Fairbanks North Star/United States
Chena Hot Springs Resort
A geothermal rock lake in the Alaskan interior, under the aurora from autumn to spring.
Enrico Blasutto / Wikimedia Commons
- Bathing
- Indoor / Outdoor
- Established
- 1905
- Accommodation
- Hotel on site
Chena Hot Springs lies about 100 km east of Fairbanks at the end of a single road. The centrepiece is an outdoor rock lake kept near 40°C; indoor pools and tubs complete the bathhouse, and the resort runs on its own geothermal power.
Balnevia view
Why visit
Few places pair open-air thermal water with aurora viewing as directly: the resort sits under the auroral oval and stays open through the dark months.
The water
Thermal water
- Source
- Chena Hot Springs
- Character
- Alkaline mineral water feeding an outdoor rock lake
History
Prospectors located the springs in 1905 and a resort followed soon after, serving Fairbanks residents who came by trail. The geothermal plant and the Aurora Ice Museum are recent additions.
Practical information
The rock lake is adults-only; the indoor pool admits children. Bring a hat in winter — hair freezes within minutes above the waterline.
- Things to do nearby
- Explore nearby activities on GetYourGuide
Getting there
About 1h30 by car from Fairbanks along Chena Hot Springs Road, which is paved and ploughed; shuttles run from Fairbanks in season.
Location
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