We had a wonderful time walking with the reindeer at Running Reindeer Ranch. It was magical having such beautiful animals inches from us as they walked along the pathways. They were so gentle and graceful, and somehow managed to steer their antlers (enormous ones, in some cases) around us when they passed by us, yet the staff made sure we were well-prepared for any possible issues that might come up, such as “reindeer zoomies.” It’s clear that the staff loves the reindeer and take great care of them.
Behold the Beauty of the Boreal Forest
With a Guided Tour or a Stay at the Reindeer Haus
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska, look no further than Running Reindeer Ranch! We offer guided walking tours of the boreal forest with our reindeer friends. Watch them leap and bound among the trees or stroll lazily alongside our group, and get ready to learn the ins and outs of adapting to the polar climate.
What Our Previous Guests Have to Say
Absolutely one of the top things we did while in Fairbanks, absolutely magical! We loved the ranch, Caribou and Tyrone, our guide, along with his team. The walk was informative, fun, comfortable and safe. We would 100% recommend this activity and learned so much!!! Thank you from Pete, Cathy and London from Pennsylvania.
A very memorable experience here in Alaska…hanging out with these mellow, very friendly and magnificent reindeers ❤️ highly recommended adventure to partake if you visit Fairbanks Alaska. The crew/staff and their lovely reindeers are very hospitable and friendly. The reindeers are very welcoming! It’s such a delight to be around them. Pet them, play with them, take selfies and photos to your hearts’ content! We are so blessed to have this experience. Thank you Jane, Grady and Zach at the Running Reindeer Ranch for such wonderful experience!
Why Choose Running Reindeer Ranch?
Alaskan Experts
Jane has lived in Alaska her whole life, and Doug moved here back in 1978. Together, they have a combined 75 years of experience in Fairbanks and can help you discover the area’s best dining, and entertainment.
Totally Unique
There’s nothing else like the Ranch anywhere in Fairbanks, let alone the state of Alaska! Our Reindeer Walks offer a hands-on experience with one of nature’s most mythical animals.
Media Recognitions
We’ve been featured in publications like Fodor’s Choice, the Washington Post, and Yahoo Travel. Samantha Brown even named us on her list of five Alaskan must-sees!
Tales from the Herd
Check Out the Latest From Our Blog
COVID-19 information
Our world famous cookie recipe!
Music with Reindeer
Fun with Doug and Jane
Meet the Minds Behind the Ranch
Running Reindeer Ranch got its start after a request from Doug and Jane’s daughter Robin for a horse. When Jane turned down this idea (due to practical concerns, of course), Robin moved on to asking for goats or sheep. Finally, the family compromised on an animal better suited for the Arctic: reindeer. The first two reindeer, Ruby and Moon, became part of the family in October 2007 — and the rest is history!
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Tie the Knot at Running Reindeer Ranch
If you want to put a unique spin on your wedding, celebrate your big day at Running Reindeer Ranch. Jane is a certified State of Alaska Marriage Commissioner, and she would be happy to marry you! Get married in the beautiful boreal forest, or celebrate with an indoor ceremony at the Reindeer Haus. The best part? One of our reindeer can even act as your ring bearer!
Can’t Get Enough of Reindeer? Check Out Our Instagram
You know it’s velvet shedding season when our reindeer come out of the forest looking like this!
#runningreindeerranch #explorefairbanks #reindeer #antlers #velvet #fall #alaska #fairbanks #reindeerlove #fallfashion #alaskalife #hairstyles
Fall time means shedding velvet and winter preparation! Every year we go out and collect lichen for our reindeer. They love it and we use it for treats all winter. Tomorrow (Monday)afternoon we are heading out to the hills to collect some, if you would like to join we’d love to have your help!
Photo of Toby starting to shed velvet!
It’s that time of year again! Carl is the first to strip his velvet! We noticed just a tad bit of velvet coming off yesterday. It was almost completely off this morning! Good thing he got his depo yesterday!
Not a fun playmate.
#ouch