It Was "Alaskaland" For Decades. Will Pioneer Park Go Back To Its First Name?

 Up In Fairbanks, Many Locals Still Call It "Alaskaland"

They Want That Name Back! 

Pioneer Park in 2024. (Photo, Country Journal)

Between 1971 and 2001, Pioneer Park, the historic community outdoor park in Fairbanks was called Alaskaland. Then the big letters at the flowered entrance to the free historic park were taken down and replaced. 

The park is unique. Instead of letting vintage buildings get torn down, to be replaced by strip malls and gas stations, it is a project that found the old cabins and artifacts of Fairbanks a safe home. 

The park hast saved many small cabins, the train car that President Harding rode in when he came to Alaska, the Riverboat Nenana – and even a major church and lodge. 

This kind of conservation system, turning beloved old buildings into outdoor displays,  is popular in Alaska. There are smaller similar versions of the park in Wasilla, Hope, Cooper Landing, Soldotna, Kasilof, and Kenai. In each of these places, cabins have been brought from other spots, and instead of getting torn down, are on display to the public.

When the park name was changed over 25 years ago, the reason, it was said, was that "Alaskaland" sounded more like Disneyland than an historic site. 

Display in Pioneer Museum at Pioneer Park. (Photo, Country Journal)

Many Fairbanks people still call the park Alaskaland, whether that's official or not.

There's a plan for discussing an ordinance for the name change this spring.