sternwheeler riverboat fairbanks alaska

• Riverboat Discovery Cruise Fairbanks

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

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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.

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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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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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RiverBoat Discovery Information

DINING OPTIONS

We have various dining options on Steamboat Landing and Discovery III:

CHENA VILLAGE LIVING MUSEUM

Be immersed in frontier living first hand with a guided walking tour of an Athabascan village. You’ll see an Athabascan  village with cabins made of spruce logs, a cache used for storing supplies, a primitive spruce bark hut and fur pelts. Our guides will explain how the wolf, fox, martin and beaver were used to provide food and protection in the harsh Arctic climate. They will also share how the Athabascans skillfully survived for over 10,000 years and how they adapted to village life and Western culture in the past century.

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.

INTERNATIONAL SCRIPTS

A family business

The Binkley family’s steamboating tradition goes back over 100 years and five generations. In 1898, when Charles M. Binkley hiked over the Chilkoot Pass with other stampeders, he was not so much in search of gold as he was the chance to build and operate boats on the Yukon and its tributaries. He became a respected pilot and boat builder in the North. His son, Captain Jim Binkley, Sr., followed in his father’s footsteps and piloted freight vessels on the Yukon and Tanana Rivers in the 1940's.

As transportation systems changed in the north, railroads and airplanes began to carry much of the freight. In 1950, noting the coming changes in the freighting business, Captain Jim and his wife, Mary, began a river excursion business focusing on sharing their love of Alaska and its culture with visitors. Over the coming years, Captain Jim and Mary B’s business grew from the Godspeed, a 25 passenger vessel, to the Discovery III, a 900 passenger vessel. Today, Captain Jim’s grandchildren run the company and Mary B is still active in the business.

In addition to growing their sternwheel business, the Binkley’s have added a gold mining attraction: Gold Dredge 8. The family has developed a tour in the heart of the gold fields where the first gold strikes attracted miners from the Klondike. They have incorporated large scale industrial mining and the smaller 'Mom and Pop' side of mining into an all-encompassing tour that also features the Trans Alaska Pipeline and a replica of the Tanana Valley Railroad.

1975 Discovery Drive Fairbanks, AK 99709

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907-479-6673

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Gold Dredge 8

Captain Jim's Salmon

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Trail Breaker Kennel

• 1-888-425-1737
• Find a Tour

Fairbanks Sightseeing Tours

Riverboat Discovery Cruise

Approximately 5¼ hours

May 15 -September 15

1:00pm (from hotel)

Per Person - $99.95

• Snack Included
• Easy Activity Level
• Family Friendly

Enjoy a cruise on the Chena and Tanana rivers aboard an authentic sternwheeler and watch a bush pilot take off and land from a riverbank landing strip. From late June through early August, these waters teem with salmon. As the paddle wheel continues to churn the waters, witness the “wedding of the rivers.” When the clear waters of the Chena meet the glacier-fed Tanana, the result is clouds of silt that rise and fall over the river. Make a stop at the home of a late four-time Iditarod champion, meet some winning sled dogs and witness a sled-dog demonstration. Next, you’ll disembark the sternwheeler for a guided tour through a replica of an Athabascan Indian Village where you will learn about local life in depth.

Special Note

Grab and go lunch items are available at an additional charge.

This tour can only be booked in conjunction with a Gray Line Alaska package. To add this tour to your package, please call 1-888-425-1737.

Riverboat Discovery

Review Highlights

“ Mary Binkley, one of the people who started the fabulous riverboat tour , waved at us from the bank as we went by. ” in 7 reviews

“ There our guide talked to the husband of Susan Butcher who won the race four times (she has since passed on). ” in 7 reviews

“ The best part was learning about the native culture and being able to get off the boat and hear about native living. ” in 7 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

1975 Discovery Dr

Fairbanks, AK 99709

Serving Fairbanks Area

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Amenities and More

About the business.

Discovery awaits. For thousands of years, rivers have shaped our lands and the way that we live on them, and for five generations the Binkley family has made the rivers of Alaska their way of life. This unique three-hour tour aboard the Sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery will take you into the golden heart of Alaska as you discover our history, our culture, and our people. Meet modern day pioneers, view wildlife, and watch a bush pilot take off and land. Visit Trail Breaker Kennel, home of the late Iditarod Champion, Susan Butcher, and see her champion sled dogs in action! The Sternwheeler Discover will take you back in time and deliver you to Chena Village, a living museum, dedicated to Alaskan Native culture. Morning and afternoon tours daily. So much more than just a boat ride, Discovery awaits! …

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Overall rating

By far better than any similar riverboat tour experience we've ever had. Every attention was paid to detail during almost every minute of our experience...from the excellent lunch at the dining hall before boarding...to the free blueberry donuts on board...to the superb and entertaining narration throughout the experience...to the many perfectly timed experiences to view off the boat such as the water plan take-off and landing, to the Iditarod dog racing demonstration, to the release of the caribou, as well as the stop at the Chena village. We loved every moment of this...we're never bored. it's far more than just a scenic relaxing cruise down the river. It's a deep dive into the history of the river, the native peoples, and the culture of the region. Definitely do this.

Summary: This is simply the best excursion while in Fairbanks that include amazing sights, native culture, a unique dining experience. This was a well spent 3 hours. Experience: There are many components to this experience and I wish their was more time allowed at this site (part of princess cruise land tour) - Dining hall: We got a meal voucher from our tour bus driver, but he was clearly confused and thought we had to pay until the native guide came on the bus and told us she had vouchers for the boat and lunch. I can attest at least on this day you can ask for refills of the food but they try to limit waste and don't give too much each time. The hearty meat stew was mainly vegetables and if your luck to get the pot first most of the meat is in the first few ladles. The salad was amazingly refreshing. The dinner roll was dry and hard. Rustic vegetables was not the corn pictured but a mix of quinoa and root vegetables. Last the brownie was a hit! We did not have enough time to enjoy as we didn't get there until 13:20 and the boat was boarding at 13:45. - Stores/shops: very reasonably priced but we did not have any time to explore given our time limitations. They even have a free 40 below experience where you don't a parka and endure a blast of cold. Of course they take your picture and you can purchase it but we didn't have time to experience it - Riverboat your- Best experience here. Includes seeing a sea plane take off, watch dog sled racing around on land, visiting Chena living village where we learned of native culture by the descendants of Athabascans tribes. There is free blueberry donuts and coffee/water/tea. On return there are samples of salmon spread on crackers. The prices on board for food are very reasonable. Lastly the guide was very funny and informative. The tv screens and cameras allowed you to see all of the sights without leaving your seat. Service: Again super friendly staff wherever you go. I just wish our bus drive got us quicker to the location. Skye was an amazing tour guide through the village Tips (what I wish I knew before): Bring mosquito repellent to the village or you will be eaten alive! Don't be shy about asking for seconds if you didn't get enough food in the dining hall. Sit on the front left if you want a first hand view of the sled dog kennel and the right front if you want to see the sea plane take off. If it is hot sit outside because it is quite stuffy in the boat

See all photos from Nelson M. for Riverboat Discovery

We had a rocky start with the tour bus operators missing some information, but once we arrived at the Trading Post & Steamboat Landing, everything got easier. The Riverboat Company is a well oiled tourism machine that has been running this ship (literally) for a few generations! Food Options On Land at Trading Post: - Grab and go cold sandwich, chip, cookie, soda boxes $15 (can be taken on boat) - Sit down family style lunch service at trading post restaurant before/after getting on the boat $21 - Ice Cream or Salad at Coffee Cafe $5-$15 Food Options On Boat: - Complimentary Coffee, Tea, Water - Complimentary Blueberry Donuts (on ride out) - Complimentary Smoked Salmon Dip Sample & Wheat Thin (on return) - Reindeer Chili Bowl $5 - Reindeer Hot Dog $4.50 w/ Chili & Cheese $5.50 - Beef Hot Dog $3.50 w/ Chili & Cheese $4.50 - Chips & Candy $1.50 - Beer & Wine $3.50-$6 - Soda, Iced Tea, Lemonade, Hot Cocoa, Juice $1-$2 My tour operator included a lunch that I was unaware of, which meant I rushed to eat something at the hotel between the airport drop off and tour pick-up, not having any sense of what food might be available on or during the tour. Since I was already full from my crammed lunch, I went with the option to use my lunch ticket for a boxed lunch which I ended up saving later for dinner, since the boat included donuts, coffee, tea, and salmon samples to tide me over. If I didn't have an included lunch and wasn't already full, that reindeer chili or reindeer dog with chili & cheese on the boat looked and smelled very tasty, and would have been a more filling and hearty option than the boxed lunch! The Trading Post is a sort of catch all gift shop, cafe, restaurant to wander before or after the riverboat tour (but is most definitely part of the total experience) with some exhibits for photos and information if you look between the merchandise for the local gems of info and exhibit. The Riverboat has indoor and outdoor spaces for viewing the tour and highlights that can be utilized no matter the weather, with television screens to help bring the off-board scenery to you inside even if you aren't near a window- or are sitting on the wrong side of what is being mentioned- which is very convenient if you want to stay warm or simply indoors. The dog sled kennel is a river side demonstration where you stay on the ship and watch the demo live from the ship. The Chena native village demonstration happens off the boat and gives you time to walk around, stretch your legs, use a roomy modern bathroom, and see plenty of historic information on local survival. Some of the tour is also about the local architecture, families, and famous people of the town along the way, while riverside home families and pets rush to greet the boat with waving hands and barking dogs. Overall this was one of the best 3hr riverboat tours I've done in my lifetime, and I've done quite a few! Kudos to the family and the locals who participate and contribute to the tour! I hope they keep it going for many more generations ahead!

See all photos from Anne R. for Riverboat Discovery

"Big wheel keep on turnin' Proud Mary keep on burnin' And we're rollin' , rollin', Rollin' on the river" (Ike and Tina Turner) The Big Wheel on our riverboat kept turnin' as we rolled down the river on a three hour adventure that was equal parts of a boat ride, museum, seaplane take-off, flyover and landing, demonstration, dog mushing display at the Trail Breaker Kennel, a geography, history, and culture lesson, and so much more. We saw a team of sled dogs race around a course, a slew of reindeer appearing on cue, videos on fishing and native culture, and lessons on salmon smoking and preservation techniques. A highlight was our stop at a Chena Village Living Museum And cultural presentations on the indigenous Athabascan society. Our two young tour guides were fantastic and taught us about the different furs they used (mink, beaver, fox, mink), reindeer, caribou, and other wildlife, boat building, moose hunting, hide tanning, and native ceremonial clothing. The huge boat had a 900 person capacity spread over 3 levels. Complimentary coffee, donuts, and salmon spread with crackers were offered, The home base is Steamboat Landing and they have a big dining hall for a sit down lunch if you want to do that. Or if you care to purchase box lunches you can do that too. The ship does have snack bar for reasonably priced hot dogs and the like. Of course they also have a massive gift shop.

See all photos from Dan R. for Riverboat Discovery

I thoroughly enjoyed this AMAZING three-hour riverboat tour of Fairbanks. From the customer service before and afterwards, to the narrated boat tour itself, to the stop at the native village (bring bug spray!), to the food and drink onboard, Discovery Riverboat Cruises did a phenomenal job of putting together a fun Alaskan experience. Here's some more detail: Before and after: ticketing was a snap, I got my ticket right before the sailing, and everything was fast and easy. They have a nice gift shop with clean restrooms (plus a small outdoor sitting area) for you to pass the time before boarding the boat. Afterwards, the main tour guide spent a lot of time talking to people and answering questions, which was really great. The boat ride: Loved all the seating options, from the indoor seating (great for colder/rainy weather) to the covered outdoor top deck (awesome views). There was plenty of space to spread out, and ample restrooms for everyone. The narration was great, including some personal stories that were interesting. The airplane demonstration (it flew right next to the boat!) and dog mushing were especially interesting. All in all, it was a super captivating ride that held my attention the entire time. The native village: lots to see and do, including salmon fishing and drying, farming (this was super interesting since Fairbanks is so far north), more dog mushing, and native life. There were also clean bathrooms on shore. Other than the *oppressive* mosquitos (bring bug spray), the time here was really fascinating and fun. Food and drink: the local donuts and coffee were a nice touch and delicious. So was the reasonably priced food and drink at the snack bar (had to get a reindeer sausage, which was tasty and cheaper than on shore). All in all, I would highly recommend this super interesting tour, which is not only really fun, but also a great value!

See all photos from Brian S. for Riverboat Discovery

Late Post Aug 23' Riverboat Discovery was an added land/tour excursion by Princess at our final destination in Fairbanks, Ak. The bus ride from Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge to Fairbanks, Ak was about 2 hours 15 mins with a stop in Nenana, Ak. (Nenana Artisan Market - Check out review) . We arrived to the home stop of the Riverboat Discovery where one can purchase souvenirs, drinks, soda, chips, boxed lunch, salmon jerky and, Harley Davidson stuff. We probably waited 45-1 hour before boarding, it was quite warm out so we decided on the 3rd level of the boat and decided to sit Dock side... (Our driver said that side was better but to be honest both sides were pretty sufficient) When we first got off the dock there was a float plane flying on the other side, it was hard to see, going back to seating doesn't matter... My partner and I love puppies and wanted to see and hear the story of Susan Butcher and Granite. Tekla, Susan's daughter gave us quick show and the dock side was best for the view. We also got to visit the Chena Village Living Museum where we saw how the native Alaskan Athabaskans lived. Overall, it was a nice addition to our excursion! I would highly recommend Riverboat Discovery if you are ever in Fairbanks! PACK OR BUY MOSQUITO REPELLANT (only if you are wearing shorts and T Shirts)- use it prior to getting off at Chena Village, you'll thank be later!

See all photos from Tawny V. for Riverboat Discovery

I've been on many cruises and this is absolutely one of the best excursions. Highly recommend it!

The riverboat tour is definitely worth taking. The narration is excellent going through history of the paddle boat, the houses along the river, how the indigenous people once lived. At the start of the tour there is free coffee and/or tea and blueberry donuts. There are other drinks available for a small fee. Lunch is available- reindeer chili, reindeer hot dogs, chips, and chili dogs. All were delicious! There was a land portion of the trip that included talks about how preserve salmon for the sled dogs, how the housing was built, and how families prepared for winter. On the way back to the landing the crew prepared and served smoked salmon dip. The whole experience was very nice.

Log cabin open for viewing during the boat tour.

Did not know what to expect on this boat tour. Seeing the large tourist gift shop upon arrival made me think twice on this booking. However, loading was fairly efficient with people taking prime locations first. Boat is a true paddle wheeler so pace is slow. First, stop on the River is seeing Susan Butcher's place on the River with a great demo and talk about the dogs. Got to see them pull an ATV with no engine around the facility at full speed. You do not get off the boat! Next stop was the Native American village where we got off the boat and attended three demonstrations of Native American life in the old days. Very interesting! Very suitable for children of all ages. There are refreshment stands on the boat that serve colas, free donuts, and adult beverages with very reasonable prices. One of the highlights of the tour was the tour guide who was informative and entertaining.

I'm glad this place was an included part of or land tour. At first, I thought it was going to be slow and boring, but they certainly proved me wrong. Before boarding, we were treated to a wonderful lunch of bottomless beef stew, salad, and rolls served family style with pitchers of tea and water. The stew was savor and tender with chunks of tasty meat and vegetables. The sauce was good for dipping the rolls in, and the salad was light. To finish the lunch was a rich slice of german chocolate cake. The tour was exciting. We saw bald eagles perched on the trees and a sea plane land and take off. One of the stops was at a dog sled kennel. The pups learning were so cute. Then, the moment the dogs were waiting for; getting harnessed to the sled and run around the track. The living village was nice to walk through. We got to see the smoking shed for the fish and the reindeer in its corral. There were a few retired sled dogs happy to meet people as well. Lastly, we were treated to their own smoked salmon spread. It was so good, we had to get some of their salmon for ourselves.

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S.S. Nenana Sternwheeler Riverboat - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

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About s.s. nenana sternwheeler riverboat.

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• Discover More Attractions in Fairbanks North Star Borough
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The S.S. Nenana Sternwheeler Riverboat is a historic vessel located in Fairbanks, Alaska. It is a well-preserved relic of the era when sternwheel riverboats were a crucial mode of transportation in the region. It is an iconic symbol of Alaska's riverboat history. It was built in 1933 by the American Sternwheel Association and was one of the last sternwheelers to operate on the Tanana River in Alaska.

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Activities Around

Attractions near s.s. nenana sternwheeler riverboat.

Pioneer Park

0.09km from s.s. nenana sternwheeler riverboat.

Pioneer Park is a popular recreational and cultural attraction located in Fairbanks, Alaska. Also known as Alaskaland in the past, it offers visitors a glimpse into the history, culture, and natural beauty of Alaska.It is situated in the heart of Fairbanks, making it easily accessible to both residents and tourists. It covers a significant area, providing plenty of space for outdoor activities and exploration.

Tanana Valley Railroad Museum

0.13km from s.s. nenana sternwheeler riverboat.

The Tanana Valley Railroad Museum, located in Fairbanks, Alaska, is a historical museum that celebrates the history of the Tanana Valley Railroad and its role in the development of the region. The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of the Tanana Valley Railroad, which played a crucial role in Fairbanks and the surrounding area's early development.

Big Dipper Ice Arena

1.61km from s.s. nenana sternwheeler riverboat.

The Big Dipper Ice Arena is a popular ice skating and hockey facility located in Fairbanks, Alaska. It is situated in downtown Fairbanks, making it easily accessible to both residents and visitors to the city.The facility offers ice skating opportunities for individuals of all ages and skill levels. Visitors can enjoy recreational ice skating, figure skating, and speed skating in a controlled and well-maintained environment.

Immaculate Conception Catholic Parish

2.5km from s.s. nenana sternwheeler riverboat.

Immaculate Conception Catholic Parish, located in Fairbanks, Alaska, is a significant religious institution that serves the Catholic community in the region. It is situated in Fairbanks, making it a central place of worship for Catholics in the city and the surrounding areas.The parish typically offers a range of religious services, including daily Mass, weekend Masses, and special liturgical celebrations. It serves as a place for Catholics to gather in prayer and worship.

Golden Heart Plaza

2.57km from s.s. nenana sternwheeler riverboat.

Golden Heart Plaza is a prominent public space located in the heart of Fairbanks, Alaska. It serves as a cultural and social hub for both residents and visitors to the city. It is situated in downtown Fairbanks, making it a central and easily accessible location within the city.The plaza is named after Fairbanks, often referred to as the "Golden Heart City." It is a symbol of the community's warm and welcoming spirit.

Lend Lease Monument

2.72km from s.s. nenana sternwheeler riverboat.

The Lend-Lease Monument in Fairbanks, Alaska, commemorates the significant role that the Lend-Lease Act played during World War II. The Lend-Lease Act, passed by the United States Congress in 1941, allowed the U.S. to provide military aid and equipment to its allies during World War II. It played a crucial role in supporting the Soviet Union and other Allied nations in their fight against Nazi Germany.

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Discover More Attractions in Fairbanks North Star Borough , Home of S.S. Nenana Sternwheeler Riverboat

Fairbanks North Star Borough

23 attractions.

Tourism in the Fairbanks North Star Borough, located in Alaska, revolves around the region's unique natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Fairbanks is renowned as one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. Tourists flock to the region during the winter months to witness this breathtaking natural phenomenon.

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For more information about S.S. Nenana Sternwheeler Riverboat , visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nenana_(steamer)

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Activity Review: Riverboat Discovery In Fairbanks Alaska

Discovery III

The Binkley family’s steamboating tradition goes back over 100 years and five generations. In 1898, when Charles M. Binkley hiked over the Chilkoot Pass with other stampeders, he was not so much in search of gold as he was the chance to build and operate boats on the Yukon and its tributaries. He became a respected pilot and boat builder in the North. His son, Captain Jim Binkley, Sr., followed in his father’s footsteps and piloted freight vessels on the Yukon and Tanana Rivers in the 1940’s.

As transportation systems changed in the north, railroads and airplanes began to carry much of the freight. In 1950, noting the coming changes in the freighting business, Captain Jim and his wife, Mary, began a river excursion business focusing on sharing their love of Alaska and its culture with visitors. Over the coming years, Captain Jim and Mary B’s business grew from the Godspeed, a 25-passenger vessel, to the Discovery III, a 900-passenger vessel. Today, Captain Jim’s grandchildren run the company and Mary B is still active in the business.

In addition to growing their sternwheel business, the Binkley’s have added a gold mining attraction: Gold Dredge 8. The family has developed a tour in the heart of the gold fields where the first gold strikes attracted miners from the Klondike. They have incorporated large-scale industrial mining and the smaller ‘Mom and Pop’ side of mining into an all-encompassing tour that also features the Trans Alaska Pipeline and a replica of the Tanana Valley Railroad.

Although the Discovery III holds 900 passengers, they limit the number of passengers per voyage to just 700.  The voyage that I went on had just 461 people on board.  The ship sails down the Chena River to where it flows into the much larger Tanana River.

Float Plane Demonstration

Since the 1930’s, transportation by float plane has been essential in Alaska.  These very capable aircraft can change from floats for water to large “tundra” tires to skis for snow field operations.  Float planes have the ability to take off and land in very short distances.

The Discovery III stops at a point where you will watch a floatplane pilot take off in front of you.  The plane will continue as it circles the ships and then comes in for a water landing.  The ship’s public address system is switched to the aviation radio where the captain of the ship is talking with the pilot about the operations of float planes.

Trail Breaker Kennels

The kennel was founded in Eureka, Alaska by the late Susan Butcher, a four-time Iditarod champion, and David Monson, her husband and Yukon Quest champion. Built on a reputation of exemplary dog care and hard work, Trail Breaker Kennel became the premier racing kennel in the world. In 1990, Susan and David purchased the property in Fairbanks, Alaska and established Trail Breaker Kennel on the banks of the Chena River.

Today, David, his two daughters and dedicated staff members provide visitors from around the world a look at the lives of mushers and Alaskan huskies in Interior Alaska. For over 20 years, Trail Breaker Kennel has been a favorite stop on the Riverboat Discovery tour.  You will see demonstrations on what these amazing trail dogs are capable of.

Chena Village Living Museum

Be immersed in frontier living firsthand with a guided walking tour of a native Athabascan village. You’ll see an Athabascan village with cabins made of spruce logs, a cache used for storing supplies, a primitive spruce bark hut and fur pelts. Our guides will explain how the wolf, fox, martin and beaver were used to provide food and protection in the harsh Arctic climate. They will also share how the Athabascans skillfully survived for over 10,000 years and how they adapted to village life and Western culture in the past century.

Visiting Riverboat Discovery

You can learn more about this adventure by clicking here .

• Tours run two times per day at 8:45 am and 2:00 pm,
• The cost is $75.95 for adults and teens, $45.95 for children aged 3-12,
• Duration: three hours and
• Walkability: easy, the most walking will be at the Chena Villiage.  There are stairs aboard the ship to the upper decks.

Related tour: Gold Dredge #8.  You can read my review of Gold Dredge #8 here .

Final Thoughts

The Riverboat Discovery is a great way to not only cruise the Chena River but take a look at life in Alaska both old and new.  The Chena village has expert guides that will take you back to life as the native Athabascan people did thousands of years ago.  An interesting cultural look back in history.

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Cruising Through Alaska History and Culture Aboard a Sternwheeler

Riverboat Discovery excursion along the Chena River in Fairbanks, Alaska

(Disclosure: Thanks to Explore Fairbanks for hosting my stay in Fairbanks. Observations and opinions, as always, are my own.)

Staff stand on the dock at Steamboat Landing in Fairbanks, Alaska and wave at us as we sail away on the sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery for a 3-hour narrated cruise along the Chena River.

A sternwheeler is a ship propelled by a paddle wheel positioned at the stern. Sternwheelers played a major transportation and freight role in Alaska in the late 1800s and first part of the 1900s. At one time there were 250 sternwheelers on Alaska rivers, 91 on the Chena. Powered by wood furnaces, they would use one cord of wood an hour. The current Riverboat Discovery is a tourist excursion boat powered by diesel, but it has a strong connection with the past.

The boat is owned and operated by descendants of Charles M. Binkley, who started building and piloting boats in the North in 1898. In the 1950s, with railroads and airplanes beginning to carry most of the freight, his son Captain Jim Binkley Sr. and his wife Mary started a river excursion business. It was their granddaughter piloting the Riverboat Discovery the day of my cruise.

Float Plane

Bush planes, landing with floats on the water in summer and with skis on snow in winter, were and still are another important transportation vehicle in the North. Shortly after leaving the dock, we were treated to a demonstration of a float plane taking off and landing.

Trail Breaker Kennel

Before the use of snow mobiles, called “snow machines” in Alaska, dogsledding was a common method of winter travel used by indigenous peoples and early European settlers and trappers. Although dog teams are no longer used much for travel or moving goods, dogsledding has become a popular winter sport. The Iditarod dogsled race, which was created in the 1970s partly to save dog sled culture, has contributed to its popularity. The race runs between Anchorage and Nome. The more grueling Yukon Quest, which runs between Whitehouse in Canada’s Yukon and Fairbanks, started in 1984.

Susan Butcher was a four-time Iditarod race winner, winning her first race in 1986 and winning again in 1987, 1988, and 1990. She passed away in 2006, but her family still operates Trail Breaker Kennel, one of the longest operating kennels in Fairbanks where visitors experience the Alaskan mushing lifestyle. We paused at the banks of the kennel to see some of the dogs and learn about dog sledding from Susan’s husband.

Chena Village

The only place where we stopped and disembarked on the cruise was at a recreated Chena Athabascan Indian Village from the early 1900s. Captain Jim Binkley Sr. supplied villages like this by sternwheeler from the late 1930s through the 1950s. Guides at Chena Village explained how various animals were used for food and protection (clothing and shelter), how Athabascans survived nomadic life and how they adjusted to village life. Dogs from Susan Butcher’s kennels were also on site for those who wanted to get closer to the animals and learn more about them.

On The River

As we cruised the river, we passed a variety of log cabins, old and new, large and small, on properties along the shore. We saw a herd of caribou (a planned sighting as this is a domestic herd) and a bald eagle along the shore (unplanned sighting).

We turned around at the point where the Chena River joins the Tanana River. The Tanana River is a 584-mile tributary of the Yukon River. The Tanana River is a braided river, something I’d not heard of until I visited Alaska. A braided river consists of a network of river channels that continually split and join and are separated by small and often temporary islands. Braided rivers are typically wide and shallow and carry a lot of sediment.

Steamboat Landing

At Steamboat Landing, where the Riverboat Discovery docks and sets sail from, you’ll find a gift shop and Discovery Dining Hall, where a hearty lunch of miner’s stew, rustic roasted vegetables, apple pecan salad, sourdough rolls and a brownie is served family style at long tables.

Here you’ll also find the Alaska @ 40 Below Experience, where you have a chance to enter a specially designed chamber to experience what -40 degree temperatures feel like. I did not join the line-up for what looked like the entrance to the locker plant at the butcher shop in my childhood hometown, where my family rented a locker to store frozen vegetables and sides of meat before we had our own freezer. (The inside of that locker was actually many degrees warmer than -40.) Coming from a place with cold winters, I’ve lived through -40 degree temperatures in real life and preferred to remain in the hot summer temperatures, so I passed on the Alaska @ 40 Below Experience. However, even the idea of temperatures that cold must seem unfathomable to people who’ve lived their lives in warm climates or have not experienced temperatures much below freezing. I can understand wanting to know what it feels like.

The Riverboat Discovery sails twice a day from early May through mid-September. It is an excursion well worth taking should you visit Fairbanks in the summer.

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A step back in time. (Or at least until you hit the gift shop part.) Looks like a great way to spend the day, scenic and relaxing.

Ken, the Riverboat Discovery is well worth doing when in Fairbanks. It is both a step back in time and a modern-day experience.

I’ll never forget the thrill of taking a cruise a few years ago on a paddleboat down the Mississippi and your ride on the ‘Riverboat Discovery’ looks just as memorable. I loved learning about the history of the sternwheeler ships as well as more about the dogsled races. And … oh that gorgeous fur parka!! Anita

Anita, that parka was special. It was made of some many different furs I couldn’t remember them all, with specific ones selected for right around the face because of their insulating quality and handling of moisture. I also don’t remember how much it weighed, but it wasn’t light!

Wow, this palace looks amazing. Your images is lively with the nice captions.

Thanks William, and thanks for stopping by.

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Cruises From Fairbanks

Our Alaska Cruisetours are the only way to see this fascinating town as part of your Alaska cruise. And it is something to see. Fairbanks, Alaska’s second-largest city was born of gold rush frenzy, thanks to Felix Pedro, a prospector who found the precious metal in 1902 in a stream now known as “Pedro Creek.” Fairbanks features captivating excursions for history enthusiasts. Hop aboard a three-hour Riverboat Discovery Tour and visit the kennels of the late four-time Iditarod champion, Susan Butcher. Pan for gold in the Tanana Valley and explore the site of Gold Dredge 8. Though much of Fairbanks today is an amalgam of modern shops and malls, its history is celebrated at Pioneer Park, which features the Tanana Railroad Museum and a gold rush town comprising 35 restored buildings.

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