Fairbanks: Aurora Glass House Night & Northern Lights Photos

Summary

Panoramic aurora views from Cleary Summit glass house with warm drinks and photos

You’ll ride out from Fairbanks to a glass house perched on Cleary Summit, where floor-to-ceiling windows let you watch for the Northern Lights in warmth or step outside under Alaska’s sky. There’s hot cocoa, snacks, help with aurora photography, and a local guide who makes even waiting feel special. You might leave with cold toes but a head full of color.

What’s the experience like?

The drive out of Fairbanks felt like slipping into another world — headlights catching snowflakes, everything quiet except for our guide’s easy stories about growing up here. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this “Aurora Glass House” at Cleary Summit, but when we walked in, the first thing I noticed was the warmth and how the windows wrapped almost all the way around us. You could see the whole sky, which made me weirdly nervous and excited at once. Someone handed me hot cocoa; it smelled like cinnamon, or maybe I imagined that because my fingers were cold.

Our guide (I think her name was Emily?) kept checking outside for any hint of green in the sky. She explained how unpredictable the Northern Lights are — “like waiting for shy dancers,” she said. We laughed about it and ate some snacks while swapping travel stories. There were a few other people there too, mostly quiet, just staring out at the dark like they were hoping to will the aurora into appearing. At one point I stepped outside — boots crunching on hard snow — and it was so still it almost hurt my ears.

And then, honestly out of nowhere, these pale ribbons started curling overhead. Not bright at first — more like someone painting with smoke. Emily helped set up my camera (I’m hopeless with night settings), and took a few photos for us too. The air smelled sharp and clean; I could see my breath swirling in front of me as I tried not to blink too much and miss anything. When we finally climbed back inside, cheeks burning from the cold, everyone just sort of grinned at each other without saying much. It’s strange how something so quiet can feel huge — I still think about that view sometimes when I can’t sleep.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Northern Lights at Aurora Glass House

• Join guide to Cleary Summit
• Stay inside with panoramic views
• Step outside for closer aurora look
• Enjoy hot cocoa, coffee, snacks
• Use Aurora photography services

Top questions

How do you get to the Aurora Glass House from Fairbanks?

Your tour includes guided transfer by air-conditioned vehicle from Fairbanks to Cleary Summit.

Are snacks or drinks included during the Northern Lights tour?

Yes, you’ll have hot cocoa, coffee, water, and snacks while waiting for the aurora.

Is there help with taking photos of the Northern Lights?

Aurora photography services are included; your guide can help set up your camera or take photos for you.

Can you go outside during the tour?

Yes, you can step outside anytime for a closer look at the aurora or stay inside where it’s warm.

Are children or people with limited mobility welcome?

The experience is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Will I definitely see the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are natural and can’t be guaranteed on any specific night.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

The tour includes guided transfer but doesn’t specify hotel pickup; check when booking.

What’s included

Your evening includes guided transfer to Cleary Summit’s 270° Aurora Glass House near Fairbanks, cozy cabin access with floor-to-ceiling windows for viewing, snacks plus hot drinks like cocoa and coffee while you wait for the lights to appear, bottled water if you want it, and help with aurora photography so you don’t have to worry about your camera settings.