Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum — Attraction in Fairbanks

If you visit Fairbanks it would be a travesty if you did not visit this museum. While by its name it might seem that this museum is for auto buffs who want to see antique cars, it is far more than that. It is about history at the turn of the 20th century. It is really about artistry at its grandest.

Each car is accompanied by a mannequin dressed most beautifully, reflecting what the ladies (and sometimes men) of that time wore, including hats, gloves, and other accessories, beautifully placed and displayed. And the dresses were color coordinated with the cars the mannequins accompanied. How grand is that!

It is a testament to the wonderful craftmanship that went into the making of these glorious luxurious marvels (I mean the cars this time). The cars were immaculate in their colors, minute details without any visual blemishes, luxurious upholstery, elegant display of the engine parts to demonstrate the incredible innovations of that time, and just about everything in their bold display was out of this world.

I have been to other automobile museums (I lived in Michigan and the Ford Museum was just one of them that I have visited). But the curators of this museum have done an absolutely incredible job in the way they have put together the history and artistry of the times. They have brought out the incredible innovations, the craftmanship, design, engineering, and manufacturing power of this country at the turn of the century, that we have so sadly lost in search of cheap substitutes that are nowhere close to the caliber of what we produced as a country in those times.

The cars, especially built to deal with Alaska's weather and terrain were fascinating.

I can't say enough about this museum. I took 350 some pictures and so not something I can share easily. But someone has posted a very nice video that summarizes it pretty well. A video I am envious of since I should have strived to do one myself.

This is a treasure of our past that you absolutely should not miss. And don't forget to thank the staff of this museum for the amazing job...

Our group of 5 consisted of a 13 year old boy, his father (me) and mother, and his (2) 74-year old grandparents; so a broad range of ages. Only one of us knew anything about vintage cars, and we went mostly for him. Just like our visit to Gold Daughters (separate review), this place ended up being a real hit with everyone in the group, regardless of preconceived notions or expectations. The cars were just amazing and in some instances surprising. A magnetic / electric / gas triple-hybrid from the early 1900’s?!?! Yes!. ~70 beautifully restored cars (out of a collection of 90+) housed in an immaculate show room with excellent information on every single car. Just as amazing as the cars were the vintage outfits everywhere you looked. Someone highly interested in early 20th century fashion would probably not even notice the cars, and vice-versa - but I appreciated all of it together. A lot of Alaska specific information peppered throughout the museum was fascinating; including early models of skimobiles and snowmobiles. Excellent vintage photographs blown up larger than posters hanging on the walls. A window to the garage where restoration work might occur. Couches all around for comfortable seating when tired. So many details here that I won’t be able to hit them all. Just a wonderful visit for all of us. Nate was the one who greeted us, answered questions throughout, and sent us on our way feeling well-cared for. None of us regretted the 2 hours spent at this excellent museum; and all of us were blown away that rare pieces of vintage automobiles could be found in...

If I could give this museum 10 stars I would. It was the most enjoyable auto museum I've ever been too. It is so unique in that it has the complimentary antique clothing /accessory collection to go along with the gorgeous automobiles. We went on an Alaskan cruise and then did a week of travel by land and call me crazy but what I remember the most and thoroughly enjoyed was this museum. I dearly wish it was somewhere in the United States and not in Alaska. I would dearly love to visit it again but it's so far I don't think I will again get the pleasure. ( I do still have my beautiful photos I took on my phone)The automobiles were so pristine and beautiful huge and diverse selection of very clean autos. There were some novelty cars, some rare, one tiny and extreme luxury. The museum was on the ground of Wedgewood resort and thank goodness we stayed there or I could have missed out on this gem. The clothing collection was extensive and in perfect condition. Lots of variety and gorgeous accessories. There were vintage driving and hiking outfits as well as bejeweled gowns and even some accessories made from beetles shells that had a moment in style history. If anyone is even near Fairbanks I highly recommend visiting this gorgeous well maintain and preserved vintage auto and...