Updated May 2026

Chena Hot Springs Resort — Aurora Hotel in Chena Hot Springs, Alaska

The iconic 'aurora over hot spring' setup — North America's most-photographed viewing site.

★★★★★4.6· Editor's pick

Aurora HotelMid-rangeDark sky 5/5

Chena Hot Springs Resort — aurora viewing site, hero photo — Photo: chenahotsprings.com

lodging under northern lights at night at chena hot springs in Alaska

Chena Hot Springs is the most-photographed aurora viewing site in North America for one specific reason: the outdoor mineral pool kept at 41°C lets you sit in steaming water at -30°C with aurora overhead. The road from Fairbanks (60 miles, ~1 hour) is plowed all winter and the resort has its own electrical generation, so it's accessible regardless of conditions. Aurora Ice Museum on-site is a year-round ice gallery cooled by a Carnot-cycle absorption refrigerator.

Aurora season

Aug → Apr

Peak months

Sep, Oct, Nov, Feb, Mar

Latitude

65.05° N (60-65)

Dark-sky rating

5 / 5

Glass roof

Aurora alarm

Not provided

What to expect

Three nights minimum. The pool is open until midnight; the resort runs 'Aurorium' yurts on a hilltop 30 minutes uphill via Snowcat for a wake-when-aurora-appears experience. Non-resort dining options are zero — eat at the lodge.

Dark-sky notes

Bortle 1-2. The resort sits at the end of a dead-end road with no other settlement nearby.

Amenities & features

thermal poolice museumyurtssnowcat toursrestaurantdog kennel

Book or research

For current rates, dates, and reservations, visit the property's own site:

Visit chenahotsprings.com ↗

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to see the northern lights at Chena Hot Springs Resort?

Chena Hot Springs Resort has a viewing season of Aug → Apr, with peak months in Sep, Oct, Nov, Feb, Mar. Dark sky is reliable here, so any moonless clear night during these months is a viable viewing window.

Where is the best aurora viewpoint here?

Bortle 1-2. The resort sits at the end of a dead-end road with no other settlement nearby.

How do I get to Chena Hot Springs Resort?

Chena Hot Springs, United States (Alaska). Mile 56.5 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99711, USA. See chenahotsprings.com for current access details and bookings. As a aurora hotel, plan ahead — winter dates fill 6+ months in advance.