Tanana Lakes Recreation Area - Image 1
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Tanana Lakes Recreation Area

4.7
·94 reviews·Fairbanks, United States

Fairbanks' gem for fishing, swimming, boating, and community events, with a vibrant farmers market and winter ice skating.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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Tanana Lakes Recreation Area - Image 1

Tanana Lakes Recreation Area

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Fairbanks' gem for fishing, swimming, boating, and community events, with a vibrant farmers market and winter ice skating.

4.7
(94 reviews)

"A great summer spot for families and a nice gathering place for summer fun and activities!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Dog-Friendly Swimming Spots

Head right towards the jet ski/boat area for dog-friendly swimming. Great for pups who love to splash! :dog:

🦟 Bug Spray is Essential!

Mosquitoes can be intense, especially near the water in the evenings. Pack plenty of repellent! :japanese_goblin:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tanana Valley Farmers Market

Tanana Valley Farmers Market

Tanana Lakes Recreation Area

Vibrant market with local produce, crafts, and food. A must-visit for a taste of Fairbanks!

TikTok+1
Cushman Lake Beach

Cushman Lake Beach

Tanana Lakes Recreation Area

Sandy beach perfect for swimming, picnicking, and family fun. Enjoy the clear water on a warm day.

TikTokReddit
Ice Skating Loop

Ice Skating Loop

Big Dipper Ice Rink (Tanana Lakes)

Enjoy outdoor ice skating on a scenic loop during winter months. Check conditions and rentals beforehand.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Bugs

Fairbanks summers can be busy, especially at the Tanana Valley Farmers Market and during events. Visit early on weekdays for a quieter experience. Don't forget bug spray; mosquitoes can be intense, particularly near water in the evenings. TikTokReddit

Fishing & Water Fun

Tanana Lakes is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and salmon, making it a great fishing destination. Instagram+1 Consider renting a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard for a day on the water. TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Ideal for swimming & boating
Crowd
Medium
When
Market days (check schedule)
Why
Lively atmosphere & local goods
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Check out his new single #tananastatefair #fairbanks #fyp #foryou #alaska
@qshiesttyyyy
6.8K likes • 60.6K views

🎯 Dog-Friendly Swimming Spots

Head right towards the jet ski/boat area for dog-friendly swimming. Great for pups who love to splash! Reddit :dog:

🦟 Bug Spray is Essential!

Mosquitoes can be intense, especially near the water in the evenings. Pack plenty of repellent! Reddit :japanese_goblin:

Bach's Prélude from Suite No. 2, amidst the melting permafrost on Lower Tanana Dene lands in Fairbanks, Alaska, where I was brought by Princess Daazhraii Johnson. She writes this: "Our relationship to our birch relatives, our salmon relatives, and all the beings of Alaska are sacred. Our traditional stories tell us that at one point we all spoke the same language ... we still do. If we find the ...
@yoyoma.official
2.6K likes • 26.8K views
The fishing is great at Tanana Lakes Recreation Area (Just ask the birds!) A bald eagle met the stocking truck at Tanana Lakes Recreation Area and snatched a rainbow trout for lunch. Then a gull divebombed the eagle, trying to get it to drop the fish, but the eagle held on to it and flew across the Tanana River to eat in peace. Get out there and fish! 👍 #rainbowtrout #fairbankshatchery #ruthb...
adfg.sportfish.interiorak
22 likes • 509 views

🎣 Stocked Fishing Lake

Tanana Lakes is stocked with rainbow trout and salmon. Great for anglers of all levels! Instagram+1 :fishingpoleand_வத:

🛶 Watercraft Rentals

Rent canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards for a fun day on the lake. Perfect for exploring! TikTok :kayak:

Tanana Lakes just received some thrilling upgrades! 👻🎃💀 The Tanana River Recreation Access Improvements Project enhances access to federally-managed lands along the Tanana River in south Fairbanks. 🌊 To pay for this project, we leveraged federal funds and worked with Fairbanks Area Surface Transportation (FAST) Planning to secure grants. Here are the improvements.. just in time for the annual ...
fnsb_parks_and_rec
114 likes • 2.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Dog-Friendly Swimming Spots

Head right towards the jet ski/boat area for dog-friendly swimming. Great for pups who love to splash! Reddit :dog:

🦟 Bug Spray is Essential!

Mosquitoes can be intense, especially near the water in the evenings. Pack plenty of repellent! Reddit :japanese_goblin:

🎣 Stocked Fishing Lake

Tanana Lakes is stocked with rainbow trout and salmon. Great for anglers of all levels! Instagram+1 :fishingpoleand_வத:

🛶 Watercraft Rentals

Rent canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards for a fun day on the lake. Perfect for exploring! TikTok :kayak:

🎟️ Market Tickets in Advance

For the Tanana Valley State Fair, buy tickets early to skip lines and enjoy the festivities! TikTok :ticket:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(94 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Tanana Lakes for its diverse recreational opportunities, from fishing and boating to swimming and picnicking. The clean beaches and well-maintained trails are frequently highlighted as positives, making it a great spot for family fun and community gatherings. Some find the bug situation can be intense during peak summer evenings.

"Tanana lakes recreation area has fishing ,boating and swimming areas. They also have a place where you can rent a canoe, kayak or paddle board. Good place to fish for trout. It is a stocked lake. They have a sandy beach where you can swim or picnic with your family. I enjoy taking my dog to the boat ramp where he can swim."

Scott York

"Although there is nothing like the ocean and a beach, this is a nice summer spot for families! Nice gathering place to meet up with friends too for summer fun and activities!"

Washington Stadunks

"Tanana Lakes Swim Beach was very nice, water is decently clear and not overly crowded. Great place for Family fun, birthdays and even cookouts.

Some things I recommend brining if you plan a trip.

Towels
Sunscreen
Canopy
Chairs
Food and drinks.

Overall great family fun!"

Cody Lambert

What People Like

Stocked fishing lake
Sandy swim beach
Family-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Mosquitoes in evenings

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Tanana Lakes Recreation Area is easily accessible from Fairbanks. It's located at 4400 S Cushman St Exd, Fairbanks, AK 99701. Many visitors drive, and there's free parking available. TikTokInstagram Public transportation options might be limited, so check local transit schedules if you're not driving.

Yes, there is parking available at Tanana Lakes Recreation Area, and it's often free of charge. TikTok This makes it convenient for day trips and family outings.

Public transportation options to Tanana Lakes Recreation Area from Fairbanks can be limited. It's best to check with local Fairbanks transit authorities for the most up-to-date information on bus routes or other public transport services.

Yes, public restrooms are available at Tanana Lakes Recreation Area. They have been recently remodeled, offering a clean and convenient facility for visitors. TikTokReddit

While specific hours can vary, Tanana Lakes Recreation Area is generally accessible during daylight hours for most recreational activities. Special events may have specific timings. It's always a good idea to check local park schedules for any event-specific hours.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, there is no entrance fee for Tanana Lakes Recreation Area, making it an accessible destination for everyone. TikTok However, special events like the Tanana Valley State Fair may have separate admission fees. TikTok

Entry to the Tanana Valley Farmers Market itself is typically free. However, if you plan to attend the larger Tanana Valley State Fair, it's recommended to buy tickets in advance to skip lines. TikTok

Yes, there are costs associated with renting canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards at Tanana Lakes. The exact pricing can vary, so it's best to inquire locally about rental rates before your visit.

This project enhances access to federally-managed lands along the Tanana River. It was funded through federal grants and has improved recreational opportunities in the area. Instagram

Tanana Lakes Recreation Area hosts various events throughout the year, including Bonfire Nights and Labor Day BBQs. Instagram+1 It's advisable to check local event listings or the FNSB Parks and Recreation social media for upcoming activities. Instagram

🎫 🎣 Fishing & Boating

Tanana Lakes is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and Chinook salmon, making it a popular spot for anglers. Instagram+1 You might also encounter other species depending on the season.

Yes, there are boating areas at Tanana Lakes, including a boat ramp. You can launch personal watercraft or enjoy activities like jet skiing. Reddit

The lake is stocked, so fishing can be good in many areas. Anglers often find success near the stocked areas and around the lake's perimeter. Instagram+1

Yes, a valid Alaska fishing license is required to fish in Tanana Lakes. You can obtain licenses from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game or authorized vendors.

Fishing gear rental is not typically available directly at Tanana Lakes. It's recommended to bring your own fishing equipment or rent it from sporting goods stores in Fairbanks.

🎫 🏖️ Swimming & Picnics

The Tanana Lakes Swim Beach is generally considered very nice, with decently clear water. It's often not overly crowded, making it a great spot for family fun. Reddit

For a picnic, it's recommended to bring towels, sunscreen, a canopy for shade, chairs, and plenty of food and drinks. Reddit Don't forget bug spray! Reddit

Yes, dogs are allowed to swim at Tanana Lakes. A specific tip mentions turning right towards the jet ski/boat area where dogs can swim in calmer waters. Reddit

Absolutely! Tanana Lakes is described as a great gathering place for families, with clean beaches, picnic areas, and even a pavilion available for parties and get-togethers. Reddit

The picnic areas at Tanana Lakes are well-maintained and include public restrooms and barbecue facilities. There's also a pavilion that can be reserved for larger events. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Scenery

Tanana Lakes offers beautiful scenery, especially during sunrise and sunset. Snowshoeing trails in winter provide unique photographic moments with glorious light. Instagram The lake itself, the beach, and the surrounding natural landscape are all picturesque.

Yes, Tanana Lakes can be stunning in winter. Snowshoeing on the frozen lake offers unique perspectives and beautiful light conditions, though it can get very cold. Instagram

While not exclusively for photography, the Flicker Trail is noted for being well-laid out and accessible, offering pleasant views. Reddit The trails around the lake provide various vantage points for capturing the scenery.

You might spot wildlife like bald eagles fishing in the lake, as seen in one reel where an eagle snatched a trout. Instagram Keep an eye out for birds and other local fauna.

Many visitors find the scenery at Tanana Lakes to be beautiful and peaceful, making it a worthwhile visit even if you're not fishing or swimming. The sandy beach and lake views are particularly appealing. TikTokReddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Tanana Lakes is a fantastic family destination! The sandy beach at Cushman Lake is perfect for little ones to play and swim, and the water is generally clear and not too crowded. Reddit Pack plenty of sunscreen, towels, and snacks, and consider bringing a canopy for shade. Reddit The picnic areas are well-equipped with restrooms and barbecue facilities, making it easy to spend a full day here. Reddit For active families, renting a canoe or kayak offers a fun way to explore the lake together. TikTok

🎣 Anglers & Outdoor Enthusiasts

For fishing enthusiasts, Tanana Lakes is a prime spot thanks to regular stocking of rainbow trout and Chinook salmon. Instagram+1 Bring your fishing gear and try your luck from the shore or a boat. Boating is also popular, with a ramp available for launching personal watercraft. Reddit The well-maintained trails offer opportunities for hiking and snowshoeing (in winter), providing a chance to connect with the natural Alaskan environment. Instagram Remember to check for fishing license requirements and be prepared for varying weather conditions.

🐶 Dog Owners

Dog owners will be happy to know that Tanana Lakes is a dog-friendly spot! A specific tip highlights that dogs can swim in the jet ski/boat area by turning right upon entry, where the water is calmer and ideal for canine companions. Reddit Always ensure your dog is on a leash when not in designated swimming areas and clean up after them. It's a great place for your furry friend to cool off and have some fun in the water. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Tanana Lakes: Activities Galore

Tanana Lakes Recreation Area is a multifaceted destination offering a wide array of activities for all seasons. During the warmer months, the Cushman Lake Beach is a major draw, providing a sandy expanse perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and family picnics. TikTokReddit For those seeking aquatic adventures, rentals for canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are available, allowing visitors to explore the lake's calm waters. TikTok Fishing enthusiasts will find Tanana Lakes to be a rewarding spot, as the lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and Chinook salmon, attracting anglers of all skill levels. Instagram+1

Beyond water-based activities, the recreation area boasts well-maintained and labeled trails, including the accessible Flicker Trail, suitable for both individuals with and without disabilities. Reddit In winter, the area transforms into a picturesque winter wonderland. The Big Dipper Ice Rink offers an outdoor ice skating loop, providing a unique way to experience the Alaskan landscape. TikTok The trails are also popular for snowshoeing, offering stunning views and a chance to enjoy the crisp winter air. Instagram

Tanana Lakes also serves as a hub for community events. From Bonfire Nights and Labor Day BBQs Instagram+1 to the vibrant Tanana Valley Farmers Market TikTok+1 and the larger Tanana Valley State Fair,TikTok there's often something happening to engage visitors. The Tanana River Recreation Access Improvements Project has further enhanced access to the surrounding federally-managed lands, underscoring the area's commitment to recreational development. Instagram

The Tanana Valley Farmers Market Experience

The Tanana Valley Farmers Market is a highlight for many visitors to Fairbanks, and it's conveniently located within the Tanana Lakes Recreation Area. This bustling market is a celebration of local Alaskan produce, crafts, and culinary delights. Visitors can expect to find a diverse range of vendors offering everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to artisanal cheeses, meats, baked goods, and unique handmade crafts. TikTok+1

Beyond the shopping, the market often features live music and a lively atmosphere, making it a fantastic place to spend a summer morning or afternoon. It's an excellent opportunity to support local businesses and get a true taste of the Fairbanks community. For those planning a visit, it's worth checking the market's schedule, as it typically runs throughout the summer months. TikTok Attending the market is a sensory experience, filled with vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and the friendly chatter of vendors and shoppers alike. TikTok

Winter Wonders at Tanana Lakes

When winter blankets Fairbanks in snow, Tanana Lakes Recreation Area transforms into a serene, frozen landscape offering unique recreational opportunities. The Big Dipper Ice Rink, located within the Tanana Lakes area, provides a dedicated outdoor loop for ice skating. Visitors can call ahead to inquire about current ice conditions and skate rental availability, making it an accessible winter activity. TikTok

Beyond the rink, the frozen lake and surrounding trails become a playground for snowshoeing and winter hiking. The scenery can be particularly breathtaking, with the unique experience of trails extending onto the frozen lake itself. Instagram While the beauty is undeniable, remember that Alaskan winters are cold, so dressing in warm layers and protecting extremities is crucial for an enjoyable experience. Instagram The crisp air and quiet solitude of a winter visit to Tanana Lakes offer a different, yet equally captivating, perspective on this popular recreation spot.

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