Steam, Sculpture and Geothermal Power on the Edge of the Arctic

FAIRBANKS MUSEUM FIELD GUIDE

Steam, Sculpture and Geothermal Power on the Edge of the Arctic

A full-day outing from Arctic Igloo Resort that combines a 45-mile drive to Chena Hot Springs, a soak in the resort’s large outdoor pool, and a visit to the Aurora Ice Museum.

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Steam, Sculpture and Geothermal Power on the Edge of the Arctic.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Fairbanks
Operator
Arctic Igloo Resort LLC
Category
Museum
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

From Fairbanks, this full-day excursion departs from the Arctic Igloo Resort and covers roughly a 45-mile drive to Chena Hot Springs, where geothermal heat feeds large outdoor pools and an interpretive tour explains how the resort harnesses that energy; the day also includes time at the Aurora Ice Museum to study and see ice sculptures up close.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE LANDSCAPE

Chena’s geothermal pools

Soak outdoors in the resort’s large hot-spring pool — the central, restorative focus of the outing and a rare chance to bathe in naturally heated waters outside Fairbanks.

THE SCIENCE

A working geothermal demonstration

A guided tour explains how Chena Hot Springs uses geothermal energy to power parts of the resort, offering an uncommon look at renewable heat sources in an Arctic setting.

THE ART

Aurora Ice Museum

The day includes time to visit the Aurora Ice Museum and inspect the carved ice sculptures that make this stop notable on the route.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

Start mid-morning and settle into a scenic drive from the Arctic Igloo Resort toward Chena Hot Springs, spend hours alternating between warm, restorative soaks and short interpretive walks or tours (including an explanation of the resort’s geothermal systems), and finish with a close look at the ice sculptures in the Aurora Ice Museum before returning.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this outing suits — and who should consider alternatives.

1
Families with older childrenSuitable for families whose children are age 5 or older; the operator permits participants only from age 5 upward.
2
Small-group travelersBest for travelers comfortable in small-group settings—the tour caps at 14 guests—so expect an intimate, guided experience.
3
Guests requiring mobility accessNot recommended for travelers who require wheelchair access, since the tour and facilities are not wheelchair accessible.
4
Soak-and-sightseeing visitorsA good match for visitors who prioritize soaking in natural hot springs and a museum visit rather than strenuous activity; the day centers on pools, tours and the ice museum.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Bring bathing suits, shower slippers, bath towels, at least two quarters per locker, and picture IDs for the Aurora Ice Museum.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the Chena Hot Spring tour?

The tour lasts approximately 7 hours.

When does the tour start and where do we meet?

The tour starts at 10:00 AM and departs from the Arctic Igloo Resort; hotel pickup is provided where applicable.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No — the tour is not wheelchair accessible.

What is included and excluded?

Included: driver/guide, free hotel pickup, live on-board commentary, a local professional guide, and admission for the Chena hot spring. Excluded: food and drinks, bathing suits/slippers/towels, and admission for the Ice Museum.

Are there age or group-size limits?

Participants must be aged 5 or older; the tour has a maximum capacity of 14 travelers.

Do I need anything specific for the Ice Museum?

Bring picture IDs for the Aurora Ice Museum; note that Ice Museum admission is listed separately from the hot-spring admission.

Will I receive confirmation after booking?

Yes — confirmation will be received at the time of booking.