If you’d like, purchase a drink served in an ice-carved martini glass inside the museum’s bar, where you can relax on caribou fur–covered stools and warm your hands by the ice fireplace.Īfter wandering through the cool museum, don your bathing suit and enjoy the resort’s legendary namesake. Their two-story observation tower includes a circular staircase, life-size jousters on horseback, an ice outhouse and more. Kept at a cool 25 degrees F (-7 degrees C), the museum houses intricate ice sculptures created by world- champion ice carvers Steve and Heather Brice. First, follow your guide to the Aurora Ice Museum, which is crafted from more than 1,000 tons of ice and snow. Once you arrive at Chena Hot Springs Resort, enjoy an array of activities as you wait for the prime time to view the northern lights. On your 1.5-hour drive, keep your eyes peeled on the passing landscape for wildlife that might include a moose, beaver or fox. Afterward, enjoy transport back to your hotel, with a commemorative certificate of your viewing experience at Chena Hot Springs Resort.ĭress in warm winter layers before being picked up from your Fairbanks or North Pole hotel and transported to Chena Hot Springs Resort, located roughly 60 miles (97 kilometers) northeast of Fairbanks. Either way, you’ll be holding a warm drink as you gaze at the celestial wonder. If you prefer to be indoors, you can see the action from inside the Aurora Café. You’ll be taken to prime viewing locations at Chena Hot Springs, a great spot to witness the green and purple ribbons of light dazzling the sky. Then, dress warmly and meet your guide for a small group outing to watch for the northern lights. Escape to an outdoor hot tub and unwind under the stars. Slip into the resort’s hot springs, which swirl with lake water averaging 106 degrees Fahrenheit (41 degrees Celsius) all year. Or, put on your bathing suit and work on loosening those knots in your back. For food, check out the offerings at the Aurora Café or the Chena Hot Springs Resort Restaurant (own expense). Fancy a drink? Head over to the museum’s bar, settle in on a caribou fur–covered stool and purchase a cocktail poured into a martini glass carved out of ice. Marvel at ice sculptures by world-renowned carvers Steve and Heather Brice, whose work includes life-size jousters on horses and a two-level tower with a circular staircase. First, tour one of the most unique museums you’ll ever visit, the Aurora Ice Museum, constructed out of over 1,000 tons of ice and snow. Engage in a variety of activities while you wait for the sky to darken to view the northern lights. He and his family, including his actual sister, Julie - also a lifelong Alaskan - are the seasoned guides, though other local experts assist as guides from time to time.After evening pickup from your Fairbanks or North Pole hotel, take a leisurely drive northeast of the city, perhaps spotting a fox, beaver, or moose along the way, before reaching Chena Hot Springs Resort. The center is the sister company to A Taste of Alaska Lodge, owned by lifelong Alaskan, Kory Eberhardt, and located on the same Homestead property. And even on nights when the lights don’t appear, checking out constellations under a vast Alaskan sky is still a magical experience. But you’ll have several hours to hope for the best. Of course, on some nights Mother Nature keeps the aurora to herself. When the lights do appear, you’ll stand in awe as you witness the unforgettable display of beautiful, eerie colors shifting and transforming against the darkness above. You can also monitor the activity from indoors, via a webcam. Although the center is a short distance from town, it is far enough away so that you won’t have to worry about light pollution interrupting your view as you stand gazing under the vast, starlit sky. Step outside whenever you like and stand under the vast, dark sky, gazing up at billions of stars. There’s plenty to do, and lots of space to accommodate the maximum 60 people. Then you’ll feel the anticipation as you wait for Mother Nature to start the show! Chat with the guides, explore the interactive exhibits, play games, or just relax around the fire. You’ll hear from guides about what the aurora borealis is and why it occurs you’ll also get tips on how best to photograph the lights. to find a cozy fire, locally made snacks, and coffee/tea. You’ll arrive at the Aurora Pointe Activity Center starting around 9 p.m. Look for the lights at the Aurora Pointe Activity Center, just 15 minutes from downtown Fairbanks-it’s a fun and informative way to enjoy this very unique natural phenomenon.Īurora viewing 15 minutes from Downtown Fairbanks Get Cozy and Wait for the Lights Witnessing the colorful, dramatic Northern Lights is an iconic Alaskan winter experience.
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