Creamer's Field, located two miles from downtown Fairbanks, provides habitat for a diversity of animals and includes forests, wetlands and fields. A beautiful setting and fascinating history make Creamer’s Field unique. The refuge had its beginnings when a pioneer family settled near Fairbanks and started a dairy. In 1928, the Creamers bought the dairy and enlarged and operated it until 1966.
As the dairy grew, so did the migratory waterfowl that stopped at Creamer’s Field, lured by the large open fields and grain. When the Creamer’s put the place up for sale in 1966, the community came together to ensure the farm fields were preserved for the migratory stopover. Today the farm is managed by the State and has grown to 1,800 acres. The structures are the only surviving pioneer dairy buildings in Interior Alaska and are on the National Register of Historic Places. The Farmhouse Visitor Center provides information as well as nature and historic exhibits. The Alaska Bird Observatory is based out of Creamer’s Field and conducts songbird research and provides environmental education.
A number of nature trails meander through the refuge. Boreal Forest Trail wanders through forest typical of Interior Alaska. Visitors can view wildlife from an observation tower and a self-guiding brochure is available at the Visitor Center. Seasonal Wetland Trail borders a wetland where water level and wildlife vary seasonally. Interpretive signs and observation platforms are located along the path. Farm Road Trail strolls past open fields and patches of woods. In winter, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, dog mushing and skijoring. A winter guide with a map of ski and mushing trails is available at the Visitor Center.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
(907) 459-7213
Visitors Center (907) 459-7213
http://www.wildlife.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=refuge.creamers