Visit Creamer’s Field State Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, a bird sanctuary with viewing areas, wetlands and boreal forests. See a range of migratory birds, including northern pintail ducks, Canada geese and golden plovers. Take a guided walk through the sanctuary or participate in an educational event.
This approximately 2,000-acre (800-hectare) sanctuary also has snowshoe hares, moose and red squirrels. See a groundhog near the farmhouse and spot a red fox in the fields. Visit a seasonal pond in the spring and discover the breeding site of the wood frog, one of the few amphibian species in interior Alaska.
Creamer’s Field is regarded as one of the finest birdwatching areas in Alaska. The sanctuary provides an excellent resting habitat for many species of migratory birds, especially waterfowl. During the summer, see shoveler ducks and mallards. Participate in August’s Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival. Many of the birds migrate in the fall however, you may spot redpolls, chickadees, ravens and owls year-round.
Discover a typical Alaskan forest setting on the Boreal Forest Trail. Find the observation tower for the best bird-watching in the sanctuary. Walk past woodlands and open fields on the Farm Road Trail. During the winter, the sanctuary offers outdoor activities, including cross-country skiing and dog mushing. Try skijoring, being pulled on skis over the snow.
Stop at the Farmhouse Visitor Center and find the Friends of Creamer’s Field volunteer staff. This community-based, nonprofit organization works with the sanctuary to educate visitors with guided summer walks and other events. Visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game office in Fairbanks and ask about hunting on the sanctuary. During select seasons, parts of the refuge are open for hunting and trapping and closed to walkers.
This sanctuary is about 2 miles (3 kilometers) from the center of Fairbanks. Check the official website for information on upcoming seasonal events. The scenic nature walks and many other educational activities are free.
Creamer’s Field is a beautiful natural area to walk and observe the region’s migratory and resident birds.
