Chena Riverwalk

The feel

This is a paved riverside path through downtown Fairbanks, running past Golden Heart Plaza, Griffin Park and the antler arch. The arch is made of 100+ moose and caribou antlers collected from the Interior.

At Golden Heart Plaza a time capsule made from a piece of the Trans-Alaska pipeline is buried, to be opened on January 3rd, 2059. Above ground are the Unknown First Family statue, the milepost marking the end of the Alaska Highway and the headquarters of the Yukon Quest. Griffin Park has the WWII Lend-Lease Monument and an open field popular for picnics. Along the way the path passes historical monuments, local and Native artwork, museums and pedestrian bridges.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 6.6 miles total, with about 55 ft of gain, on a paved path along the Chena River.

Time

About 2.5 hours.

Parking

Park at Immaculate Conception Church or in the Downtown Transportation Center for a shorter jaunt.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed, and the path passes a local dog park.

Kids

Rated easy and paved.

Bathrooms and water

The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center, next to Griffin Park, has public restrooms.

Mingo says

Walk it in July or August, when the flowers are in full bloom. The open field at Griffin Park makes a good picnic stop.

Before you go

• Park at Immaculate Conception Church or the Downtown Transportation Center to shorten the walk.
• Find Golden Heart Plaza on 1st Avenue between Cushman and Lacey Streets.
• Use the public restrooms at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center.

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