I'm going to be up in this area in a couple months for a business trip.

any "must see"  or "must do" things?


I"ve only been through AK via Anchorage on a MAC flight to/from Japan

work will have plenty of opportunity for seeing the countryside going to/from various locations

thinking of maybe going up a couple days ahead of time to take in some sites at a more relaxed pace, maybe do some fishing, or (?)
eta: might take my daughter as well, you don't easily get near the Arctic Circle (which is about 5 hrs from Fairbanks (?)

Go check out chena hot springs. You will already be hitting the arctic circle on your way to coldfoot. Grayling are plentiful all over in the streams in rivers so bring a fly rod or small spinning combo.

Damn good burger  at  The Hotspot,
   I think it is around midway between  Hilltop and Coldfoot.
Real pretty country, take camera, and plenty pictures.
Full size spare tire in good condition is recommended.
.....edit :  TWO spare tires is not overkill on the Dalton Hwy.
Tire plug/repair  kit and compressor is not a bad idea.
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Really, the ONLY thing  I found worth doing at Coldfoot was  to FUEL  up, and  head NORTH,  Arctic Ocean latitude 70 degrees North is only  245 miles away.  
Think : 6 billion people will NEVER in their lives  drive to Deadhorse
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Another note, for city folks : A person going several hundred miles 'rural' should have  a supply of folding cash money at hand.   credit card machines, and automated fuel pumps  sometimes lose comms.
Far from home, sometimes  CASH is the only viable medicine.

On a side note, please do NOT do the touristy thing and stop dead in the middle of the road to take pics. Its an industrial highway, not a scenic byway. Pull well off to the side or find a pullout, because truckers are not going to give you any consideration. I have had to stop numerous times because folks parked at the bottom of a hill or on a bridge to take pics, but at least I only drive a 16' box truck and not a rig with doubles. Also, try not to giggle when you see the "Gobblers Knob" sign.

Bring alot of bug spray

If you can find it in 5 gallon bucket size you are ready for the trip

I'm not kidding.

. SPRAY is only  useful  around the coast.

INTERIOR  Alaska requires a denser product,   High Viscosity Index DEET.
If they made   a paste or tar form, that would be even better.
  My last trip to Deadhorse, I didn't use any  mosquito repellent, just left my HELMET on the whole time.

coworker has spent a lot of time up there and had similar comments  
he said the bugs love Deet and the stuff we'll need we'll buy once we get up there.

what round(s) for mosquito'sf?

20mm Vulcan

Remember what happened to the last guys that thought the 20mm was enough on its own?  You've gotta remember to take care of em once they are on the ground.  I can still hear the screaming...

If you rent a car make sure you can drive it north, some rental car companies wont let you (road is "less than ideal" ) the permafrost tunnel is pretty awesome, the UAF museum is neat too, haven't been in since the expansion.