Chena Hot Springs

The Northern Lights is one of the most magical natural phenomena, and the Chena Hot Springs about 56 miles northeast of Fairbanks is one of the top places in the world to see them in their full glory. Located near the Chena River State Recreation area, the Chena Hot Springs is known for its innovative sustainability practices, world-famous hot springs, and the best views of the most active bands of Northern Lights.

About the Chena Hot Springs

The Chena Hot Springs has been an attraction for over 100 years, and it continues to draw in thousands of visitors a year. With some of the clearest skies near Fairbanks, the Chena Hot Springs Resort has made it its mission to focus on eco-friendly, sustainable practices, and it produces 100% of its energy from renewable resources.

Visiting the Chena Hot Springs

While summer may be the most popular time to travel to Alaska, you will get the best views of the Northern Lights if you stay for at least three nights at the Chena Hot Springs around the March equinox. The resort will even provide an “aurora wake-up call” for guests to alert them it’s time to come out to the hot springs and relax under the stunning aurora!

History

The Chena Hot Springs was first discovered in 1905, when two gold-mining brothers when on a search for a hot spring to treat one of the brother’s rheumatism. It took them a little over a month of exploring Alaska’s interior before stumbling on the hot springs, and by 1911, 12 cabins were built to accommodate visitors and to begin the foundation of what is now one of the most famous resorts in Alaska.

Interesting Facts

There’s more than meets the eye at Chena Hot Springs Resort. From the incredible views of the Northern Lights, to the historic resort area, collaborative sustainability experiments, and more, the area remains one of the most popular places for getaways and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

• The fame of the hot springs spurred the US Department of Agriculture to test the waters—showing that the Chena Hot Springs is very similar to the famous Bohemia hot springs.
• The Chena Hot Springs has never reported a population on the United States Census, but it is estimated to have a population of 10 during the summer.
• With 100% renewable energy used at the resort, it was the first place in Alaska to use two geothermal energy power plants to power its facilities.
• The Everts Air Cargo plane DC-6A N6174C, “Good Grief” was retired to the Chena Hot Springs following its last flight from Anchorage in 2016 after a 62-year flight career.
• The Resort is in the process of collaborative experiments with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station in greenhouse vegetable production.
• The Chena Hot Springs Aurora Ice Museum can be found at the resort. Chilled by geothermal absorption chillers, the Ice Museum is the largest year-round indoor ice environment in the world.

Points of Interest

The Chena Hot Springs is a place where the storied history of the past meets a sustainable future, and there’s no better place to find relaxation and excitement near Fairbanks. Whether you come for the aurora borealis, to explore sustainable practices, or to soak in the healing hot springs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Chena Hot Springs.