NORTH POLE RENTALS FIELD GUIDE
Nightfall Soaks and Aurora Fire: An Evening at Chena Hot Springs
An 11-hour evening trip from Fairbanks that includes mineral hot springs, a guided Ice Museum visit, and dedicated northern‑lights watching with hotel pickup.
Nightfall Soaks and Aurora Fire: An Evening at Chena Hot Springs.
Sixty miles from Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs is a remote, historic resort built where natives and early miners first found the warm mineral pools. On this guided evening run, you’re collected from your Fairbanks accommodation, settle into the resort, tour an Ice Museum, soak in open-air mineral waters and then wait beneath the night to catch the aurora—often en route you’ll spot moose grazing along the roadside.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Mineral Hot Springs for Soothing Night Soaks
Chena’s natural mineral pools are the evening’s centerpiece—open-air hot springs in a historic mountain setting that let you relax after the drive and prepare for aurora viewing.
Guided Tour of the Ice Museum
The itinerary includes a guided visit to the Ice Museum, a curated stop that showcases sculpted ice and themed exhibits before the hot‑springs hour.
Dedicated Northern‑Lights Watching
After soaking and the museum visit, the evening is reserved for aurora watching at the resort—this late‑night vigil is the trip’s climax and often coincides with wildlife sightings along the route.
What the day feels like
How the evening unfolds
Your night begins with free pickup from your Fairbanks lodging, followed by a scenic 60‑mile transfer to Chena Resort. Arriving in the early evening, you tour the Ice Museum, slip into the mineral hot springs to relax, then settle in for a long night of aurora watching at the resort; the operator times the return so you arrive back in Fairbanks in the predawn hours.
THE WATERS
Mineral Hot Springs for Soothing Night Soaks
Chena’s natural mineral pools are the evening’s centerpiece—open-air hot springs in a historic mountain setting that let you relax after the drive and prepare for aurora viewing.
THE ARTIFACTS
Guided Tour of the Ice Museum
The itinerary includes a guided visit to the Ice Museum, a curated stop that showcases sculpted ice and themed exhibits before the hot‑springs hour.
THE SKY
Dedicated Northern‑Lights Watching
After soaking and the museum visit, the evening is reserved for aurora watching at the resort—this late‑night vigil is the trip’s climax and often coincides with wildlife sightings along the route.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this evening is best for and any booking caveats.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The full program runs about 11 hours with pickup in Fairbanks in the late afternoon and return in the early morning.
Free guest pickup is available from Fairbanks accommodations between 4:15pm and 5:00pm.
Bring a swimsuit, slippers and a towel for the hot springs; food and beverages are available at the local restaurant on site.
Rate listed is $210 per person for the evening program.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the excursion?
The trip duration is approximately 11 hours.
Is pickup provided in Fairbanks?
Yes—free guest pickup from Fairbanks accommodations is available from 4:15pm to 5:00pm.
What activities are included?
The evening includes a guided Ice Museum visit, time in the mineral hot springs, and dedicated northern‑lights watching.
What should I bring?
Bring a swimsuit, slippers and a towel for use of the hot springs.
Are meals available at Chena?
Food and beverages are available at the local restaurant on site.