Large Animal Research Station Tours and Activities

Located on an old homestead near the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the Large Animal Research Station is focused on research and education of high-latitude (such as in the Arctic) biology. Encompassing 134 acres (54 hectares), about 50% of the land is pasture while the other 50% is boreal forest.

The attraction started out in 1979 as a place to research a colony of muskoxen and repopulate Alaska with them, as the Arctic mammal has been around since the prehistoric times but died off in most places except for Canada and Greenland. Today you’ll find about 30 muskoxen and 60 caribou and reindeer, including adorable newborns.

Along with seeing the animals up close you’ll be able to learn about them through guided tours and informational displays. And as the Large Animal Research Station isn’t very touristy, you’ll be able to enjoy the animals in a more intimate setting. This is an especially enjoyable attraction for families with kids.