9 Best Hot Springs Destinations in the US Worth a Long Weekend

6. Chena Hot Springs, Alaska: Aurora Viewing and Arctic Thermal Bliss

Chena Hot Springs Resort in Alaska offers one of the world's most unique hot springs experiences, combining natural thermal pools with the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights in one of the planet's most pristine wilderness settings. Located 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks, this remote destination requires a scenic drive through the Chena River State Recreation Area, but the journey rewards visitors with an otherworldly experience that few hot springs can match. The resort's outdoor rock lake maintains a comfortable 106 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, allowing guests to soak in steaming thermal waters while surrounded by snow-covered spruce forests and temperatures that can drop to -40 degrees Fahrenheit during winter months. The contrast between the hot springs and the arctic environment creates an almost surreal experience, with steam rising dramatically from the pools against the backdrop of the aurora-filled night sky. Chena Hot Springs has achieved remarkable sustainability by utilizing geothermal energy to power the entire resort, including the world's only year-round ice museum powered by geothermal energy. The resort offers unique activities such as dog sledding, ice sculpting classes, and aurora viewing tours that take advantage of the area's minimal light pollution and optimal northern latitude. Summer visitors can enjoy hiking trails through pristine boreal forest, wildlife viewing opportunities including moose and caribou, and the midnight sun phenomenon. The thermal waters contain beneficial minerals and maintain consistent temperatures thanks to the stable geothermal source, providing therapeutic benefits in one of the world's most spectacular natural settings.