The second largest city in Alaska has so much more to offer than just the convenience of modern day amenities. In fact, because Fairbanks is such an excellent place to view the Northern Lights, National Geographic magazine just listed the city at the tippy-top of their short list of the most magical places in the entire world to view auroras. If you haven't ever been aurora chasing in Alaska's golden heart city, we have no doubt that you'll be wanting to add this natural phenomenon experience to the very top of your 2017 Alaska bucket list. Just see for yourself...

The largest city in Interior Alaska is known for being anything but ordinary.

With one of the greatest temperature swings on planet earth, it's also safe to say that Fairbanks is a highly underrated city that is also one of the most beautiful places in the state.

From winter wonderland views at -40 below zero, to hot 90+ degree summer days spent splishing and splashing on the Chena River, Fairbanks truly is a year-round destination.

It's also the place that many of our resident military members call home, which makes us love and respect the area on a whole new level.

Thank you to all of our strong, brave and resilient men and women who are sacrificing their freedom to protect ours. We appreciate you deeply!

While summertime is the peak season for visitors flocking to Fairbanks, we can't help but love the magic of wintertime more than anything else.

Wanna know why? It's those freaking magical Northern Lights shows! They are utterly unreal!

In order to be one of the lucky people that gets to view this natural phenomenon, you'll first want to look for a clear, dark night.

Or instead of doing it the old fashioned way and standing outside trying to determine if outer space looks clear, you can just view the online Aurora Forecast by clicking HERE.

When you finally lay eyes on the colorful dancing lights above you, you'll likely feel your whole body being in a complete state of shock.

This is truly one of the most life-changing 'bucket list' experiences that you'll ever have in your lifetime.

For many Fairbanks residents, viewing the Northern Lights is as easy as stepping outside their front door and looking up.

Or if you're a visitor, just set your alarm for the early morning hours and all you have to do is just step outside of your hotel room and look up. Better yet, ask the front desk for a 'Northern Lights wake up call' and only disrupt your sleep if the lights are actually dancing.

Because even if it's a school night, this natural phenomenon is always worth loosing sleep over.

I mean, c'mon! This is why we live in Alaska people! Moments like this are so surreal and yet they instantly make us appreciate our home state that much more.

If you haven't already, be sure to add an Aurora chasing adventure in Fairbanks to your 2017 bucket list. Hurry, spring is right around the corner!

Looking for a guided tour experience? Great idea! We highly recommend it. Click HERE to check out a great list of adventure companies courtesy of our friends at Explore Fairbanks. Have fun out there and remember that you only live once, so go ahead and chase those auroras at every opportunity that presents itself!

If you’ve never seen the Northern Lights, you don’t want to miss this captivating YouTube video captured in 4K real time from the city of Fairbanks.

https://youtu.be/wKg99PKCCtU

If you’re in the golden heart city, be sure to check out this mind-blowing ice museum that’s way too cool for words. Not in Fairbanks? Then you don’t want to miss this Aurora Borealis road trip through Alaska that’s downright magical. For more great articles and incredible video footage from Alaska, be sure to check us out online HERE.