riverboat discovery services

Alaska is ready

Make 2024 your year

Your three-hour tour will take you into the heart of Alaska and introduce you to a family who has made the rivers of Alaska their way of life for five generations.

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.

Bush Pilot Demonstration

See an Alaskan bush pilot takeoff and land right next to the boat! ( 1 ) ‍ Our pilot will share his stories of village life and explain the vital role planes play in remote Alaska.

Trail Breaker Kennel

Visit the home and kennel of the late four-time Iditarod champion Susan Butcher as we pass Trail Breaker Kennel along the Chena River. Learn first hand about kennel life and the challenges that go into making a champion dogsled team. Dave and Tekla Monson, Susan’s husband and daughter, share stories of life on the trails as puppies play in anticipation of joining the team. Keep your cameras ready; you will not want to miss the dog mushing demonstration!

Steamboat Landing

Trading posts in the early days of Western contact were popular with people in Alaskan Villages, and that tradition continues with the Discovery Trading Post (on-board Discovery III) and Steamboat Landing (onshore). Both stores offer gifts and products that are unique to Alaska and the Native culture. To this day, we strive to follow Captain Jim’s commitment to give visitors “the best value at the best price” by offering Fairbanks’ largest selection of Alaskan souvenirs and gifts.

Discovery Dining Hall

If you are hungry, be sure to check out our Discovery Dining Hall.  With seatings at 11:45 AM and 1 PM you can enjoy a full family-style meal and eat to your fill.  The Discovery Dining Hall offers our hearty miner's beef stew, rustic roasted vegetables, a kale apple pecan salad, sourdough rolls and, for dessert, a German chocolate brownie.  For beverages we offer iced tea, water, coffee and hot tea. Beer and wine are available for purchase as well.

Captain's Corner Grab & Go Lunch

For something quick, stop by the Captain's Corner located inside Steamboat Landing. We have fresh made sandwiches, wraps and salads ready each day. Enjoy your lunch on our beautiful outdoor deck as you soak in the sun and enjoy views of the Chena River.

Beer, wine and snacks are also available for sale aboard Discovery III.

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.

Can I do both the Riverboat Discovery and Gold Dredge 8 tours in one day?

Yes, our tours are designed so you can do both tours in one day. However, please note that these tours are not at the same location.

Are reservations required?

Although reservations are not required, they are highly recommended. We recommend making reservations as soon as you know the date you would like to go on our tours.

What time should I arrive for my tour?

We recommend arriving at the Riverboat Discovery at least 30 minutes prior to departure time. When you arrive at the Riverboat Discovery you will need to check in at our ticket counter to pick up your boarding passes.

We recommend arriving at Gold Dredge 8 at least 15 minutes prior to departure time. When you arrive at Gold Dredge 8 you will need to check in at our train station in the parking lot to pick up your boarding passes.

How do I get to your location?

The Riverboat Discovery is located a few miles from Fairbanks International Airport. Take Airport Way West towards the airport; take a right onto Dale Road; continue about 1/2 mile and take a right onto Discovery Drive; we are located at the end of Discovery Drive.

Gold Dredge 8 is located about 25 minutes outside of Fairbanks on the Old Steese Highway. Take the Steese Highway (Route 2) North; take a left onto Goldstream Road; take a left onto Old Steese Highway (the first cross-road); our entrance is the first driveway on the right.

How long should I allow to get to each location?

The Riverboat Discovery is roughly 7 miles from downtown Fairbanks. We recommend allowing 20 minutes to get from downtown Fairbanks to the Riverboat Discovery.

Gold Dredge 8 is roughly 10 miles from downtown Fairbanks. We recommend allowing 25 minutes to get from downtown Fairbanks to Gold Dredge 8.

What address do I enter in my GPS to get to your location?

Riverboat Discovery: 1975 Discovery Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99709

Gold Dredge 8: 1803 Old Steese Highway North, Fairbanks, AK 99712

I don’t have a car. What is the best way to get to the Riverboat Discovery and/or Gold Dredge 8?

We recommend renting a car while in Fairbanks so you can explore the beauty of our widespread community. Many local hotels offer shuttles to the Riverboat Discovery. We recommend checking with the front desk at your hotel for the best transportation option to the Riverboat Discovery. Many of our Riverboat Discovery guests arrive via taxi or shuttle. We do not recommend taking a taxi to our Gold Dredge 8 location. It is outside of town and a taxi would be quite expensive. We recommend either renting a car or checking into a shuttle service such as Go North (907-452-9999) or Airlink (907-452-3337).

What should I bring on my tour?

We recommend bringing a camera and a light jacket.

What should I wear on my tour?

We always suggest wearing layers. A portion of our tours at both locations are outdoors where you are exposed to the elements. Our boats at the Riverboat Discovery have heated/air-conditioned decks for your comfort. The train at Gold Dredge 8 is open air and has a roof.

Is the tour ever cancelled due to the weather?

In our 70+ year history, we have never cancelled a tour due to the weather. If it is sprinkling rain, we provide ponchos, seat cushions and umbrellas for our guests at both locations. If it is pouring rain at the Riverboat Discovery, we will bring the village tour onto the boat.

Will I see wildlife?

You will see reindeer as part of the tour at the Riverboat Discovery.

Will there be a Bush Pilot Demonstration Today?

We strive to have every part of the tour available each day, however several weather factors can ground the planes doing the demonstration. We may cancel the Bush Pilot Demonstration due to severe winds, fog, ice flows, or any other weather conditions that make it unsafe to fly on that day.

Is there anything available to eat on the tour?

We have complimentary coffee and fresh donuts at the Riverboat Discovery. If you are looking for something more than donuts, we have three options available at the Riverboat Discovery: Discovery Dining Hall, where we serve a hearty miner’s stew (vegetarian and gluten-free options available upon request); galleys on board the boats that have snack food (reindeer dogs, chili, chips, etc.); Captain’s Corner, where we offer lunch boxes (sandwiches, salad, chips and a soda). We also serve locally made ice cream on the boats and at Captain’s Corner in the gift shop. At Gold Dredge 8, we serve complimentary freshly baked cookies, coffee and hot chocolate.

Is there assigned seating on the boat or train?

No, seating is on a first come first served basis. Every seat on board is a great seat. We have TV monitors on every deck and train car that feature a live broadcast and provide supplementary informational footage.

Is there alcohol available for purchase?

Yes, at the Riverboat Discovery, we serve beer and wine on board our boats and in the Discovery Dining Hall.

Are there restrooms on the boat and train?

At the Riverboat Discovery, there are restrooms available on the boats, at our village and in our gift shop. At the Gold Dredge 8, there are restrooms available at our train station and in the gift shop.

How long is the tour and how often do tours run?

The tour at the Riverboat Discovery is three hours long. The Gold Dredge 8 tour is two hours long. Both of our tours run twice a day from mid-May to mid-September.

I purchased my ticket through an on-line agency. Do I need to check-in on-site?

Yes, you will need to check in at our ticket counter/train station to exchange your voucher for a boarding pass.

What is your refund policy?

We offer a full refund if you cancel your reservation up to 48 hours prior to your scheduled tour time. After 48 hours, we do not offer a refund but you can reschedule your tour for another time.

Are your tours wheelchair accessible?

Yes, our tours are wheelchair accessible . At the Riverboat Discovery, wheelchairs must board at the stern (back of the boat near the paddle wheel). When you arrive please notify an associate at the ticket counter or collection booth as we require wheelchairs to pre-board and be escorted by a trained Deckhand. Our Athabascan Village has gravel paths that allow easy access. If you need assistance at the Athabascan Village please notify a Deckhand. At Gold Dredge 8, we have certain train cars that are wheelchair accessible. When you arrive notify the associate that is assisting with boarding and they will direct you to the appropriate train car.

Are animals allowed on the boat or train?

Due to customer allergies, we only allow designated trained service animals.

Is the paddle wheel decorative?

No, the paddle wheel is used to power the boat.

Are the tours appropriate for young children?

Yes, we find that all ages enjoy our tours.

1975 Discovery Drive Fairbanks, AK 99709

1-866-479-6673

907-479-6673

[email protected]

Gold Dredge 8

Captain Jim's Salmon

Adventure Green Alaska

Alaska Travel Industry Association

Explore Fairbanks

PVA Green Waters

Trip Advisor

Riverboat Discovery

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Riverboat Discovery - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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

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.

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 .

The cost is $89.95 for adults and $49.95 for children age 3-12. Children younger than 3 are free.

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