Chena Hot Springs Resort: Fairbanks, Alaska Visitor Guide 2026
Chena Hot Springs Resort sits 60 miles east of Fairbanks, Alaska, off Chena Hot Springs Road, and ranks among the most accessible natural hot springs covered on CATravelTimes. Visitors soak in a 106°F outdoor rock lake, relax in an indoor heated pool, and tour the Aurora Ice Museum built from 1,000 tons of ice.
Open year-round, the resort runs on its own geothermal power plant and offers reliable Northern Lights viewing from late August through mid-April. Day passes start at $20, making it an easy add-on for anyone exploring Alaska’s Interior.
What Is Chena Hot Springs Resort? Quick Details
Gold prospectors discovered Chena Hot Springs in August 1905, and word spread among Fairbanks residents seeking relief from aches in the mineral-rich water. By 1912, the springs became a premier Interior Alaska destination, with visitors arriving by stagecoach to soak.
Today the resort sits at 17600 Chena Hot Springs Road, Fairbanks, AK 99712, and charges $20 for adult day pass admission. It remains a standout entry in CATravelTimes’ guide to Hot springs across the U.S, with a rock lake holding steady near 106°F and Google reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5. Early mornings bring the smallest crowds, setting up the details below.
How to Find Chena Hot Springs Resort? Directions & Map
From Fairbanks, drivers take the Steese Highway east about 5 miles to the junction with Chena Hot Springs Road, then continue 56 miles to the resort at 17600 Chena Hot Springs Road, Fairbanks, AK 99712.
The two-lane paved road winds through the Chena River State Recreation Area, with moose crossings common at dawn and dusk. The drive takes about 90 minutes, if road conditions are normal. Parking is free near the Pool House entrance, close to the scenic views ahead.
Chena Hot Springs Resort Photos – Scenic Views
Steam rising off the outdoor rock lake against snow-covered spruce makes the classic shot, especially at sunrise or under the Northern Lights. Fall visitors catch golden birch lining the access road, while the Ice Museum’s illuminated sculptures offer a striking indoor alternative.
These scenes only capture part of what makes Chena worth the drive from Fairbanks.
Everything you need to know about Chena Hot Springs Resort?
What Does a Chena Hot Springs Resort Day Pass Cost?
A Chena Hot Springs Resort day pass costs $20 for adults ages 18 to 59, $18 for seniors 60 and older, and $17 for children ages 6 to 17.
Kids 5 and under enter free with a paying adult. The pass covers the outdoor rock lake, indoor pool, and hot tubs, though the outdoor lake is restricted to guests 18 and older.
What Are Chena Hot Springs Resort’s Hours?
Chena Hot Springs Resort operates daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., seven days a week, year-round.
The resort recommends booking tours and activities like the Aurora Ice Museum tour or dog sledding in advance during peak winter months, if visiting between December and March.
How Far Is Chena Hot Springs Resort From the Airport?
Fairbanks International Airport sits roughly 55 miles from Chena Hot Springs Resort, about a 90-minute drive along Chena Hot Springs Road.
The resort offers a daily shuttle from Fairbanks hotels for approximately $180 round-trip per person, a convenient option for travelers without a rental car.
What Tickets Are Available for the Aurora Ice Museum?
The Aurora Ice Museum offers guided 45-minute tours starting around $20 per person, with parkas provided for the 25°F interior.
Guests can add a $20 appletini served in a hand-carved ice glass at the ice bar. Multi-stop tour tickets combining hot springs entry and the ice museum run from $200 to $290 per person from Fairbanks.
What’s the Water Temperature & Best Time to Visit Chena Hot Springs Resort?
The outdoor rock lake holds a steady 106°F year-round, while the indoor pool runs 82°F to 86°F. Mineral water rises from underground near 165°F, a geothermal process similar to what feeds Deep Creek Hot Springs in Southern California. Winter draws aurora chasers; summer suits families.
The rock lake’s gravel bottom and steady heat make it comfortable across all four seasons, leading into what to pack for a visit.
Things to Do at Chena Hot Springs Resort
Beyond soaking, Chena Hot Springs Resort packs in geothermal tours, dog sledding, and an ice museum unlike anywhere else in Alaska.
Soak in the Outdoor Rock Lake
Located at the Pool House (4.4 stars on Google, $20 day pass), this adults-only rock lake stays near 106°F year-round. Bring water shoes for the gravel bottom, much like the natural gravel-lined pools at Wild Willy’s Hot Springs further south.
Tour the Aurora Ice Museum
Rated 4.2 stars on Google, this $20 guided tour covers 1,000 tons of hand-carved ice sculptures kept at 25°F, plus an ice bar serving appletinis in carved glasses.
Visit the Geothermal Power Plant
The resort’s self-guided geothermal tour (included with some packages) explains how underground heat powers the entire property, a rare hands-on renewable energy demonstration.
Explore the Greenhouse
Chena grows produce for its restaurant year-round inside a geothermally heated greenhouse, with tomatoes and flowers thriving despite Interior Alaska winters.
Book a Dog Sledding Tour
Seasonal dog sledding tours (roughly $175 and up) let visitors ride behind a working Alaska sled dog team across resort trails.
Watch for the Northern Lights
Aurora season runs late August through mid-April, and Chena’s distance from Fairbanks’ city lights makes it one of the best open-air viewing spots in Alaska’s Interior.
Hike Nearby Trails
Angel Rocks Trail, a short drive from the resort, offers granite tor formations and river views for visitors wanting a stretch before soaking.
Snowmobile Across the Valley
Winter snowmobile tours cover backcountry terrain surrounding the resort, typically booked in half-day blocks alongside aurora viewing packages.
Between the springs, the ice museum, and the trails, most visitors find a full day disappears quickly at Chena, which raises the question of where to stay overnight.
Where to Stay & Eat Near Chena Hot Springs Resort?
Staying on-site keeps travelers close to the pools and cuts down on the 90-minute drive back to Fairbanks after dark. All details below come from Google Maps listings.
Hotels Near Chena Hot Springs Resort
- Chena Hot Springs Resort Lodge The main lodge offers 80 standard rooms sleeping 2 to 4 guests, located directly on-site with rates from $200 to $300 nightly, rated 4.0 stars on Google.
- Moose Lodge Rooms A quieter wing of the resort with rooms for 2 to 3 guests, roughly a 2-minute walk from the Pool House, priced similarly to standard lodge rooms.
- Dry Cabins at Chena Hot Springs Eight rustic dry cabins sleep 2 to 4 guests without private plumbing, priced lower than standard rooms, and rated well for a budget, off-grid experience.
Restaurants Near Chena Hot Springs Resort
- Chena Hot Springs Restaurant On-site American cuisine at 17600 Chena Hot Springs Road, Fairbanks, AK 99712, moderately priced, rated 3.9 stars, open daily for breakfast through dinner.
- The Aurora Ice Museum Ice Bar Located inside the museum building, serving appletinis and specialty drinks for $20, rated 4.2 stars, open during scheduled tour hours only.
Booking a room at the resort itself remains the simplest way to pair a soak with a meal, without factoring in Fairbanks traffic or road conditions.
What Are People Saying About Chena Hot Springs Resort?
Google reviews average 4.2 out of 5 across more than 400 ratings. Visitors praise the steaming outdoor lake against snowy scenery and staff helpfulness during aurora nights. Families favor the indoor pool, while couples call the Ice Museum a memorable add-on, best paired with CATravelTimes’ Hot springs in California list.
Final Thoughts on Chena Hot Springs Resort
Chena Hot Springs Resort earns its reputation as Alaska’s most accessible natural hot springs, combining a reliable 106°F soak with genuine Northern Lights viewing odds. Families, couples, and solo aurora chasers all find something worthwhile here, though budget travelers should note that tours and drinks add up fast beyond the base day pass.
Reserve the shuttle or a rental car early, since Fairbanks options fill during peak winter. The 90-minute drive rewards visitors with steam, snow, and sky together.
FAQs About Chena Hot Springs Resort
Q. How much does Chena Hot Springs Resort cost?
A day pass costs $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $17 for children 6 to 17. Kids 5 and under enter free with a paying adult.
Q. Is Chena Hot Springs Resort open year-round?
Yes, the resort operates daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., every day of the year, including holidays.
Q. How far is Chena Hot Springs Resort from Fairbanks?
The resort sits about 60 miles east of Fairbanks, roughly a 90-minute drive along Chena Hot Springs Road.
Q. Are there age restrictions at Chena Hot Springs Resort?
The outdoor rock lake is restricted to guests 18 and older. The indoor heated pool and hot tubs welcome all ages.
Q. Has anyone died at Chena Hot Springs Resort?
Isolated drowning incidents have occurred at the resort’s outdoor pool over the years, prompting increased use of onsite defibrillators and staff response protocols. Visitors with cardiovascular conditions should use caution soaking in warm water for extended periods.
Q. Does Chena Hot Springs Resort have camping?
Yes, the resort offers 24 RV and tent sites with picnic tables, fire rings, showers, and laundry facilities available seasonally.
Q. Can I see the Northern Lights at Chena Hot Springs Resort?
Aurora season runs from late August through mid-April. The resort’s distance from Fairbanks’ city lights makes it a strong open-air viewing location.
