Chena Hot Springs Alaska (pronounced “Cheena”) is located about 1 hour 20 minutes outside of Fairbanks Alaska at the end of a 56 mile long paved road. This is a year round resort with many activities for all types of interests. There are two highlights – the large outdoor “rock lake” which is an excellent place to sooth off any aches and pains in the natural hot water. There is a pipe shooting out water which provides a great back massage and also a large sprinkler in the middle of the lake shooting out colder water for when you need a break from the heat. Some of the large rocks are low enough to the water and flat enough that you can jump up on these in the summer if you need a break from the hot waters. In the coldest days of the winter your hair will be frozen almost immediately – hair that is covered in white and your eyelashes to.
Chena is also home to the world’s only year round ice hotel/museum. It was originally constructed in 2004 but alas, melted in the hot summer. Not to give up, Chena built a new ice museum which is now protected from the warmer temps. It is kept at 20 degrees F year round and most everything inside is made entirely of ice including the bar, glasses, seats, rooms, and some neat sculptures. Tours are by reservation. Be sure to try the appeltini cocktail at the ice bar! Camping, lodging, a dog kennel, hiking, massage & shopping is available on site. Visit: www.chenahotsprings.com
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