Chena Hot Springs Tour: Soak in Natural Mineral Waters

Mineral water heated by geothermal energy, served in a glass carved from ice.

This tour from Chena Hot Springs includes a scenic drive through Interior Alaska with wildlife viewing, a soak in the natural mineral hot springs pool, entry to the Aurora Ice Museum with an appletini served in an ice glass, and a guided tour of the geothermal and greenhouse facilities. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the guide answers questions about the region on the return drive. Children are welcome from age 10, and the tour runs 6 to 8 hours.

The experience

The van picks you up outside your hotel and heads out through Two Rivers and Pleasant Valley toward Chena Hot Springs. Your guide talks through the history and landscape of Interior Alaska during the drive, and there are chances to spot wildlife along the way. The route itself is part of the experience. You're not just getting to the springs, you're learning the region as you travel.

Once at Chena Hot Springs, you soak in the natural rock-lined thermal pool. The water is heated by geothermal energy from deep underground, and the minerals in it are what make the soak feel different from a regular pool. After you've had time in the water, a guide leads the group into the Aurora Ice Museum, where the walls, furniture and even the glasses are carved from ice. You get an appletini served in an actual ice glass: a detail that stays with you. The tour also includes a guided walk through the geothermal and greenhouse facilities so you understand how the resort powers itself and grows food year-round in Alaska.

On the ride back to town, the guide is there to answer whatever questions you have about Interior Alaska. They know the region and the questions tend to flow once people have had time to relax. Your guide drops you back at your hotel when the afternoon is done. Bring a swimsuit, towel, and water shoes or flip-flops for the pool area. Two quarters will rent you a locker if you need one.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• admission to Chena Hot Springs, the Aurora Ice Museum, and the geothermal and greenhouse tour.
• an appletini served in an ice glass at the museum.
• and a knowledgeable guide for the full drive and facilities tour.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to Saturday

AgesAdult (20 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Youth (10 to 19 years) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 24 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Best of Alaska LLC

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to soak in the hot springs and explore the Ice Museum in one outing: the drive there doubles as a wildlife viewing opportunity, and your guide shares insights about the resort's operations on the way back.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

7 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 19 years). Under 10: 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. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Viewpoint, and do we stop there on this tour?

The Trans-Alaska Pipeline Viewpoint is a landmark along the route through Interior Alaska. The tour passes through the region where the pipeline runs, and your guide discusses it as part of the landscape and history you see on the drive to and from Chena Hot Springs.

How long does the tour take from pickup to drop-off?

The tour runs 6 to 8 hours total, including the drive out, time in the hot springs and Ice Museum, the facilities tour, and the return drive to your hotel.

What exactly happens inside the Ice Museum?

The Aurora Ice Museum is built from ice, with walls, furniture and serving glasses all carved from it. You enter as part of a guided group and enjoy an appletini (a cocktail made with apple juice and vodka) served in a real ice glass. It's a unique experience that happens nowhere else on the tour.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer to soak in the hot springs pool?

No. The natural rock-lined pool at Chena Hot Springs is designed for soaking and relaxing, not swimming. You can wade in and sit in the warm mineral water at whatever depth feels comfortable. The pool is not a lap pool.

What do I need to bring for the hot springs?

Bring a swimsuit, towel, and flip-flops or water shoes for the pool area and locker room. If you want to use a locker, bring two quarters, lockers cost $0.50. You must be 18 or older to enter the hot springs.