Fairbanks: Chena Hot Springs & Aurora Ice Museum Night Tour

Summary

Soak in Chena’s mineral pools then chase the aurora with locals

You’ll slip into mineral-rich hot springs under Alaskan stars after exploring Fairbanks’ Aurora Ice Museum with a local guide. Savor an optional drink from an ice glass and keep watch for moose or foxes on your way out. If luck’s on your side, you’ll catch the northern lights dancing above—an experience that lingers long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The van was already warm when I climbed in outside my hotel in Fairbanks. Our guide, Mark, handed out advice about moose crossings as we left the city behind—he sounded like he’d dodged a few himself. The drive out to Chena Hot Springs felt longer than 60 miles, maybe because I kept pressing my face to the window, scanning for foxes or anything moving against all that white. Someone spotted a beaver dam but honestly, I missed it—I was busy watching the sky turn purple-blue as dusk settled over the snow.

First stop was the Aurora Ice Museum. It’s colder inside than you’d think—even with all those glowing ice sculptures and weirdly soft caribou-hide stools at the bar. Mark convinced me to try an appletini in an ice glass (not included, but worth it just for the photo). My fingers went numb holding it, but I laughed so hard when Li tried to pronounce “cheers” in Mandarin that I nearly dropped mine. The air inside smelled faintly metallic and sweet, not at all like regular bars back home.

Afterwards, we wandered over to the restaurant—no pressure to eat if you didn’t want to, but I grabbed some salmon chowder because it seemed right after all that cold. The main event though? The outdoor hot springs. You step out into this cloud of steam under a black sky and suddenly everything’s quiet except for distant laughter and snow crunching underfoot. Water at 106°F feels unreal after subzero air; my skin tingled for ages. We kept darting glances upward for any sign of green ribbons across the stars. Mark pointed out where they usually show up first—he had this way of making you believe they might appear any second.

We waited a while—nobody minded much because soaking there is its own kind of magic—but eventually bundled up again for the ride back to Fairbanks just past midnight. On the way home someone gasped and we all pressed our faces to the windows again, hoping for one last glimpse of those northern lights. Even now I still think about how quiet it felt out there, like you’re waiting on something bigger than yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening tour to Chena Hot Springs

• Travel 60 miles to Chena Hot Springs
• Watch for moose, beaver, or fox
• Tour Aurora Ice Museum
• Optional appletini at ice bar
• Have dinner or drinks at resort
• Soak in outdoor mineral hot springs
• Join guide to view Aurora Borealis
• Return to Fairbanks after midnight

Top questions

How far is Chena Hot Springs from Fairbanks?

It’s about 60 miles (97 km) from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs Resort by road.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off within Fairbanks or North Pole city limits are included.

Can I use the outdoor hot springs if I'm under 18?

No, only adults 18 years and older can use the outdoor rock pool; children can use the indoor pool.

Is dinner included at Chena Hot Springs Resort?

No, dinner is not included—you can order food or drinks at your own expense at the restaurant or bar.

Will I definitely see the northern lights on this tour?

No, sightings of the aurora borealis cannot be guaranteed as they depend on natural conditions.

Are towels provided at Chena Hot Springs?

No, you should bring your own bath towel along with a bathing suit and quarters for lockers.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation and most areas—including hot springs—are wheelchair accessible; foldable wheelchairs fit in vehicles.

What should I bring for this tour?

You’ll need a bathing suit, towel, quarters for lockers (at least two), photo ID if purchasing alcohol, and warm clothes.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Fairbanks or North Pole city limits, admission to both Chena Hot Springs’ pools (indoor and outdoor where permitted), entry to the Aurora Ice Museum with a guided tour by a local expert, plus standing dinner reservations at the resort restaurant if you want to dine before heading back around midnight.