Large Animal Research Station, 2220 Yankovich Rd, Fairbanks - Image 1
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Large Animal Research Station LARS

4.6
·93 reviews·Fairbanks, United States

Discover Arctic giants like muskoxen and reindeer at this vital research station. Educational tours offer close encounters and insights into wildlife ...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer Mornings

Baby animals are active!

CrowdMedium
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Large Animal Research Station, 2220 Yankovich Rd, Fairbanks - Image 1

Large Animal Research Station LARS

Best Time

Summer Mornings

Baby animals are active!

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Arctic giants like muskoxen and reindeer at this vital research station. Educational tours offer close encounters and insights into wildlife conservation.

4.6
(93 reviews)

"A cool tour, learned so much about the reindeer and muskoxen and got a glimpse of the bison."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Guided Tours

Highly recommended for in-depth knowledge & up-close views. Essential for understanding the animals!

🧥 Layer Up!

Alaskan weather is variable. Bring layers for warmth and protection against wind and rain.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Muskox Encounters

Muskox Encounters

LARS Grounds

Witness these magnificent, ancient Arctic mammals up close. Learn about their incredible adaptations to extreme cold.

Instagram
Reindeer & Baby Calves

Reindeer & Baby Calves

LARS Grounds

See reindeer and their adorable calves, especially in spring and summer. A heartwarming sight for all ages!

Reddit
Wood Bison

Wood Bison

LARS Grounds

Get a glimpse of the impressive wood bison, North America's largest land mammal, on this working research farm.

Reddit
Interactive Learning Room

Interactive Learning Room

Visitor Center

Engage with animal skulls, horns, and antlers. A hands-on experience that delights kids and adults alike.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Your LARS Tour in Advance

The Large Animal Research Station (LARS) offers guided tours that are highly recommended for an enriching experience. Booking ahead ensures your spot, especially during peak seasons, and guarantees you won't miss out on learning about these fascinating Arctic animals. Reddit

Dress for Alaskan Weather

Fairbanks weather can be unpredictable, even in summer. Layers are key! Be prepared for cool temperatures, wind, and potentially rain. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the research station grounds. TikTok

Best Times

When
Summer Mornings
Why
Baby animals are active!
Crowd
Medium
When
August
Why
Informative guided tours
Crowd
Medium
When
March
Why
Potential for Aurora viewing
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Meet Buckbeak, a young Bald Eagle rescued near Fairbanks, AK, and brought to the Alaska Raptor Center in early July. #BabyEagle #CuteAnimals #WildlifeRescue 
@alaskaraptorcenter
68.5K likes • 494.5K views

🎯 Book Guided Tours

Highly recommended for in-depth knowledge & up-close views. Essential for understanding the animals! Reddit

🧥 Layer Up!

Alaskan weather is variable. Bring layers for warmth and protection against wind and rain. TikTok

Part1-3#novel #stories #usa
@storybeats2
20.3K likes • 504.2K views
📍Large Animal Research Station (LARS) at the University of Alaska 🌏 Fairbanks, AK The R.G. White Large Animal Research Station (LARS), located at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, is a 130-acre facility dedicated to research, education, and outreach on Alaskan animals. Visitors can learn about arctic adaptations by observing muskoxen and reindeer up close during guided tours offered daily in ...
cruisingwiththeclemons
13 likes • 114 views

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing some walking around the research station. Prioritize comfort for your exploration. Reddit

📸 Photography Opportunities

Great chances to photograph muskoxen and reindeer. Bring your camera for amazing shots! Instagram

It is with a heavy heart that the Robert G. White Large Animal Research Station (LARS) announces the passing of Yessey, aka "Little Man" or "Yeskerdoodles", our 20 year and 7 month old muskox. Yessey had been under watchful eye over the past several months, however, due to his advancing age and declining health, the animal care and veterinary teams decided that euthanasia was the most humane optio...
uaflars
398 likes • 4.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Guided Tours

Highly recommended for in-depth knowledge & up-close views. Essential for understanding the animals! Reddit

🧥 Layer Up!

Alaskan weather is variable. Bring layers for warmth and protection against wind and rain. TikTok

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing some walking around the research station. Prioritize comfort for your exploration. Reddit

📸 Photography Opportunities

Great chances to photograph muskoxen and reindeer. Bring your camera for amazing shots! Instagram

🛍️ Support the Program

Purchases from the gift shop directly benefit the research and conservation efforts. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(93 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Large Animal Research Station for its informative tours and the incredible opportunity to see muskoxen, reindeer, and wood bison up close. The interactive elements and knowledgeable guides make it a highly recommended stop for families and anyone interested in Arctic wildlife. Some visitors noted that the experience is best enjoyed with a guided tour to fully appreciate the research and animal insights.

"We had a great time on the $20 tour. Got to see male musk ox, reindeer w/ babies, and 2 mama musk ox w/their babies. There were also male reindeer and wood bison on the research farm. Nice little gift shop - when you buy something at least the profits go toward the program"

Shauna Baird

"Informative, enthusiastic tour guide and opportunity for up-close views of musk ox, reindeer and bison! My kids especially enjoyed the show-and-tell room with its horns & antlers... would definitely recommend to visitors in the Fairbanks area!!"

Liene K

"Such a cool tour, learned so much about the reindeer and muskoxen and got a glimpse of the bison. Highly recommend!"

Sharlotte Omoletski

What People Like

Up-close animal views
Informative guided tours
Interactive learning room

What People Dislike

Limited without tours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

LARS is located at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. If you're driving, follow signs for the university and then for LARS. Public transportation options might be limited, so check local bus routes or consider a taxi/rideshare service. TikTok

While direct routes might vary, it's advisable to check the current Fairbanks public transit schedule for buses serving the University of Alaska Fairbanks area. Rideshares are also a reliable option. TikTok

From the airport, a taxi or rideshare service would be the most direct and convenient way to get to LARS at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. TikTok

Yes, there are parking facilities available for visitors at the Large Animal Research Station. Follow the signage upon arrival. Instagram

Depending on your starting point on campus, LARS is generally accessible by a walk. The campus is quite spread out, so check a campus map for the most direct route. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tours at LARS are typically around $20 per person, offering great value for the educational experience and animal encounters. It's always best to check their official website for the most current pricing. Reddit

Yes, booking your guided tour in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak visitor seasons. Reddit

LARS typically offers guided tours during specific hours, often in the morning and afternoon. It's crucial to check their official schedule for the exact times and days of operation. Instagram

Information on discounts for students, seniors, or groups is usually available on the LARS website or can be inquired about when booking your tour. Reddit

While some areas might be visible, the full experience and educational insights are best gained through the guided tours. It's recommended to join a tour for a comprehensive visit. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see muskoxen, reindeer (often with babies in summer), and wood bison. The station focuses on Arctic and sub-Arctic ungulates. InstagramReddit

While direct interaction is limited for safety and research purposes, tours offer very close viewing opportunities. There's also an interactive room with animal artifacts. Reddit

Absolutely! Children often enjoy the interactive room with skulls and antlers, and seeing the large animals up close is a memorable experience for them. Reddit

A guided tour at LARS usually lasts about an hour, providing ample time to see the animals and learn from the knowledgeable guides. Reddit

Dress in layers, as Fairbanks weather can change quickly. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for navigating the grounds. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged at LARS. It's a fantastic spot to capture images of muskoxen and reindeer. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light for photography. However, the animals are visible throughout the day during tour hours. Instagram

Yes, a telephoto lens can be very useful for capturing detailed shots of the animals from a safe distance. Instagram

While general photography is permitted, always be mindful of your surroundings and follow any specific instructions from your tour guide. Avoid flash photography if it might disturb the animals. Instagram

You'll have opportunities to photograph muskoxen, reindeer, and wood bison. The station is a great place for learning about and capturing these Arctic species. InstagramReddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Large Animal Research Station (LARS) is a fantastic destination for families visiting Fairbanks. The interactive learning room with its collection of animal skulls and antlers is a huge hit with children, offering a tactile and engaging way to learn about wildlife. Reddit Seeing the muskoxen and reindeer up close is an unforgettable experience for kids, sparking their curiosity about the natural world. Reddit

Opting for a guided tour is highly recommended, as the guides are often enthusiastic and skilled at making the information accessible and fun for younger audiences. The relatively short tour duration is also ideal for keeping children engaged. Remember to dress everyone in layers, as Alaskan weather can be unpredictable, and ensure everyone has comfortable shoes for exploring the grounds. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find LARS to be a rewarding location. The muskoxen and reindeer provide excellent subjects for wildlife photography, and the station's research focus means the animals are often in accessible areas. Bringing a telephoto lens is a must for capturing detailed shots from a safe distance. Instagram

Consider the time of day for optimal lighting; early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light. The unique Arctic landscape surrounding the station can also add a dramatic backdrop to your photos. Don't forget to capture the baby animals if you visit during the spring or summer – they are particularly photogenic! Instagram

📚 Educational Travelers

For those seeking to deepen their understanding of Arctic wildlife and conservation, LARS is an essential stop. The guided tours are led by knowledgeable staff who provide in-depth information about the animals' adaptations, behaviors, and the ongoing research at the station. Reddit The interactive room offers a tangible way to connect with the science, allowing you to feel the weight of a muskox skull or examine the texture of their fur. Reddit

LARS is a prime example of how research institutions can contribute to public awareness and education. Learning about the challenges faced by Arctic animals, such as climate change and habitat preservation, provides a valuable perspective on global environmental issues. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the Muskox

The muskox (Ovibos moschatus) is a true marvel of Arctic adaptation. These shaggy, powerful herbivores have roamed the tundra for millennia, their thick, woolly coats providing insulation against temperatures that can plummet to -50°C (-58°F) and below. Their name comes from the strong musky odor emitted by males during the rutting season. At LARS, you can observe their unique social behaviors and learn about conservation efforts aimed at protecting these ancient creatures. Instagram+1

Visitors often remark on the sheer size and presence of the muskoxen. The R.G. White Large Animal Research Station (LARS) plays a crucial role in studying muskoxen, including their reproductive biology, nutrition, and how they cope with environmental changes. This research is vital for understanding and preserving Arctic ecosystems. Instagram

Seeing a muskox calf is a particular treat, especially during the spring and summer months. These young animals are born with a thick coat and are able to stand and walk within hours of birth, a testament to their survival instincts in a harsh environment. Instagram+1

The Role of LARS in Research and Education

The Large Animal Research Station (LARS) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks is more than just a tourist attraction; it's a vital hub for scientific research and public education. The station focuses on Arctic and sub-Arctic ungulates, with a particular emphasis on muskoxen and reindeer. Their work contributes significantly to our understanding of animal physiology, adaptation, and conservation in challenging environments. Instagram

Through guided tours and educational programs, LARS provides invaluable opportunities for visitors to learn about these unique animals and the importance of Arctic research. The interactive learning room, featuring animal skulls, antlers, and pelts, offers a hands-on experience that makes learning engaging for all ages. Reddit This direct engagement fosters a greater appreciation for wildlife and the scientific efforts to protect it. Reddit

Recent social media content highlights the station's dedication, even in the face of loss, such as the passing of their beloved muskox, Yessey. This underscores the deep connection the staff has with the animals and their commitment to their well-being, even as they continue their research. Instagram

Photography Tips for LARS Visitors

For aspiring wildlife photographers, LARS offers a fantastic opportunity to capture stunning images of Arctic animals. The muskoxen and reindeer are often visible and accessible during tours, providing excellent subjects. Using a telephoto lens is highly recommended to get close-up shots while maintaining a respectful distance from the animals. Instagram

Consider visiting during the golden hours – early morning or late afternoon – for the most flattering light. This can create dramatic shadows and warm tones, enhancing your wildlife photos. Remember to check the weather forecast and dress appropriately, as comfortable conditions will allow you to spend more time capturing the perfect shot. TikTok

Experiment with different angles and compositions. While capturing the animals is key, don't forget to include some of the unique Arctic landscape in your shots to provide context. The interactive room also offers unique macro photography opportunities with the various animal artifacts. Reddit