Large Animal Research Station

The feel

This is a 130 acre research facility on Yankovich Road, set on a former homestead that Mike Yankovich established in 1923. The University took it over in 1963, and the first muskoxen arrived in 1964. Today it houses muskoxen and reindeer, with wood bison also seen on tours.

Most of the animals can be seen from the roadside viewing area even without a tour. A tour is entirely outdoors and lasts about 1 hour, with about 1/4 mile of walking over uneven ground, snow, ice or mud. The gift shop sells qiviut, the muskox fiber, along with Alaskan gifts.

What to expect

What it is

A University of Alaska Fairbanks research station for muskoxen, reindeer and wood bison, with a roadside viewing area and scheduled tours.

Time

Tours last about 1 hour.

Crowds and best time

Summer tours run daily at 10am, 12pm and 2pm. Winter tours run Thursday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons and sell out days or weeks ahead.

Fees and passes

Winter tours are $20 for adults and $15 for youth ages 5 to 17; under age 5 is free.

Kids

Youth ages 5 to 17 pay $15 and under age 5 is free.

Hazards

Uneven ground, snow, ice or mud. Tours are cancelled when the weather is below -20F.

Season and access

2220 Yankovich Road, Fairbanks, on a paved road. Summer tour season runs from late May to early September. Winter tours run October 22 to December 5 and February 4 to March 28, with none in December and January.

Mingo says

Pick a summer tour for the easiest booking, since groups under 10 need no reservation. Tours are cancelled in deep cold, so a mild afternoon is the safer pick.

Before you go

• Buy winter tickets in advance; there are no walk-ins.
• Wear boots or waterproof shoes, because you walk through a liquid disinfecting solution.
• Call 907-474-5724 or email uaf-lars-tours@alaska.edu with questions.
• The summer gate and gift shop are open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.