Fairbanks: Chena Hot Springs Day Tour + Ice Museum
About This Experience
This is the daytime alternative to the evening Chena Hot Springs tour, for travelers who want the resort's signature experiences without a late-night return. The scenic 60-mile drive from Fairbanks brings a real chance of spotting moose, foxes, or beavers along the way.
At the resort, you'll tour the Aurora Ice Museum — a year-round structure built from over 1,000 tons of ice, with the option to try an Appletini at the ice bar (21+). From there, soak in the outdoor mineral hot springs, kept at a soothing 106°F, or join an optional tour explaining how the resort uses geothermal energy to power its greenhouse and facilities sustainably.
Lunch at the resort's farm-to-table restaurant is optional and not included. The group returns to Fairbanks in the afternoon — this tour does not include a dedicated evening aurora-hunting component, so pair it with one of our evening tours if seeing the lights is your priority.
Highlights
- Scenic 60-mile drive through Alaska's interior with wildlife-spotting potential
- Guided tour of the Aurora Ice Museum and its ice sculptures
- Soak in the natural outdoor Chena Hot Springs mineral pool, kept at 106°F
- Optional geothermal energy and greenhouse tour
- Optional farm-to-table lunch at the resort restaurant
What's Included
- ✓ Pickup and drop-off within Fairbanks or North Pole city limits
- ✓ Admission to the outdoor hot springs
- ✓ Geothermal energy tour
- ✓ Entrance to the Aurora Ice Museum
- ✓ Gratuities
Not Included
- Food and drinks at the resort
- Towel (bring your own is recommended)
Good to Know & Caveats
- Bring a passport or ID, swimwear, and cash for optional extras
- Children under 18 and expecting mothers are not permitted in the outdoor rock-pool hot springs
- This is a DAYTIME tour — it does not include a dedicated evening aurora search; combine it with an evening tour to also chase the lights
Meeting Point
Pickup within Fairbanks or North Pole city limits; exact time confirmed after booking.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.7/5 by 26 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
It was nice having a knowledgeable, friendly guide who spent the day ensuring we were comfortable, happy, and knew where to go. Very cool!
— Donna, 2026-07
Sierra was a fantastic guide, knowledgeable and friendly. The hot springs were great and the ice museum was fun.
— Diane, 2026-06
Rachel picked us up right on time and was very informative about life in Alaska. She saw a mother moose and her two babies on the road and stopped so we could all watch.
— Janet, 2025-08
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this tour include northern lights viewing?
No — this is a daytime trip focused on the hot springs and ice museum. For an evening aurora search, book the Northern Lights & Chena Hot Springs Tour instead, or pair this with one of our evening tours.
Is lunch included?
No, food and drinks at the resort restaurant are optional and paid on-site.
Can pregnant travelers use the hot springs?
Expecting mothers and children under 18 are not permitted in the outdoor rock-pool hot springs specifically.
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