Chena Hot Springs Tour

The Chena Hot Springs Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the natural wonders of Alaska. This full-day excursion from Fairbanks takes travelers on a scenic 60-mile journey to the renowned Chena Hot Springs Resort, where they can indulge in the soothing, mineral-rich waters of the outdoor pool and marvel at the captivating ice sculptures of the Aurora Ice Museum. But the tour’s appeal extends beyond the resort’s relaxing amenities, as it also showcases the resort’s innovative approach to harnessing the power of geothermal energy, providing a glimpse into the state’s renewable energy potential.

Key Points

• Discover the renowned Chena Hot Springs, located 60 miles from Fairbanks, with a full-day tour including access to the outdoor mineral-rich hot spring pools.
• Explore the captivating Aurora Ice Museum at the resort, featuring intricate ice sculptures, an ice bar, and an ice wedding chapel.
• Enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the soothing, geothermally-heated outdoor pool, maintained at a comfortable temperature of 106-108°F year-round.
• Learn about the resort’s innovative geothermal energy system, which powers the outdoor pool and greenhouses using renewable energy.
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off are provided as part of the tour experience.

Overview of the Tour

This full-day tour from Fairbanks takes visitors to the renowned Chena Hot Springs, where they can discover Alaska’s natural wonders and geothermal marvels.

The 60-mile journey from Fairbanks leads to the Chena Hot Springs Resort, a premier destination known for its natural hot springs and impressive ice sculptures.

Guests can soak in the large outdoor pool, exploring the resort’s innovations in geothermal energy.

The tour also includes a visit to the remarkable Aurora Ice Museum, where talented artists have crafted stunning frozen sculptures.

With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, this comprehensive tour provides an immersive experience into Alaska’s unique geothermal landscape and cultural attractions.

Discover the Natural Hot Springs

Visitors can enjoy the soothing, mineral-rich waters of the Chena Hot Springs, where the geothermal pools offer a rejuvenating experience amidst the picturesque Alaskan landscape. The resort’s outdoor pool, fed by the natural hot springs, maintains a comfortable temperature year-round, inviting guests to soak away their stress and reconnect with nature. Those seeking a more private experience can explore the resort’s selection of indoor pools, each offering unique therapeutic benefits.

Pool Type	Temperature (°F)	Mineral Content
Outdoor	106-112	High
Indoor 1	102-104	Moderate
Indoor 2	98-100	Low

Explore the Ice Museum

Alongside the natural hot springs, the Chena Hot Springs Resort also features the captivating Aurora Ice Museum, where visitors can explore a frozen wonderland of intricate ice sculptures crafted by award-winning ice artists.

The museum houses impressive sculptures that depict scenes from Alaskan wildlife and culture, from majestic moose to traditional native artwork.

Visitors can marvel at the stunning ice chandeliers, a fully functional ice bar, and even an ice wedding chapel, all meticulously sculpted from crystal-clear ice blocks.

The museum’s temperature-controlled environment ensures the sculptures remain in pristine condition, providing a unique and enchanting experience for all who visit.

Admire the intricate ice sculptures depicting Alaskan wildlife and culture.

Explore the functional ice bar and wedding chapel within the museum.

Marvel at the stunning ice chandeliers that illuminate the frozen wonderland.

Soak in the Outdoor Pool

After exploring the captivating Aurora Ice Museum, guests can soak in the large outdoor pool at the Chena Hot Springs Resort, where the natural geothermal waters offer a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

The pool’s temperature ranges from 106 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit, providing a soothing escape from the colder outdoor temperatures. Immersed in the serene natural setting, visitors can unwind and let the mineral-rich waters soothe their muscles.

The pool is surrounded by the stunning Alaskan landscape, allowing guests to appreciate the beauty of their surroundings while indulging in the therapeutic benefits of the hot springs. This is a perfect way to conclude the day’s adventures at Chena Hot Springs.

Geothermal Energy Innovations

The Chena Hot Springs Resort showcases its impressive geothermal energy innovations that power the facility and highlight the potential of renewable energy sources in Alaska.

The resort’s geothermal energy system taps into the natural heat beneath the earth’s surface, using it to generate electricity and heat the various buildings on the property.

The resort’s on-site power plant produces up to 400 kilowatts of electricity, meeting the majority of the resort’s energy needs.

The geothermal heat is also used to warm the large outdoor pool, maintaining a comfortable temperature year-round.

Plus, the resort’s greenhouses utilize the geothermal heat to grow a variety of fresh produce, showcasing the versatility of this renewable energy source.

Transportation and Accessibility

The tour includes round-trip transportation from Fairbanks to the Chena Hot Springs Resort, covering the 60-mile distance in an air-conditioned vehicle. This makes it easy for visitors to reach the remote hot springs location without the hassle of driving themselves.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, the resort does offer accommodations for guests with mobility challenges.

Children under 18 and pregnant women aren’t allowed in the outdoor pool, but there are other areas of the resort they can enjoy.

With a maximum group size of 14 travelers, the tour provides a more personalized experience compared to larger bus tours.

What to Bring

Packing the right gear is essential for the Chena Hot Springs Tour. Visitors should bring a bathing suit and towel to enjoy the large outdoor pool, as well as rubber shoes for exploring the resort’s grounds.

A change of clothes may also be useful, as the tour includes a visit to the on-site Ice Museum.

Visitors should also consider bringing:

• An extra layer, as the weather can be chilly, especially around the Ice Museum
• A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during the day
• Any necessary personal items, such as sunscreen, lip balm, or medications

With the proper attire and supplies, travelers can make the most of their Chena Hot Springs experience and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

Tour Details and Restrictions

The full-day Chena Hot Springs Tour from Fairbanks offers a comprehensive exploration of Alaska’s natural wonders, including the geothermal hot springs and the innovative ice sculptures at the Aurora Ice Museum. The tour takes visitors on a 60-mile drive from Fairbanks to the Chena Hot Springs Resort, where they can soak in the large outdoor pool and learn about the resort’s geothermal energy innovations. While the tour is not wheelchair accessible, accommodations are available. Children under 18 and pregnant guests are not allowed in the outdoor pool. Visitors must bring their own bathing suits, towels, and rubber shoes, and IDs are required to purchase alcoholic beverages. The tour has a maximum of 14 travelers.

Tour Details	Restrictions
60-mile drive from Fairbanks	Not wheelchair accessible
Soak in outdoor pool	Children under 18 and pregnant guests not allowed in outdoor pool
Tour of geothermal energy innovations	Minimum capacity required for tour, otherwise full refund
Explore Aurora Ice Museum	ID required to purchase alcoholic beverages

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Tour on Short Notice?

Yes, you can typically book the tour on short notice. The tour has a minimum capacity requirement, but otherwise has flexible booking options to accommodate last-minute visitors interested in exploring the hot springs and ice sculptures.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The cancellation policy for the tour is flexible. Travelers can cancel the tour for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure. Last-minute cancellations may not be eligible for a refund.

Do I Need to Purchase Tickets in Advance?

Tickets for the tour do not need to be purchased in advance. Guests can simply show up and purchase tickets on the day of the tour, as long as there is enough minimum capacity to run the tour.

Can I Extend My Stay at Chena Hot Springs?

Yes, visitors can extend their stay at Chena Hot Springs beyond the tour. The resort offers various accommodation options, allowing guests to enjoy the hot springs and other amenities at their own pace.

Are Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

Discounts may be available for seniors and students, though specific details are not provided. Travelers should inquire about any discount offerings when booking the Chena Hot Springs tour or upon arrival at the resort.

Recap

The Chena Hot Springs Tour offers a unique opportunity to take in Alaska’s natural wonders.

From soaking in the mineral-rich hot springs to marveling at the ice sculptures, the tour provides an unforgettable experience.

Visitors can also learn about the resort’s innovative geothermal energy system, showcasing the potential of renewable energy in the region.

With a mix of natural beauty and technological advancements, the Chena Hot Springs Tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Fairbanks.