Relaxing At Chena Hot Springs

Chena Hot Springs, Alaska (46 degrees with lots of rain)

If you have followed our blog for awhile you will know we love hot springs. They can be so relaxing and there is something about being close to nature at the same time which makes them special. This hot spring is about 56 miles north of Fairbanks and an easy drive. Barry and Jann had been here six year ago and were amazed how much it's grown since their last visit. 

There is now a lodge, restaurant, Ice Bar, reindeer farm, chickens, and soon to open zip line and airplane bar. The campground is without hook up and a short walk to the pool. John and I quickly set off for the hot springs after setting up. There are flower gardens with mass displays everywhere. 

We were disappointed with the condition of the hot springs and found a thick layer of algae on the walls, rocks, and ramp leading into them. The showers were also not very clean. Sheesh!  It was a let down for sure. I think in the massive expansion of the resort they are not paying attention to details. 

There is a interesting free tour of the thermoelectric plant which heats the buildings very inexpensively. We were impressed by the hydroponic greenhouses where they are raising lettuce and tomatoes for the restaurants without using soil. They are able to keep this going even when it's 60 degrees below zero in the winter.

Tomato vines are over 45 feet long all raised in water and nutrients. No soil

Lettuce garden

Ice Bar

For fun we all signed up for the Ice Bar Tour. It's a huge white igloo building which is maintained inside at 25 degrees year round. Everything is made of ice, including the bar and four ice suites where you can stay overnight if you dare. Our tour lasted about 1 1/2 hours with some time spent trying a appletini martini. It was poured into a ice martini glass. Cool! We had a fun time. 

Ice studio where everything is created

"cool" fireplace

Barry and me enjoying a  appletini

Ice Bar

delicate ice rose

chandeliers made of ice

martini glasses are made on a lathe

The owner recently acquired three planes which are being hoisted up in the air for some type of zip line and bar. They were in the process of installing some of this while we are there plus preparing for a renewable energy conference where the Governor of Alaska was speaking. It's a busy place.

Upcoming zip line and bar

The resort has lots of potential, however, due to the lack of attention to the hot spring we cannot recommend going here. However, the ice bar was fun and very unique. 

Campground Review:  2 stars, worn out primitive campground with lots of potholes. It was very muddy during our stay and rain is frequent here. Sites are close together. Water and dump available. $20 per night, no Verizon signal. WiFi available at lodge for $1/hour. I paid for one hour and it didn't work.