Chena Hot Springs: Northern Lights & Ice Museum Tour with Pickup

Soak in Chena Hot Springs then hunt the aurora with locals

You’ll soak in Chena Hot Springs under Alaskan stars, wander through glowing ice sculptures in the museum (Appletini optional), and—if luck’s on your side—watch northern lights dance overhead while your guide snaps photos for you. With hotel pickup included, it’s easy to just show up and let Alaska surprise you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Chena Hot Springs and Northern Lights

• Pick up from hotel or B&B
• Drive 1.5 hours to Chena Hot Springs
• Receive Ice Museum tickets
• Tour Ice Museum and Ice Bar
• Relax in indoor and outdoor hot tubs
• Enjoy indoor pool and hot springs
• Optional Alaskan dining at resort
• Shop for souvenirs and snacks
• Find vantage points for northern lights
• Guides photograph northern lights
• Return to hotel or B&B

The Experience

The first thing I noticed at Chena Hot Springs wasn’t the water—it was the way steam curled up against the pitch-black sky, like someone had drawn soft lines with a brush. Our guide, Mike, handed me a bottle of water (he said dehydration sneaks up on you in Alaska) and grinned when I asked if we’d really see the northern lights. “No promises,” he said, but his eyes looked hopeful. The drive from Fairbanks took about an hour and a half, but honestly, it felt shorter—maybe because everyone kept swapping stories about failed aurora chases or maybe because I was too busy watching frost build up on the windows.

Inside the Ice Museum, everything glowed blue and white—the kind of cold that makes your nose tingle. There were these wild ice sculptures everywhere; one looked like a polar bear mid-roar. Our guide pointed out which artists made what (I didn’t catch all their names—should’ve written them down). Someone ordered an Appletini at the bar served in an actual ice glass. I tried to take a sip but mostly just got brain freeze and laughed so hard I almost dropped it. The whole place smelled faintly of apples and something sharp, maybe vodka?

I finally slipped into the hot springs after fumbling with my locker (bring quarters or ask your guide—they’ll have some). The water was hotter than I expected—almost scalding at first—but after a minute it felt like every muscle let go. You could hear people talking softly or just floating quietly under the stars. At one point, someone shouted—northern lights! We scrambled out onto crunchy snow in our swimsuits (not my most graceful moment) and there they were: green ribbons flickering above the trees. My phone barely captured anything but Mike took photos for us—he’s done this so many times he knows exactly where to stand.

Later, over dinner in the resort’s restaurant (the salmon was good—I still think about that flaky skin), everyone swapped photos and stories again. It felt like nobody wanted to leave yet. On the ride back to Fairbanks, I kept replaying those few minutes under the aurora; it’s strange how cold air can feel warm when you’re that happy.

Top questions

How long is the drive from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs?

The drive takes about 1.5 hours each way.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, friendly guides will pick you up from your hotel or B&B and return you afterward.

Are entry fees for Chena Hot Springs and Ice Museum included?

Yes, admission to both the hot springs swimming area and Ice Museum is included.

Can I buy food or drinks at Chena Hot Springs Resort?

Yes, there’s an on-site restaurant for meals (not included) plus snacks and drinks available at the gift shop or activity center.

Do I need to bring anything special for the hot springs?

You’ll need swimwear, towel, shower shoes, and two quarters for lockers—guides can provide quarters if needed.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but note that the resort is not wheelchair accessible.

Will we definitely see the northern lights on this tour?

Sightings are never guaranteed since they depend on weather and solar activity.

How long do we spend at Chena Hot Springs Resort?

You’ll have several hours to enjoy both the hot springs and Ice Museum before returning to Fairbanks in the evening.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Fairbanks, bottled water along the way, entry tickets to both Chena Hot Springs swimming area and Ice Museum (including time at their unique ice bar if you want), plus even quarters for your locker if you forget them—all handled by your local guide so you can focus on relaxing instead of logistics.