Top Links

About Us The Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau is a non-profit marketing organization whose mission is to contribute to the economic well-being of the Fairbanks area by marketing to potential visitors. We market Fairbanks as a year-round destination by promoting local events, attractions and activities to independent travelers, group tour operators, travel agents, meeting planners and the media. The mission of the FCVB is to enhance the quality of the visitor experience and to contribute to the economic well-being of the Fairbanks region by marketing to potential visitors. The FCVB annually refines and develops a long-term strategic plan that will help ensure the positioning of the Fairbanks area as an authentic, year-round Alaskan visitor destination. Tourism Trends & Stats The FCVB draws on a myriad of international, national and state visitor industry research in help develop its annual Strategic Marketing Plan. The following are excerpts from some recent studies that the FCVB used to aid decision making in this 2002 plan. In 2000, the FCVB initiated two new studies to better refine marketing activities: Annual Conversion Study and the Log Cabin Visitors Study. Both of these studies provide some baseline data and analysis on FCVB promotional efforts. The FCVB has commissioned McDowell and Associates via the Alaska Travelers Survey (ATS) to study Fairbanks visitors in summer 2003. Data analysis will be available by early 2004. FCVB Annual Conversion Study The Conversion Study is a key research project that the FCVB conducts as needed. The purpose of the studies on inquiries in 2000, 2001 and 2002 was fourfold: To determine the conversion rates of prospective visitors from FCVB-generated inquiries through in-house media placements (both paid ads and publicity efforts) and lead database purchases from the Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA). To ascertain some demographic information of our visitors and inquiries. To measure the effectiveness of FCVB marketing materials. To deduce what the implications are for our marketing efforts. Statewide Studies Among other studies in 2004, the Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA) will commission a study analyzing the factors for the decline of highway travelers to Alaska. Two existing studies are available from the ATIA: Images of Alaska 2000 and Repeat vs. 1st Time Alaska Visitors. Both are prepared by GMA Research Corporation. These studies are available to read at the FCVB but may not be taken from the President/CEO's office and may not be copied. Images is $90 per copy and Repeat is $35 per copy. You can purchase either study from ATIA at (907) 929-2842 or contact via the web: Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA): www.alaskatia.org Some of the key findings of the Images of Alaska 2000 are: 29% of all adults (59 million) residing in the lower 48 states are prospective Alaska travelers The West and Midwest offer the greatest potential The cost (60%) and time (46%) are the top two reasons why high potentials have never taken a vacation to Alaska The Internet plays a stronger role in arranging vacation travel than it did in 1996. About half (49%) of visitors decided to visit Alaska within six months of actual travel High potentials are very different from actual visitors in that they are more likely to: have a larger family size, be in a two-income family, have children at home, be younger, and work full time. Some general observations from Repeat vs. 1st Time Alaska Visitors are: The Repeat Visitor is much more likely to think of "hunting and fishing" than the 1st Time Visitor The Repeat Visitor is much more likely that the 1st Time Visitor to say that "cost-expensive" was what they disliked most about their most recent trip to Alaska The average number of trips to Alaska for Repeat Visitors is 3.6 times. One in five have made six or more trips Compared to 1st Time Visitors, Repeat Visitors are significantly more likely to have participated in the following activities while in Alaska (in descending order): bird watching, fishing, car rental, tent camping, private RV campground, winter activities, and hunting.

Haines is everything you dreamed Alaska would be – Find yourself submerged in pristine beauty surrounded by abundant wildlife and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure while soaking up the surroundings with experiences from extreme adventure to simple pleasures at a leisurely pace. Located on the shores of the Lynn Canal, the longest, deepest fjord in North America, and home to the first permanent army post in Alaska, Fort William H. Seward, Haines is framed with snow-capped mountains while boasting the best tours and unique museums in Southeast Alaska. Read more. Haines is a central point on the unique Golden Circle Route – take a drive through the history and culture of the Gold Rush Era while you feast your eyes on 350 miles of the incredible scenery. Read more. Native Culture - Tlingits The first people to call the Chilkat Valley home were Tlingit Indians. Originally called “Dei-Shu” or “End of the Trail,” Haines is home of the Chilkat Indians whose mother village is Klukwan, located 22 miles north of Haines. Klukwan is recognized as the earliest of the Chilkat villages and contains many reminders of its rich past. Now the Haines Highway into Canada, and previously the Dalton trail used by gold-seekers, the Tlingit trade route to the interior was dubbed the ‘grease trail’ because the most important item carried was oil extracted from the eulachon fish. Due to the bountiful resources of the area, Tlingits could spend less time on survival and more on developing other skills. Tlingits were the first settlers in the Chilkat Valley, and their traditions still flourish today. Haines and Fort Seward, History Haines was named in honor of Francina Haines of the Presbyterian Home Missions Board. Accompanied by his friend, John Muir, S. Hall Young, was the first missionary to the area in 1879. The purpose of their trip was to scout a location for a mission and a school. The first known meeting between white men and Tlingit took place in 1741 when a Russian ship anchored near Haines and started the fur trade in the area. In 1892, Jack Dalton established a toll road on the Tlingit trade route in to the interior to cash in on gold-seekers and others heading north into Canada. Parts of the Dalton Trail are now the Haines Highway. In 1902, ongoing border disputes between the U.S. and Canada provided the justification for the first permanent army post in Alaska. The white buildings of Fort William H. Seward still stand and are a distinctive landmark of Haines. Decommissioned in 1947, the fort was bought by a group of war veterans with hopes of creating an arts and commerce community. The buildings are now privately owned homes, accommodations, restaurants, galleries, and shops. Established as a result of a border dispute with Canada, Fort William H. Seward was named after the man who negotiated the purchase of Alaska from the Russians. Due to the confusion in the post office caused by the city of Seward also honoring the man, the Fort was renamed Chilkoot Barracks in 1922. The original name was resumed when the Fort was declared an Historic Landmark in 1972. Decommissioned in 1947, five former veterans purchased the Fort with plans to make it an arts and crafts area of the community. Most of the original buildings still stand and are now private residences, accommodation establishments, eateries, and galleries showcasing local art. For more information about the Fort, visit the Sheldon Museum web site at http://sheldonmuseum.org . A Fort Seward Walking Tour brochure is available at the Visitor Center. Pic goes here at a later point The Hammer Museum History and Progress as viewed through the eye of the Hammer * Over 1500 different hammers from the colonial era, through the industrial age to the present day Box 702 108 Main Street Haines, AK. 99827 Phone (907) 766-2374 Email: hammermuseum@aptalaska.net Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center Located across from the Small Boat Harbor at 11 Main Street * Dioramas & artifacts depict the history of Tlingit residence in the Chilkat Valley, the pioneer history of Haines, and the military period of Fort William H. Seward * Groups welcome * Open year-round; call for hours Box 269 Haines, AK. 99827 Phone (907) 766-2366 Fax (907) 766-2368 Email: museumdirector@aptalaska.net American Bald Eagle Foundation Non-profit educational and research foundation with a Natural History museum containing over 100 full-sized specimens (Wildlife * Marine life * Birds) in a diorama representing the Lynn Canal and the Chilkat Valley * Open year- round; call for hours Box 49 Haines, AK. 99827 Phone (907) 766-3094 Fax (907) 766-3095 Email: info@baldeagles.org Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve The Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve was created by the State of Alaska in June 1982. The Preserve was established to protect and perpetuate the world's largest concentration of Bald Eagles and their critical habitat. The combination of open water and plentiful food brings over 3,000 eagles into the Chilkat Valley beginning in early October and lasting until January. The peak of the gathering usually occurs in mid-November. Visitors to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve need only drive 18 miles from Haines on the Haines Highway to find excellent eagle viewing areas. Newly-created pullouts along the highway are provided for eagle watchers and photographers. Interpretive displays, walking trails, and shelters now enhance the experience. Tsirku Canning Company Watch an historic salmon canning line in operation and learn about the fascinating history of the salmon canning industry in Alaska * Located at 5th and Main, downtown Box 418 Haines, AK. 99827 Phone (907) 766-3474 Email: tsirku@cannerytour.com Chilkat Dancers Storytelling Theater Alaska Indian Arts and the Seawolf/Whale Rider galleries are teaming up to produce an exciting, updated version of the traditional Chilkat Dancers' Show. Experience the legends used by the ancient Natives of the Northwest Coast in their elaborate winter ceremonials. With the use of carved masks and traditional costumes, storytelling will bring the ancient legends to life. Properly staged and animated, masked characters will have a hypnotic effect on the viewer as emphasis is placed on character and plot development. Lighting, staging and puppets will bring the show a new level of excitement. The Storytelling Theater will be performed in the Totem Village Tribal House at the Fort Seward Parade Field on a regular basis all summer long. Audiences will get a glimpse into the past magic of Totem Pole and carved screen staging. Showtimes weekday afternoons. Adults $10.00; Children $5.00 Box 776 Haines, AK. 99827 Phone (907) 766-2540 Email: seawolf@tresham.com Haines Totem Poles Ten totem poles can be found in the Haines area. Stop by the Visitors Center for list of totems and their location (or view and download a copy Here). Visitors are welcome at Alaska Indian Arts in the Fort Seward area to view carvers in action. Pic goes here at a later point Chilkat State Park 8 miles south of Haines on Mud Bay Road * Very scenic * 32 pull-through sites, 3 beachfront tent sites * Fire rings, water, toilets, fishing, boat launch, hiking trails, cabin * Summer hosts provide information & reference materials at log cabin interpretive center * Views of Rainbow and Davidson Glaciers * $10/night * Season is from May 15 to September 15 Chilkoot State Park 10 miles north of Haines off Lutak Road * Very scenic * 32 spaces, some with lake views * Fire rings, water, toilets, picnic tables, fishing, boat launch * Summer hosts provide information & reference materials at last sote * $10/night * Season is from May 15 to October 15 Glacier Bay National Park Just 15 minutes from Haines by air * One of the most popular wilderness parks in North America * Spectacular glaciers, alpine scenery, wildlife * Activities include glacier flightseeing, whale watching, day cruises, kayaking, hiking, fishing & camping Contact a Haines air service (go to flightseeing under Tours & Attractions), a Haines travel agency (see Getting To Haines), or contact us at the Haines Visitor Information Center. Kluane National Park and Reserve of Canada 3 hours north of Haines by highway * Discover the scenic beauty of the Yukon wilderness * Activities range from rafting the Alsek River to lakeside camping, Hiking - day and overnight, Mountaineering, Interpretive Programs, fishing, flightseeing & skiing * Contact a Haines travel agency (go to Getting To Haines), or contact the Visitor Reception Center in Haines Junction Box 5495 Haines Junction, Yukon YOB 1L0, Canada Phone (867) 634-7202 Fax (867) 634-7208 Email kluane.info@pc.gc.ca Tatshenshini - Alsek Provincial Park 1.5 hours north of Haines by highway * British Columbia's northern wilderness park, which encompasses the headwaters of two of North America's most exciting rivers for rafting & kayaking * Activities include rafting, kayaking, hiking, camping, fishing & skiing *To and From Haines) Postal Bag 5000 Smithers, B.C. V0J 2N0 Phone (250) 847-7320 Email vhj@yknet.yk.ca Klukwan The original settlement of the Tlingits, Klukwan translates into “Eternal Village.” This is a flourishing Alaska Native Community known for its rich cultural history and legacy of artwork. The new Klukwan Tribal Tour is the best and encouraged way to see and learn more about the village and its people. For reservations or more information call 907-767-5770. Pic goes here at a later point Alaska Indian Arts Once the Hospital in Fort Seward, Alaska Indian Arts is dedicated to the preservation and continuation of traditional native craft and culture of the Northwest Coast Native Tribes. See carvers and artists at work on masterpieces that have been known to find homes around the globe. http://www.alaskaindianarts.com Box 271 Haines, AK. 99827 Phone/Fax (907) 766-2160 Email: mail@alaskaindianarts.com Hiking For the extreme adventurer to the casual, low impact walk, several trails are accessible to soak up the beauty of the Haines area. Learn about the flora and fauna of the forest on a guided hike or strike out on your own. Stop by the Visitors Center for the Haines is for Hikers pamphlet. Haines Trails Once you click on the link, click on "Haines" to see a map of the local trails. Birding Birding is a growing activity and Haines is a perfect place to indulge the interest being home to a total of 260 species of birds throughout the year. Go it alone and keep your binoculars handy or check out our tour operators for opportunities to enhance the birding experiences of Haines. Click on Birds of the Chilkat Valley Checklist for an on-line, printable version or stop by the Haines Visitors Center. For birding information in Haines and statewide, check out the state program Wings Over Alaska Eldred Rock Lighthouse First lit on June 1, 1906 and one of the remotest lighthouses in North America, the Eldred Rock Lighthouse was built after some disastrous shipwrecks in the vicinity, especially during the 1898 Gold Rush, when the Lynn Canal was full of steamships bringing miners to Skagway for their climb over Chilkoot Pass. Eldred Rock is the oldest original Alaskan Lighthouse building. The octagonal building is constructed of the same huge timbers brought to the island by the US Government in 1905. The light was situated 91 feet above sea level and had a range of more than 15 miles. The fog signal was a first order, compressed air siren. In addition to the lighthouse and quarters, there is a boathouse, tramways and other small outbuildings used for storage and maintenance. There are currently no tours to Eldred Rock although some water tours get close enough for great photos ops. For more information about the lighthouse, visit the Sheldon Museum’s Eldred Rock Lighthouse information page.

Ketchikan has been designated one of the “Top 100 Small Arts Communities in the United States” and hosts arts themed festivals and special events throughout the year. Ketchikan is home to a diverse population of artists who find inspiration in the scenic beauty, flora and fauna and the historic and cultural attributes of our town. Most local galleries are artist-owned. Art show openings are a monthly event. The Ketchikan Area Arts and Humanities Council serves as an umbrella organization for the Ketchikan arts scene by promoting arts and cultural groups, local artists, art education programs and hosting performances and art exhibits throughout the year. The Tongass Historical Museum’s comprehensive collection of artifacts, documents and photography provide the inspiration for historically themed exhibits each year. Especially popular are the museum’s invitational exhibits – residents share their own treasures based on a common theme, offering a unique glimpse into the people who make Ketchikan their home. The Totem Heritage Center’s collection of 19th century totem poles, rescued from abandoned native villages is listed on the National Historic Register. Up until the center was established in 1976 these cultural treasures would have been lost to natural deterioration. Today the poles are protected, and provide present day native artisans a chance to study the traditional art forms of the Northwest Coast native tribes in our area. Dolly’s House Museum on Creek Street provides a glimpse at the life of a working girl back when the Creek’s “red light district” was in full swing. Furnishings, clothing and special features in the house capture the spirit of the Creek. A variety of performances are scheduled throughout the year featuring local and visiting artists in music, dance and theatre. Workshops and lectures offer learning opportunities in traditional native and classical art forms, natural and local history and science. Native dance performances, film presentations like the award-winning “Mystical Southeast Alaska” and the home-grown melodrama “Fish Pirates Daughter” provide a glimpse of the culture and history of Ketchikan. The rich history and scenic beauty of Ketchikan lays the groundwork for visits to many interesting attractions. The heart of downtown is Ketchikan Creek; where the earliest visitors, Tlingit natives, set up summer fish camps along its shores. Ketchikan Creek’s shoreline bends and curves past Creek Street, a pedestrian thoroughfare consisting of wooden boardwalks. During prohibition and in later years, buildings on the street housed several bordellos. Today, restaurants, galleries and gift shops are popular stops for visitors. A funicular tram glides up the hillside offering a birds-eye view of the downtown area and arrives in the lobby of the Cape Fox Lodge Hotel and its impressive display of Alaskan Native artifacts. Outside the main entrance the Gathering of the Clans totem collection can be viewed, and there is easy access to the Ted Ferry Civic Center, a modern meetings and conventions facility with a dramatic backdrop of Deer Mountain. A walk through the forested path of the Married Man’s Trail will return you to Creek Street. Or follow Venetia Way to Park Avenue for a brief walk to the Deer Mountain Tribal Hatchery and Eagle Center and the Totem Heritage Center. At the mouth of the creek, The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show showcases the skill of woodsmen competing against each other in events like log rolling and tree-climbing. Next door, the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is an outstanding interpretive facility highlighting the commercial, recreational and cultural significance of the Tongass National Forest among Alaskans. South of town, the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary combines a walk through the rainforest and shoreline area with an overview of early timber operations in the area. Sister attraction, Alaska Canopy Tours, provides an exhilarating “zip line” tour through the tree tops of the forest. A few miles further south, the George Inlet Cannery provides a historical perspective on the fishing industry as visitors walk through the site’s original buildings and display of equipment used in the 1940s. Ketchikan features an enticing variety of restaurants from which to choose. Alaska is famous for fresh seafood such as salmon, halibut, crab, shrimp, oysters and clams. These delicacies are fresh from the icy cold waters of the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy our local favorites: creamy seafood chowders; crab and shrimp tossed into omelets, salads or sandwiches; salmon, cod or halibut smoked, sautéed, broiled, battered, baked in an elegant sauce; or in traditional fish and chips. Try a salmon burger or salmon jerky – deliciously different from the beef versions. Gather beach asparagus, berries, seaweed and Hudson’s Bay tea leaves – all traditional native foods. Rest assured that your hometown favorites, from hearty steaks to pizza, fast foods and country-style breakfasts are served in local eateries. Your favorite beverages are available too, whether you crave a latte (locally roasted coffees are featured) or are interested in trying an Alaskan brand brew. Choose from casual or formal dining in local restaurants, cafes, snack bars and dining rooms in area resorts and lodges. Or, plan a picnic by stopping at a deli for a savory meal to go. Inspiring glacial beauty Magnificent Misty Fiords National Monument is a pristine masterpiece. Its fjords were created by massive glacier action in the ice-rimmed wilderness. Here is one of the country’s greatest treasures and some of Alaska’s most spectacular scenery. Its 2.3 million acres include soaring cliffs, sawtooth ridges shrouded in mists, sky-blue lakes, hanging valleys, countless waterfalls, bottomless saltwater fjords, and miles of glaciers. And the monument is home to a multitude of wildlife. Misty Fjords’ roadless location is accessed only by floatplane or boat from Ketchikan. Cruise (2-3 hours one way), fly (35 minutes one way) or choose a cruise/fly combination. Excursion vessels will carry your kayak to and from Misty Fjords, where you can paddle the pristine waters from a campsite or one of the U.S. Forest Service Cabins. Cruise passengers can see old pictographs (native rock art) painted along the walls within the monument, drink from fjord waterfalls, enjoy relaxed cruising while watching for shoreside wildlife, and see famous New Eddystone Rock, a picturesque volcanic core. Floatplanes provide a bird’s-eye view of the entire locale and land on an alpine lake, so passengers can absorb the serenity and astonishing beauty.

VALDEZ: Summer Activity Center for Prince William Sound. Learn more >> Valdez is home to 5 glaciers in the Valdez area that can be accessed by cruising, flying, walking or driving. Other summer activities include fishing, hiking, biking, and glacier trekking and rapelling. Watch the past come alive while visiting the local museums and collections displaying Alaska Native artifacts and area history from early to recent days of the previous century. VALDEZ: The Clear Choice for Winter Adventures in Alaska. More >> The surrounding Chugach mountains receive between 600-900 inches of fresh powder each year. Helicopter and snowcat skiing and snowboarding are the best in the world ranging from intermediate to extreme. Backcountry, telemark and cross country skiing provide more options. Snowmobiling near Valdez is also a world class experience with endless peaks, valleys, and glaciers to explore. Cold temperatures serve to freeze waterfalls around Valdez, providing unparalleled ice climbing opportunities. VALDEZ: Easy to Get To. Learn more >> Traveling to Valdez adds more fun to any Alaskan vacation. Several intermodal options are available. Drive the Richardson, Alaska's first highway, past the Wrangell/St. Elias and Chugach Mountains. Fly to Valdez on a state regional airline with regularly scheduled services. Or cruise to Valdez via private charter or on the Alaska Marine Highway from Whittier, Cordova, Seward, or across the Gulf of Alaska from Juneau. VALDEZ: A Premier Alaska Fishing Destination. Learn more >> Valdez offers all species of salmon and some of the most accessible big halibut in Alaska. Valdez is home to the oldest fish derbies in Alaska, awarding thousands of dollars in prize money every year. You can fish from shore or take a charter from the Valdez small boat harbor. VALDEZ: A History-Filled Alaskan City. Learn more >> The growth and settlement of Valdez was attributed to fur trading, salmon canning, and gold and copper mining. During the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-98, prospectors came to Valdez believing the Copper River and valdez Glacier to be the entry to the interior gold fields. From 1910 to 1916, copper and gold mining flourished in the area. In the early 1970's, Valdez became the staging area for work on the lower portion of the Trans Alaska Pipeline. Today, Valdez hosts the Valdez Marine Terminal, which is the southernmost end of the 800-mile pipeline. VALDEZ: Abundant in Marine and Land Wildlife. Learn more >> The seawaters near Valdez abound with sea otters, Dall porpoise, harbor seals, Stellar sea lions, & Humpback and Orca whales. Coastal mountain cliffs are home to mountain goats, and the surrounding landscape boasts black and brown bears in addition to many other smaller animal species. Valdez takes flight with area bird viewing opportunities. Bald eagles are abundant and scores of ducks and shorebirds can be identified through most of summer and fall. Please be sure to observe wildlife and their dens, rookeries, and nests with respect.

Arizona The Grand Canyon, Sedona's famed red rocks, Flagstaff's forested mountains, Lake Powell's blue waters and Monument Valley's sandstone spires are some of the natural wonders that await you in Northern Arizona. Enigmatic landscapes that captivate the imagination and capture the soul are found throughout this singular landscape. Here, the mile-deep Grand Canyon slashes its colorful course across 277 miles, the cobalt-blue waters of Lake Powell mark a stunning contrast against the sandstone shoreline, and the flourishing forests of the San Francisco Peaks seem to reach to the sky. In addition to beautiful scenery, Northern Arizona also offers the excitement of traveling the “Mother Road”, Route 66, the opportunity to explore Native American cultures, interesting local artwork and delicious regional cuisine. Regional Articles Clean Slate Body scrubs whisk away dry, rough skin and nourish the body and spirit. With an average humidity that hovers around 25 percent, the ultra dry, sun-drenched weather makes Arizona a top destination for outdoor recreation. But the lack of humidity can also leave your skin parched and thirsty. Arizona's thriving spa industry answers the call of lackluster, dehydrated skin with a bevy of nourishing body scrubs. Read More >> Phoenix & Central Arizona Arizona's capital city of Phoenix combines with the surrounding cities of Chandler, Glendale, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale and Tempe, among other cities, to form the Valley of the Sun, a rich mecca of diverse experiences. Central Arizona's desert is home to the Phoenix-metropolitan area and its more than 3.4 million residents. Encompassing more than 2,000 square miles, the area amazes with a variety of experiences, ranging from world-class resorts, spas, shopping and golf courses, to renowned restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. The metropolitan area has all the wonderful experiences you would expect to find in a major city – set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sonoran Desert. In addition, the region also boasts fantastic museums and galleries, a wide array of sports events, Old West and Native American history, hiking and other outdoor activities suited for the state's more than 300 days of sunshine each year. Clean Slate Body scrubs whisk away dry, rough skin and nourish the body and spirit. With an average humidity that hovers around 25 percent, the ultra dry, sun-drenched weather makes Arizona a top destination for outdoor recreation. But the lack of humidity can also leave your skin parched and thirsty. Arizona's thriving spa industry answers the call of lackluster, dehydrated skin with a bevy of nourishing body scrubs. Read More >> Cactus League Swings into Spring Training Follow your favorite team, or visit all nine stadiums and 12 teams that make up Arizona’s Cactus League. Read More >> Clean Slate Body scrubs whisk away dry, rough skin and nourish the body and spirit. With an average humidity that hovers around 25 percent, the ultra dry, sun-drenched weather makes Arizona a top destination for outdoor recreation. But the lack of humidity can also leave your skin parched and thirsty. Arizona's thriving spa industry answers the call of lackluster, dehydrated skin with a bevy of nourishing body scrubs. Read More >> Cactus League Swings into Spring Training Follow your favorite team, or visit all nine stadiums and 12 teams that make up Arizona’s Cactus League. Read More >> Clean Slate Body scrubs whisk away dry, rough skin and nourish the body and spirit. With an average humidity that hovers around 25 percent, the ultra dry, sun-drenched weather makes Arizona a top destination for outdoor recreation. But the lack of humidity can also leave your skin parched and thirsty. Arizona's thriving spa industry answers the call of lackluster, dehydrated skin with a bevy of nourishing body scrubs. Read More >> Cactus League Swings into Spring Training Follow your favorite team, or visit all nine stadiums and 12 teams that make up Arizona’s Cactus League. Read More >> Cactus League Swings into Spring Training Follow your favorite team, or visit all nine stadiums and 12 teams that make up Arizona’s Cactus League. Read More >> Cactus League Swings into Spring Training Follow your favorite team, or visit all nine stadiums and 12 teams that make up Arizona’s Cactus League. Read More >> Cactus League Swings into Spring Training Follow your favorite team, or visit all nine stadiums and 12 teams that make up Arizona’s Cactus League. Read More >> Clean Slate Body scrubs whisk away dry, rough skin and nourish the body and spirit. With an average humidity that hovers around 25 percent, the ultra dry, sun-drenched weather makes Arizona a top destination for outdoor recreation. But the lack of humidity can also leave your skin parched and thirsty. Arizona's thriving spa industry answers the call of lackluster, dehydrated skin with a bevy of nourishing body scrubs. Read More >> North Central Arizona Enjoy the cool temperatures of Ponderosa pine forests, dozens of lakes and mountain retreats that welcome visitors. Though Arizona is often synonymous with desert retreats for snow-weary visitors, the North-Central region's four seasons of recreation and entertainment allow getaways to the cool, pine-scented forests for hiking, biking and horseback riding along tree-shaded mountain trails. Throughout the summer, travelers flock to high-country communities to enjoy rodeos and festivals. In the fall, the aspen leaves turn red and yellow, and in winter, high above the cactus-studded desert, residents and travelers revel in the snowy wonderland of the White Mountains. Visitors to the area can also satisfy their thirst for new experiences by exploring the area's Old West and Native American cultures, Prescott's famed Whiskey Row, Jerome's burgeoning artist community, a plethora or historic sites and delicious local cuisine. Tucson & Southern Arizona Replete with natural wonders, history and culture, Southern Arizona has been romancing visitors with its Old West charm for decades. The region's most populous city, Tucson, is a thriving metropolis with luxurious golf courses and resorts, a flourishing art and history scene and vivid multi-cultural heritage. With Old West towns and guest ranches, the region makes a perfect Arizona getaway for visitors who want to relive the past. Or, for those with an eye to the sky, the area hosts a variety of astronomical observatories which study everything from our closest star, the sun, to all the stars beyond . Additionally, Southern Arizona's rich riparian areas and rugged mountain ranges rank among the world's best birding sites. Visitors to the region can also indulge in Arizona-made wine, regional cuisine and explore a variety of natural treasures – the likes of which will not be seen elsewhere. Clean Slate Body scrubs whisk away dry, rough skin and nourish the body and spirit. With an average humidity that hovers around 25 percent, the ultra dry, sun-drenched weather makes Arizona a top destination for outdoor recreation. But the lack of humidity can also leave your skin parched and thirsty. Arizona's thriving spa industry answers the call of lackluster, dehydrated skin with a bevy of nourishing body scrubs. Read More >> Cactus League Swings into Spring Training Follow your favorite team, or visit all nine stadiums and 12 teams that make up Arizona’s Cactus League. Read More >> Arizona's West Coast Come sail away in a place that blends pleasant desert sunshine with the cool blue waters of the Colorado River. Arizona's West Coast is wet and often wild, formed as the mighty Colorado River courses its way south from Hoover Dam to Mexico. Along its shoreline, visitors will find vibrant communities filled with fascinating museums and attractions, water-based activities galore, and natural wonders and habitats protecting the wildlife that proliferates along the river. The region also features a variety of Native American communities, the London Bridge, world-class golf courses and fantastic restaurants.

Welcome to Fort Smith, Arkansas -- future home of the U.S. Marshals Service National Museum! Nestled in the heart of the Arkansas Ozark Mountains, this famous Old West Town is an exciting travel destination. Fort Smith, Arkansas, uniquely combines the history of the wild and wooly "Old West" with the gentle charm of the antebellum "Old South," offering travelers of all ages glimpses into its distinctive past through restorations, attractions, museums, and festivals that make its history fun and exciting. Now an energetic city of 80,000 people, Fort Smith is known for accommodating visitors with a blend of "southern hospitality" and "western openness" -- anxious to share its past while yet busily planning for the future. In working hard to preserve and promote its diverse history, the city of Fort Smith has become a significant site for gatherings today - vacationing single families, tour groups, reunions, business meetings, and conventions. The Fort Smith National Historic Site, our unusual Visitor Center at "Miss Laura's," local museums, antique shops, architectural restorations, outdoor attractions, riverboat or train excursions and other varied activities all combine to give Fort Smith visitors a chance to experience the excitement of our diverse past as one of the historic Old West Towns located in the heart of the Arkansas Ozark Mountains. For more information about our colorful city, contact the Fort Smith Convention and Visitors Bureau by email or call at 1-800-637-1477. We can help assist you in planning an itinerary to a city you won't soon forget. Also visit the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce web site. You may also wish to visit the web sites of the City of Fort Smith, the Fort Smith Convention Center and the Southwest Times-Record newspaper. You can also access related Fort Smith tourism web sites through our Related Electronic Links page. For information about airline service to Fort Smith, visit the Fort Smith Regional Airport web site.