Home of Ruby, Olive, Willow, Rufus and Jasper

Come out and see this springs calves. Rosie and Daisy can’t wait to meet you!

Running Reindeer Ranch was the 2013 winner of the Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau Jim and Mary Binkley Award for its creativity, innovation, courage and entrepreneurialism in the introduction of a new attraction for the benefit and enjoyment of visitors to Fairbanks!

Located in the beautiful boreal forest of the Goldstream Valley just north of Fairbanks, Alaska, our ranch is situated in a birch grove at the base of Moose Mountain. Our reindeer family is friendly, fun, and full of personality. They enjoy eating lichen, entertaining visitors, frolicking in the forest, and going for long nature walks.

People often ask how these reindeer came to live with us. It all started when our daughter, Robin, then age 12, asked if she could have a horse. Allergies and other practical concerns led Jane to say “no.”  Persistent Robin turned her attention to goats (absolutely not) or sheep (um, that would be “no,” again). Jane suggested considering an animal acclimated to the Alaskan interior. A drive by the University of Alaska Reindeer Research Project planted the seed which would germinate through two years of research and fundraising. Finally, in October of 2007  Ruby and Moon joined us from Tom Williams’ Reindeer Farm in Palmer. Olive joined us in February of 2008.  Then, in April of 2008, Ruby became a mom: Willow was born; the family was taking shape. Jasper was born the following spring, Charlie was born in the spring of 2010, Rufus and Lilly in 2011, Robbie and Lief in 2012. Rosie and Daisy in 2013. Spring calving time is a reminder of the wonder we feel at new birth — the circle of life — and is our favorite time of year.