Chena Hot Springs Aurora Tour: Ice Museum & Northern Lights

Soak in geothermal hot springs under the northern lights

This late-afternoon and evening tour from Fairbanks combines a visit to Chena Hot Springs Resort (a geothermal facility with an Ice Museum, hot springs pools and on-site dining) with aurora viewing on the drive back through Tanana State Forest. A live English-speaking guide leads the tour, which runs 7 to 8 hours and includes hotel pickup from Fairbanks. The extremely dark skies around the resort are ideal for catching the northern lights in winter.

Step-by-step itinerary

Travel, relax, and aurora viewing

• Travel from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs
• Tour facilities and visit Ice Museum
• Soak in hot springs
• Dine at rustic Alaska restaurant
• View northern lights near resort
• Return to Fairbanks through Tanana Forest

The experience

You're picked up from your Fairbanks accommodation in late afternoon and travel roughly 60 miles through Tanana State Forest to reach Chena Hot Springs Resort. The drive itself is part of the experience: wildlife like moose, fox, coyote and lynx move through the forest, and the guide points out what the landscape holds. Once at the resort, you get a short tour of the geothermal facilities, then visit the Ice Museum and Bar: a unique attraction built and maintained by the resort's heat. After that, the time is yours to soak in the world-famous hot springs and eat at the rustic Alaska restaurant or Aurora Cafe.

When evening settles in, the focus shifts to the northern lights. The return drive back to Fairbanks takes you through the same forest, but now the sky is the draw: the incredibly dark, star-studded night above the wilderness is the backdrop the auroras need to show themselves. The guide watches for activity and positions the group at locations along the road where the lights are most visible. There's no guarantee of a display (aurora activity depends on solar conditions), but the resort's remote location and minimal light pollution give you the best odds the region offers.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from Fairbanks.
• round-trip transportation through Tanana State Forest.
• short tour of Chena Hot Springs Resort facilities.
• entry to the Ice Museum and Bar.
• access to the hot springs pools.
• guide in English throughout the tour.
• aurora viewing on the return drive through the forest.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 17:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 54 years) · Senior (55 and older) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 10 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10 · max 7 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 24 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Auroraquest

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're arriving in Fairbanks in winter and want to combine a resort experience with aurora hunting in one evening, rather than spending a separate night at the springs. The late-afternoon departure and 7 to 8 hour duration fit a free afternoon and evening from your Fairbanks base, and the drive through the forest gives you two chances to spot wildlife and northern lights.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (6 to 10 years). Under 6: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What exactly is the Ice Museum at Chena Hot Springs?

The Ice Museum is a unique attraction built and maintained by the resort using geothermal heat to keep it frozen year-round. It includes an ice bar where you can order drinks served in glasses made of ice.

How far is the drive from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs Resort?

The drive is roughly 60 miles through Tanana State Forest and takes place in late afternoon on the way out. The return drive happens in the evening when you're watching for northern lights.

Is food included at the resort, or do I pay separately?

Food and drink are available at the resort's different venues (the rustic Alaska restaurant and Aurora Cafe), but you purchase meals on site. The tour includes access to the facilities and hot springs. Dining is separate.

What wildlife might I see on the drive through Tanana State Forest?

Moose, fox, coyote and lynx are frequently seen in the forest, especially during the drive through. The guide will point out sightings and explain what you're looking at.

Is there a minimum group size for this tour?

A minimum of four guests is required to initiate a new tour date. If you're booking as a smaller group, check with the operator about upcoming departures that already have bookings.