Description
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
Board the only remaining authentic Alaskan sternwheeler for a cruise along the Chena and Tanana rivers in Chena River State Recreation Area. With the feel of an old-time steamboat that frequented the river during the gold rush days, the modern-day Riverboat Discovery features an open sun deck, heated glass enclosed decks and is equipped with video equipment so you won't miss any of the beautiful scenery.
During this narrated cruise, complementary coffee and donuts are served while you witness the ''wedding of the rivers.'' The marriage of these two mighty rivers creates quite a unique line - when the clear waters of the Chena meet the Tanana, the world's greatest glacier river carrying tons of glacial silt from the Alaska Range. Next, you'll make a stop at the home of Dave Monson and Susan Butcher, the late four-time Iditarod champion, where you will meet her winning sled dogs and witness a dog sleg demonstration. From there, continue on to the Old Chena Indian Village, and disembark for a glimpse into Alaskan Native life and history. Alaskan Native guides will take you on a tour of an Athabascan Indian village, a spruce bark hut, a trapper's cabin made of spruce logs, and show you how a fish wheel operates. Before boarding for your trip back, you'll have 15 minutes at the end of the tour to wander around the village or to take pictures.
Next you are off to Gold Dredge 8 - a National Historic Monument! Enjoy a close up view of the Trans Alaska pipeline and a presentation about the history and operation of the pipeline before boarding the train that will take you to Gold Dredge 8 where you will see first hand how the dredge worked the gold fields. Once the train arrives at the camp, local miners will give a brief but informative course in mining, and then you will try panning for yourself! You will find gold - we guarantee it! Nothing beats the thrill of grabbing a sack filled with pay dirt and getting your chance to strike it rich.
Finally, explore the dredge camp and visit the gift shop where you can have your gold weighed and find out the dollar value based on the current market price. Have your gold turned into a memorable keepsake while you enjoy complimentary coffee and fresh homemade cookies before boarding the train for the return back to the station.