Come for a magical walk with our reindeer. We are a family farm located just north of Fairbanks, Alaska. We’re in dog mushing and aurora viewing heaven and nestled in the beautiful birch-filled boreal forest of the Goldstream Valley.
“I am often torn between rating an attraction very good or excellent. I did not have this problem with Jane’s Running Reindeer Ranch, it was truly OUTSTANDING!”
from TripAdvisor
Why reindeer? Where did it all begin?
People often ask how these reindeer came to live with us. It 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 better suited to the Arctic. A drive by the University of Alaska Reindeer Research Project planted the seed which would germinate through two years of research and fundraising.
It all came together in October of 2007, Ruby and Moon joined us from Tom Williams’ Reindeer Farm in Palmer. Olive joined us in February of 2008. 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, Maki and Buttercup in 2014, Rocky Cupcake in 2015 and Rocket and Peanut in 2016. Margarita, our Cinco de Mayo baby was born to Daisy in 2017.
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.
Our reindeer are part of the family and genuinely enjoy entertaining visitors, nibbling lichen and striking out on incredible nature walks through the boreal forest.
This one-of-a-kind tour will be the highlight of your trip to Alaska. In the winter we’re the ideal addition to your evening Aurora Borealis/Northern Lights tour, in the summer a perfect start or finish to your midnight sun Alaska Cruise.
“My only advice is to not miss this experience.”
from TripAdvisor
This is our home reservations are required.
Running Reindeer Ranch around the Web
Washington Post – Alaskan illuminations
United Airlines – United Hub
Fodor’s Choice – 2015 (we are listed under “Boating”?)
In the Fall of 2015 Running Reindeer Ranch was featured on the Travel Channels 50/50 show and Animal Planet’s Dr. Dee: Alaska Vet show.
5 Things You Have to Do in Alaska – Check out Samantha Brown‘s top picks for the Last Frontier, from the Travel Channel
This Reindeer Farm In Alaska Will Positively Enchant You This Season – from onlyinyourstate.com
Yahoo Travel December 2015.
Alaska Travel Tips: 8 Ways to Avoid the Crowds – Condé Nast Traveller
November/December 2015 issue of Texas Journey Magazine.
Featured in book Alaska on the Go: Exploring the 49th State with Children
TravelAgeWest, read the article Playful Tours at Running Reindeer Ranch here. “I was skeptical at first, but then the fun began and I was hooked.“
Hear how we got started on the How to do Everything podcast from NPR.
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!