Drive from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs for an evening that pairs a warm geothermal soak under the midnight sun with a visit to a year‑round ice museum. This 6‑hour family-run tour blends local insight, wildlife spotting, and optional add-ons like dinner and an ice-bar cocktail.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The van eases out of Fairbanks with the midnight sun low and honeyed on the spruce tops, a ribbon of two-lane highway sliding through rippled tundra. By the time the resort lights appear, steam rises from the rock pool and the air smells faintly of mineral and pine — a warm counterpoint to the long Alaskan evening.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short, easy walking inside the museum and standing in cold rooms
Wildlife
History
Chena Hot Springs has long served travelers in interior Alaska; modern tourism grew around geothermal use and aurora viewing in the 20th century.
Conservation
The resort operates with an emphasis on managing geothermal resources and minimizing disturbance to surrounding boreal habitat; visitors are asked to stay on marked paths and pack out waste.
Reserve your spot on the Midnight Sun Magic Chena Hot Springs Soak and Ice Museum Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring swimwear and a dry change of clothes
Pool soaking is the highlight — pack swim trunks or a swimsuit and a quick-dry change for the drive back.
Rent a towel only if necessary
Towel rentals are available on site but bring your own if you prefer a larger or faster‑drying towel.
Watch for wildlife from the vehicle
Moose and foxes are commonly seen along the route; stop only in safe pullouts to photograph.
Bring a light jacket for the Ice Museum
The museum rooms are kept below freezing; a lightweight insulated layer makes the visit comfortable.
Swimsuit
Required for the hot springs soak.
summer
Quick‑dry towel or towel rental
Useful for drying off quickly and staying comfortable on the return drive.
summer
Insulated jacket
Keeps you warm after the soak and in the ice museum’s subzero spaces.
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Binoculars or zoom camera lens
Helps with spotting moose, foxes and birds along the drive to the resort.
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