Chena Hot Springs is a worthwhile day trip from Fairbanks. We were packing it all in, so we went snowshoeing before heading out to Chena, but if you have the whole day, do it. At 60 miles away over snow-covered roads and remote terrain, it’s not a short drive (1.5-2hrs), and it’s also not a drive you want to try to dramatically speed up as there is a loooooong stretch where you may not encounter another person for hours should something happen.
Upon arrival at Chena Hot Springs in the early afternoon, our first stop was the activity center, where we bought our tickets to the ice museum, drinks included. The ice museum is a marvel, proudly claiming the title of the world’s largest year-round ice environment. Made from 1,000 tons of ice and snow, this chilly wonderland has been a part of Chena Hot Springs since January of 2005, maintaining a constant temperature of 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
The tour of the museum, including a stop at the ice bar, lasts around 45 minutes. It begins with displays of ice-carving tools and techniques, revealing the intricate equipment involved. As you venture further into the museum, you encounter an ice chapel and four ice “hotel rooms,” although to my knowledge you cannot actually stay there. Each room has unique designs and sculptures. The highlight was the Aurora Ice Bar, where we sat on ice stools covered with fabric, sipping appletinis from martini glasses made of ice. While the drink itself left something to be desired, the lively bartender and the icy ambiance made it a memorable experience. After drinks, we explored further through the museum, marveling at ice sculptures, taking photos, and even discovering an igloo that had been around for 16 years. This made Tiff particularly giddy as one of the things she had said to me when I was planning our trip was, “Nicole! Can we stay in an igloo?!” When you leave the ice museum, you are encouraged to take your martini glass with you. There is an ice block outside its doors meant for throwing your glass at and breaking it. We gladly participated in this tradition.
After the Ice Museum, we headed to the on-site bar and restaurant for a pleasant dinner. The décor was rustic, adorned with various animals mounted on the walls. Despite being short-staffed, the service was commendable, and we engaged in friendly conversation with fellow diners at the bar. This is where I learned that ringing the bell means you are buying a round of drinks for everyone at the bar!
After dinner, we finally made it to the highlight of our visit, the geothermal hot springs. These natural, mineral-rich springs are believed to have therapeutic qualities, and people visit to soak in the soothing, warm waters. The resort has multiple indoor and outdoor pools, allowing year-round enjoyment, even in the freezing Alaskan winters. The outdoor pools, including the hot springs lake where we spent our time, are particularly popular, offering the chance to soak while surrounded by the pristine wilderness of the Chena River Valley. To enter the lake, we changed in the locker room and braved the frigid air before reaching the warm water. The few seconds of cold were quickly forgotten as we immersed ourselves in the 106-degree Fahrenheit lake. Steam rose from the water due to the dramatic temperature contrast, creating quite a captivating visual. Everyone in the lake was friendly, sharing in the unique experience. There were a couple of fountains in the lake that spouted warm water, and despite sub-freezing temperatures, my hair didn’t freeze as I had hoped; it just wasn’t cold enough. I had seen pictures of people who had wet their hair and shaped it before it froze in place!
After we watched the sun set behind the hill from the hot spring lake, we gathered our belongings and made our way back to Fairbanks. A winter storm warning had just been issued, and we wanted to return before the weather deteriorated.
While our stay at Chena Hot Springs was brief, it’s, actually a full-fledged, year-round resort. In the summer, it offers activities like ATV tours, horseback riding, and dog cart riding, while winter brings opportunities for dogsledding or snowmobiling. Fall and spring additionally offer aurora viewing tours. Accommodation options include lodges, cabins, camping/RVs, and yurts. Chena Hot Springs is also known for its commitment to sustainable and renewable energy, harnessing geothermal power to run its facilities and providing tours to educate visitors about eco-friendly practices. If ever you find yourself in Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs is well worth a visit, even if it’s just for a day.
