Chena Hot Springs Resort, located 60 miles east of Fairbanks along Chena Hot Springs Road in Interior Alaska, is a year-round destination built around naturally occurring geothermal hot springs deep in the boreal forest of the Chena River State Recreation Area. The 56.5-mile drive from Fairbanks follows Chena Hot Springs Road through dense white spruce and birch forest, passing wetlands, river crossings, and roadside pullouts where moose, beaver, and spruce grouse are regularly observed. The resort at 56.5 Chena Hot Springs Road (907-451-8104; chenahotsprings.com) is Alaska's oldest licensed hot spring resort and operates a geothermal energy system that heats buildings and powers on-site greenhouse food production. The signature attraction is the Rock Lake, an outdoor natural hot spring pool maintained at 104-106°F and surrounded by boreal forest boulders. Day admission for access to all pools runs approximately $15 for adults. Indoor pool options at slightly cooler temperatures are also available. The Aurora Ice Museum ($15 adults), open year-round, is maintained at a constant -25°F and houses elaborate ice sculptures created by world-champion carvers; parkas are provided at the entrance. Summer activities include midnight sun hiking on the Chena Hot Springs Trail (4.5 miles one way into the Chena River State Recreation Area), ATV and off-road vehicle tours, gold panning demonstrations, and geothermal greenhouse tours showcasing year-round vegetable production. Winter programming centers on aurora borealis viewing, which runs from October through March when Interior Alaska's clear, dark skies and proximity to the auroral oval make Chena one of the most reliable aurora-viewing locations in North America. Dog mushing demonstrations and rides are also offered in winter. The resort restaurant is open to day visitors and serves Alaskan seafood, reindeer sausage, and produce from the geothermal greenhouse. A resort-operated shuttle from Fairbanks hotels runs for approximately $40-60 round trip and must be booked through the resort.
How to get there
- Rental car
- Chena Hot Springs shuttle ($40-60 round trip; book through resort at chenahotsprings.com, 907-451-8104)
Location
56.5 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712
65.0524, -146.0503 View on map
Highlights
- Chena Hot Springs Rock Lake: soak in 104-106°F natural geothermal hot springs in an outdoor pool surrounded by boreal forest ($15/adult day admission)
- Aurora Ice Museum: world's only year-round walk-in ice environment with award-winning sculptures kept at -25°F, parkas provided ($15 adults)
- Aurora borealis viewing October through March in some of Interior Alaska's clearest and darkest skies
- Geothermal greenhouse tour: see year-round vegetable production powered entirely by the resort's on-site geothermal energy system
- Chena River State Recreation Area hiking and wildlife corridor: moose, beaver, and boreal bird species along the 56-mile road
Tips for visiting
- Book the resort's aurora viewing program in advance for October-March visits — clear-sky nights fill quickly and day visitors compete with overnight guests for the best windows
- The Rock Lake outdoor pool runs year-round; in winter the walk between the changing rooms and the pool is intensely cold — a robe or towel bag is strongly advised
- Swimwear and towel rental is available at the resort if not packed; the Rock Lake is the trip's highlight and worth any queue at the changing room
- Fill up with fuel in Fairbanks before departing — Chena Hot Springs Road has no gas stations along its 56-mile length
- The Aurora Ice Museum visit takes 20-30 minutes; the early morning slot tends to be less crowded than midday
When to visit
Summer (June-August) offers midnight sun hiking, long daylight in the Chena River State Recreation Area, and comfortable outdoor hot spring soaking. Winter (October-March) is the prime aurora viewing season with the Ice Museum at peak condition and dog mushing programs available. The resort operates year-round with activities suited to each season.
Accessibility
The resort's main indoor facilities including the indoor pools and dining room are wheelchair accessible. The Rock Lake outdoor hot spring has uneven rock and gravel approaches that can be challenging for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. The Aurora Ice Museum is entered via a level-grade corridor with ice underfoot; staff assist visitors as needed. The Chena Hot Springs Trail into the backcountry is an unpaved path not suitable for wheelchairs.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chena Hot Springs feasible as a day trip from Fairbanks?
Yes — the 60-mile drive takes approximately one hour each way, leaving ample time for the hot springs, Aurora Ice Museum, and resort dining in a comfortable 8-10 hour day visit. Overnight accommodation is available if a longer stay is preferred.
Are the hot springs outdoors or indoors?
The Rock Lake is the signature outdoor natural hot spring pool at 104-106°F. Indoor pools maintained at slightly cooler temperatures are also available. Both facilities are included in the same day admission fee.
Is aurora viewing guaranteed on a winter visit?
Aurora sightings depend on solar activity, darkness, and cloud-free skies. The Chena area averages some of Interior Alaska's best conditions October through March, but specific nights cannot be guaranteed. Multi-night packages increase the odds considerably.
Can visitors see the aurora in summer?
Aurora borealis requires sufficient darkness, which is unavailable in Interior Alaska from late April through late August during the midnight sun season. Summer day trips focus on the hot springs, hiking, ATV tours, gold panning, and greenhouse visits.
Is there food available at the resort for day visitors?
The resort's full-service restaurant is open to day visitors and serves Alaskan seafood, reindeer sausage, and vegetables grown in the on-site geothermal greenhouse. Hours vary seasonally; calling ahead to confirm lunch service availability is advisable.