Golden Heart Plaza

Flanked by the Chena River on one side, and downtown's 1st Avenue on the other, the Golden Heart Plaza forms the festive epicenter of Fairbanks. Built in 1986 to commemorate the site where gold rush activity occurred during the city's heyday, this bustling plaza features nearly 70 bronze plaques with names of early settlers and pioneers, as well as historical facts. Marking the heart of the plaza is the 18-feet (5.48-meter) tall statue of the 'Unknown First Family', designed by Malcolm Alexander, which pays a fitting tribute to all the families that have been part of the state's past. The plaza sees year-round celebrations and festivals. At the height of summer, the plaza erupts in festive cheer, with open-air concerts, regattas, and community festivals such as Golden Days and the Midnight Sun Festival held here. In winters, the vibrantly decorated plaza transforms the dreary landscape into a winter wonderland, where trees are lit with fairly lights and fireworks illuminate the ink-black winter skies. The plaza also provides an incredible vantage point to watch the iconic Yukon International Sled Race held in winter, which commences from the frozen river adjacent to the park.