Wade Binkley of the Riverboat Discovery about three generations of life on the river:

Where is the riverboat discovery located.

The Riverboat Discovery is located in Fairbanks, Alaska, along the banks of the Chena River, not far from Fairbanks International Airport.

You can take a taxi or ride share easily to the riverboat landing, or park here if you have a rental car. If a trip on the Riverboat is included in your cruisetour or group tour in Fairbanks, transportation will be provided.

What river is the Riverboat Discovery cruise on?

The Chena River, which flows through Fairbanks to the Tanana River, where the Riverboat cruise turns around.

Who is the Riverboat Discovery experience best for?

Honestly, the Riverboat Discovery is an ideal experience for everyone! I have taken hundreds and maybe thousands of people to the Riverboat and I cannot think of a single person who didn’t like it.

Whether you’re traveling on your own to Fairbanks or part of an organized tour or cruise tour, any age or ability level, this tour is a sure bet for a relaxing and fun morning or afternoon.

What to expect on the Riverboat Discovery

First of all, the Riverboat is big. There is plenty of room to move around on all four decks and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. If you’re sitting indoors there is plenty of room to stand outside as well if you want to go out for photos or fresh air.

There is a galley with snacks and drinks on the first floor and plenty of restrooms.

The tour is about three hours long and takes you downstream on the Chena River to where it meets the Tanana River, with really impressive views of the Tanana at the turnaround point.

In the middle of the tour you will have the opportunity to visit Chena Village. Chena Village is a created village at the site of an Athabascan fish camp. Here you will learn from young local Native Alaskan guides all about the culture and traditions of the Athabascan people , both modern day as well as in the past and how those traditions have adapted since settlers came to Alaska’s interior.

You’ll see how salmon are smoked and preserved as well as other ways of preserving food for Alaska’s harsh winters, and all about traditional dress. It’s a fun and educational experience that also allows for time to explore the village on your own.

You’ll also pass Trailbreaker Kennel, home of the late Susan Butcher, a four time Iditarod winner. Susan’s husband Dave shares about the kennel and the sport of dog mushing and does a cart run with his dog team. Usually you also get to see at least one puppy running around! You’ll also get to learn Susan’s inspiring story and legacy.

If you’re interested in shopping, give yourself a little time before or after the tour since their gift shop has an excellent selection and really good prices.

Accessibility and Mobility

The Riverboat Discovery and the landing are fully wheelchair accessible. The Riverboat has four levels and the upper levels are only accessible by stairs, but there is plenty of space on the first level. Make sure to let them know if you’ll be using a wheelchair, that way they can help you with boarding very efficiently.

When does the Riverboat Discovery operate?

The Riverboat Discovery is a summer experience in Fairbanks. After the ice breaks up and the river has enough water the Riverboat starts operating, generally in mid May. It continues until early fall, usually mid to late September.

How long is the Riverboat Discovery cruise?

The Riverboat Discovery is about three hours. The morning Riverboat is 8:45 am-11:45 am and the afternoon is 2pm-5pm.

Is there food on board the boat?

Yes! They have hot dogs and chili on the boat for purchase and in the morning they have complimentary coffee and blueberry donuts (yum!). They have a few other snacks available for purchase as well.

They also serve lunch at the landing between the morning and afternoon trip, which is super convenient. They have salads, sandwiches and wraps. There is also a sit down lunch from 11:45 am – 1pm offering a set menu of stew, roasted vegetables, salad and dessert.

Is there wifi or cell service?

There is no wifi on board the boat, however there is decent cell service on the river where the riverboat goes. This does depend a bit on your cell provider and if you can roam in Alaska on your plan if you’re a visitor.

Are there restrooms on board the Riverboat Discovery?

Yes, there are lots of restrooms on the Riverboat, with flushing toilets and running water. There are also restrooms at the landing.

What to wear for the Riverboat Discovery

In mid summer, Fairbanks is generally very dry and often quite hot. Most days in mid June through early August are in the 70s and 80s, occasionally hotter. There can be rain showers or cooler weather any day, so I always recommend bringing and extra layer or a rain jacket.

The boat ride is generally not as windy as boat tours on the open ocean, since the boat isn’t moving as fast.

In early and late season it can definitely be raining or chilly. If you start in the morning and it’s cold, it might be warm in the afternoon so make sure you have a couple of layers to stay comfortable.

Costs and Booking

If you are visiting Fairbanks as part of a cruisetour or other organized tour, check to see if the Riverboat Discovery is already included as part of your time in Fairbanks. If not, you can book it on your own (or possibly through your guide, check with them).

If you’re traveling on your own to Fairbanks, you can book directly through their website .

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The Riverboat Discovery Cruise

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• Riverboat Discovery

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Board the only remaining authentic Alaskan sternwheeler for a cruise along the Chena and Tanana rivers in Chena River State Recreation Area. With the feel of an old-time steamboat that frequented the river during the gold rush days, the modern-day Riverboat Discovery features an open sun deck, heated glass enclosed decks and is equipped with video equipment so you won't miss any of the beautiful scenery. On the first leg of your journey, you'll see a bush pilot perform a takeoff and landing demonstration from a riverbank landing strip. As the giant paddle wheel churns up the waters of the Chena, keep your cameras ready for the wolves, grizzly bears and black bears that make the recreation area home. Beavers, foxes and moose may be seen near the shore or an occasional eagle can be spotted flying overhead and the waters teem with salmon from late June through early August. During the narrated tour, complementary coffee and donuts are served while you witness the ''wedding of the rivers.'' The marriage of these two mighty rivers creates quite a unique demarcation line - when the clear waters of the Chena meet the Tanana, the world's greatest glacier river carrying tons of glacial silt from the Alaska Range, the result is clouds of silt that rise and fall over the river. You'll make a stop at the home of Dave Monson and Susan Butcher, the late four-time Iditarod champion, meet her winning sled dogs and witness a dog sleg demonstration. Back on board, you'll continue on to the Old Chena Indian Village, and disembark for a glimpse into Alaskan Native life and history. Alaskan Native guides will take you on a tour of an Athabascan Indian village, a spruce bark hut, a trapper's cabin made of spruce logs, and show you how a fish wheel operates. Before boarding for your trip back, you'll have 15 minutes at the end of the tour to wander around the village or to take pictures.

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Riverboat Discovery Sternwheeler Cruise in Fairbanks

Get a taste of the colorful history and cultural traditions in the great interior region of alaska..

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Home » City-Based Day Tours » Fairbanks » Riverboat Discovery Sternwheeler Cruise in Fairbanks

Day Tour Details

What's included:.

• Narrated tour onboard the Riverboat Discovery III
• All taxes and fees

What's Not Included:

Meals and transfers to and from your hotel.

Riverboat Discovery Cruise Experience: Take a Video Tour:

Dates & Rates

Contact us to book this tour..

Thank you for your interest in this tour! At this time, it is not currently available to book online. Please feel free to continue to peruse our website for more Alaska travel ideas. If you would like options and information from our team of Alaska experts, please call 1-866-317-3325 or fill out the form below.

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We had a trip of a lifetime. I don’t think we would have been able to see all that we got to see in 5 days if it wasn’t for Alaska Tours. Since I am from Florida, I don’t have any winter gear. When I explained that to a travel specialist, they... Read more  

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