SC Alaska News

U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) honored Mary Binkley, a longstanding figure in Alaska's tourism sector, on the Senate floor last week. Mary Binkley has played a vital role in Alaska's visitor industry for 75 years, co-founding Riverboat Discovery and highlighting the culture and history of Interior Alaska to countless travelers. This recognition was part of Sen. Sullivan’s "Alaskan of the Week" series.

Senator Sullivan praised Mary Binkley's contributions during his speech, saying, "Mr. President, what I really want to do is do something that I think is probably the best highlight of Thursday speeches in the Senate—I think the pages all certainly agree; they are all nodding—for the people watching across America. It is the 'Alaskan of the Week.'"

Mary Binkley's journey began in Vernonia, Oregon, where she was born as one of six children. After facing early hardships with her mother's passing and her father's inability to care for them alone, Mary's brothers established a scholarship fund for her education at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

It was at UAF that she met Jim Binkley, a riverboat captain from Wrangell, Alaska. They married and returned to Fairbanks in 1946 with aspirations for their own river cruise business. Starting with just a $4,000 loan and purchasing their first vessel named Godspeed, Jim and Mary built what would become an iconic piece of Fairbanks tourism.

The Riverboat Discovery now operates three paddleboats: Discovery I, Discovery II, and Discovery III—each showcasing Alaskan landscapes and cultural heritage through activities such as bush plane demonstrations and visits to recreated Athabascan Native villages.

Mary has been described by her granddaughter Kai as having "the ability to make meaningful connections with perfect strangers," treating visitors more like family than tourists.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year under Mary's influence alongside generations within her family involved throughout decades since its inception—a testament both personally within community circles but also economically contributing significantly towards Fairbanks' growth over time—the Riverboat Discovery remains integral today thanks largely due not only individually but collectively too amongst those who have followed footsteps before them!

This weekend will see family members gathering together alongside friends & guests nationwide attending festivities marking these achievements culminating ultimately aboard nighttime cruises onboard grandest vessel ever launched – fitting tribute indeed recognizing incredible woman leading legacy still strong even nearing century milestone herself yet remaining steadfastly dedicated ever onward beyond horizon ahead sure enough…