Many tourists spend most of their Alaskan vacations seeing the 49th state from the decks of cruise ships. But there's a lot of fun to be had for adventurous families that decide to venture on land.

Such activities can range from the magical to the educational.

See the real St. Nick in North Pole, watch the aurora borealis in Fairbanks and pan for gold at a real gold mine. And in Anchorage, you can learn all about the state's natural history.

Here are some things for families to check out in Alaska:

North Pole: No, we're not talking about the northernmost point on Earth, which is actually in the middle of the Arctic Ocean. We're talking about the city of 2,000 near Fairbanks that's home to the Santa Claus House, where some say the real Jolly Old Elf lives. The gift shop also features the world's largest fiberglass statue of Santa Claus. The town itself features Christmas-themed streets, such as St. Nicholas Drive and Snowman Lane. The town's post office also does brisk business every holiday season for people who want their holiday mail to bear the official North Pole postmark.

The "northern lights" in Fairbanks: The northern lights can be seen from many places in Alaska, including as far south as the capital, Juneau. But many people head to Fairbanks, which is a six-hour drive north of Anchorage, when they want to view the aurora borealis. An aurorium built at the Chena Hot Springs Resort outside of town is popular for viewing the dancing and glowing ribbons of light. However, the best viewing is during the winter months -- from December to March -- when nights are longest and the sky is the darkest.

Whale watching on Sitka Sound: Huddled between snowcapped peaks and the Pacific Ocean, Sitka is one of Alaska's most historic cities. The original city was founded in 1799 by Alexandr Baranov, the governor of what was then Russian America. But many people now visit the city to see the whales that congregate in nearby Sitka Sound. But while you're there, take in the beauty around you and remind yourself that Sitka, at more than 4,800 square miles, is the largest city in the United States by area.

Alaska Museum of Natural History: While you're in Alaska's most populous city, Anchorage, don't forget to check out the Alaska Museum of Natural History. See exhibits on polar dinosaurs, a lion skull from one of the Ice Ages, black bears, coastal wildlife and whales. It was begun in 1989 by two university professors.

El Dorado Gold Mine: While you're in Fairbanks enjoying the northern lights, enjoy a piece of Alaska's gold-mining history at the El Dorado Gold Mine. You can ride the Tanana Valley Railroad through a permafrost tunnel, tour a mining camp and meet present-day Alaska miners. You can also do your own panning for gold after you take a short course in mining. "Everyone finds gold," the mine's Web site says. "We guarantee it!"