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Soak in geothermal pools, explore sculpted ice chambers and chase the aurora on a guided evening at Chena Hot Springs. This practical guide explains what to expect, how to prepare, and the best ways to make the most of an 8–10 hour northern- lights outing.
Soak in geothermal pools, explore sculpted ice chambers and chase the aurora on a guided evening at Chena Hot Springs. This practical guide explains what to expect, how to prepare, and the best ways to make the most of an 8–10 hour northern- lights outing.
A cold Alaskan night opens as the van eases off the highway and the world narrows to a ribbon of birch and spruce. By the time guides point out the first bright thread of the aurora, the warm steam of Chena Hot Springs has already begun to claim the air, curling like a welcome. This guided evening pairs therapeutic mineral pools with a curated Ice Museum tour, then follows the sky out into darkness in search of the northern lights.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Tour Fairbanks · Chena Hot Springs Resort, Alaska
A cold Alaskan night opens as the van eases off the highway and the world narrows to a ribbon of birch and spruce. By the time guides point out the first bright thread of the aurora, the warm steam of Chena Hot Springs has already begun to claim the air, curling like a welcome. This guided evening pairs therapeutic mineral pools with a curated Ice Museum tour, then follows the sky out into darkness in search of the northern lights.
Chena Hot Springs sits in the interior Alaska lowlands carved by ancient glacial and river action; geothermal upwelling heats groundwater into the resort’s pools. The Ice Museum—built and maintained seasonally—shows off sculpted chambers carved from harvested ice and highlights a local history of early 20th-century prospecting and modern tourism that reshaped this stretch of the Chena River corridor.
Expect a roughly 1.5-hour scenic drive from Fairbanks, 45 minutes inside a climate-controlled ice exhibit, and an hour-plus of pool time before aurora hunting. Guides share photo vantage points and will capture images for you, but timing and visibility depend on solar activity and clear skies. The resort supports small-scale hospitality with an on-site restaurant and gift shop; lockers at the pools require quarters (guides will help).
Practical: dress in insulating layers for post-soak chills, bring swimwear, towel, and shower shoes, and plan for an 8–10 hour evening. The experience suits most fitness levels and rewards patience—sometimes the sky waits until late night before it performs.
easy.
8–10 hours.
Suitable for most people with basic mobility; includes light walking around the resort and short transfers to viewing spots.
The guided transfer is about a 1.5-hour drive each way under normal conditions—expect roughly 8–10 hours total for the outing.
Yes, this tour includes admission to the Ice Museum as part of the itinerary.
Guides will point out vantage locations and often take photos for guests; they also offer tips for shooting the lights with your camera.
Infants can attend but must sit on laps; service animals are permitted. The resort is not wheelchair accessible, so check mobility needs in advance.
The Chena area grew from early mining and trapping activity; modern geothermal use began in the 20th century and turned the springs into a hospitality destination.
The resort balances tourism with fragile boreal ecosystems—stay on marked paths and follow guidance to minimize disturbance to vegetation and wildlife.
Tour Fairbanks operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
A cold Alaskan night opens as the van eases off the highway and the world narrows to a ribbon of birch and spruce. By the time guides point out the first bright thread of the aurora, the warm steam of Chena Hot Springs has already begun to claim the air, curling like a welcome. This guided evening pairs therapeutic mineral pools with a curated Ice Museum tour, then follows the sky out into darkness in search of the northern lights.
A cold Alaskan night opens as the van eases off the highway and the world narrows to a ribbon of birch and spruce. By the time guides point out the first bright thread of the aurora, the warm steam of Chena Hot Springs has already begun to claim the air, curling like a welcome. This guided evening pairs therapeutic mineral pools with a curated Ice Museum tour, then follows the sky out into darkness in search of the northern lights.
Chena Hot Springs sits in the interior Alaska lowlands carved by ancient glacial and river action; geothermal upwelling heats groundwater into the resort’s pools. The Ice Museum—built and maintained seasonally—shows off sculpted chambers carved from harvested ice and highlights a local history of early 20th-century prospecting and modern tourism that reshaped this stretch of the Chena River corridor.
Expect a roughly 1.5-hour scenic drive from Fairbanks, 45 minutes inside a climate-controlled ice exhibit, and an hour-plus of pool time before aurora hunting. Guides share photo vantage points and will capture images for you, but timing and visibility depend on solar activity and clear skies. The resort supports small-scale hospitality with an on-site restaurant and gift shop; lockers at the pools require quarters (guides will help).
Practical: dress in insulating layers for post-soak chills, bring swimwear, towel, and shower shoes, and plan for an 8–10 hour evening. The experience suits most fitness levels and rewards patience—sometimes the sky waits until late night before it performs.