Wedgewood Resort

Imagine a place where the history of technical progress meets pristine northern nature. The Wedgewood Resort Museum is more than just an exhibition space; it is part of a large-scale complex in the city of Fairbanks that combines comfortable relaxation with a deep dive into the heritage of Alaska, USA.

Wedgewood Resort Museum. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The heart of this destination is the famous Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum. Spanning over 30,000 square feet, it showcases a unique collection of 70 rare automobiles, including those that traversed Alaska's rugged terrain as early as the beginning of the 20th century. However, the museum is interesting for more than just its machinery: the displays are complemented by vintage fashion from those years and rare artifacts, creating an amazing atmosphere of stepping back in time.

Beyond the museum, the resort grounds cover vast natural areas, including the Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary. Here, you can stroll through boreal forests and observe waterfowl in their natural habitat. It is a rare example of a tourist site that will be equally engaging for history buffs and those who appreciate quiet walks in the fresh air.

For more details regarding your visit or bookings, you can use the official contact information of the complex.

The main highlight of the program is a visit to the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, where you can not only see rare car models like the 1920 Argonne but also learn about the incredible ingenuity of Alaska's first motorists. A stroll past rows of gleaming chrome hoods is accompanied by an introduction to the period-appropriate costumes, allowing you to literally feel the spirit of the time.

For outdoor enthusiasts, a system of well-maintained trails runs through the wildlife sanctuary. While walking around Wander Lake, you can spot over 100 species of birds, see beaver lodges, or even find tracks of moose and foxes. Special information signs along the way will tell you many interesting facts about the local flora and fauna, turning an ordinary walk into a fascinating educational quest.

Don't forget to stop by "Alaska Activity Island" to explore an authentic prospector's cabin and listen to stories from locals. If you are visiting with family, be sure to head to the Taiga Center to watch educational films or spend time in the resort's picturesque flower gardens, which have been repeatedly recognized as the best in the region.

Reaching this unique destination is quite simple: the Wedgewood Resort Museum is located just one mile (about a 2–3 minute drive) from the downtown area. If you are arriving at Fairbanks International Airport, the drive will take no more than 10–15 minutes. The main routes run via Badger Rd or Airport Way, making it easily accessible for those who prefer renting a car.

For those who enjoy walking, the journey from the city center takes about 30 minutes, allowing you to get a closer look at the Alaskan atmosphere. You can also always use taxi services or popular ride-sharing apps (Uber/Lyft); a trip from the airport is reasonably priced and takes very little time.

During the summer season, the resort often serves as a stop for cruise groups and organized tours. In winter, this destination is popular among Northern Lights hunters, so transportation accessibility remains high year-round.

The history of this place is inextricably linked to the development of automotive culture in the North. The crown jewel of the complex — the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum — opened its doors on June 1, 2009. The idea for such a large-scale exhibition belonged to the owner of the Fountainhead hotel chain, Timothy Cerny, who began building the collection in 2007, wishing to transform the resort into a full-fledged cultural center.

The museum's exhibition is unique in its focus on the "pioneers" of Alaska's roads. It houses the state's very first car, hand-built by Robert Sheldon in 1905. In this fragile contraption, he completed an incredible journey for that time from Fairbanks to Valdez. The collection also features the city's first 1916 Dodge and a rare 1926 Fordson Snow-Motor designed for Arctic expeditions.

The development of the resort itself went hand-in-hand with environmental conservation. The territory includes a wildlife sanctuary created to preserve the unique boreal forest. The combination of human technical history and pristine nature makes this a landmark site for all of Alaska, reflecting the rugged yet inventive spirit of the locals.

Visitors typically need 3 to 4 hours to leisurely explore the antique car collection in the museum and take a walk along the scenic trails of the sanctuary. If you are short on time, you should allocate at least 1–2 hours for the main museum exhibition alone.

For those who want to fully immerse themselves in the resort's atmosphere — visiting "Alaska Activity Island," watching films about Alaska at the Taiga Center, and enjoying dinner at the local restaurant — it is better to plan for a full day. The complex's grounds are perfect for a relaxing getaway, especially during the warmer months.

According to the general rules of the complex, the resort grounds are open for visiting 24/7. This is particularly convenient for those who want to enjoy the silence of the sanctuary trails in the early morning or dream of seeing the flashes of the Northern Lights on a winter night.

However, the operating hours for the museum exhibition and restaurants may vary depending on the season. Before your visit, we strongly recommend checking the information on the official website to plan your tour of the car collection and other indoor facilities.

When planning your visit to the resort, be sure to set aside time to explore other interesting locations in Fairbanks. The surrounding area is rich in historical monuments and unique public spaces that will help you dive deeper into the flavor of this northern land.