Fodor's Expert Review Chena Hot Springs Resort

Soaking in the resort's hot springs has long been a popular experience for tourists and locals, especially in winter, when a soak is often paired with overhead aurora sightings. Chena's waters are served up in hot tubs, an indoor swimming pool, and an outdoor natural-rock lake. In winter you can go dogsledding, snowmobiling, and take a 4½-mile round-trip snow-coach tour to a heated hilltop yurt with a 360-degree view. Summer activities include therapeutic massages, dog-cart rides, horseback riding, ice-sculpting classes, and guided ATV tours. Don't miss the world's only year-round ice museum (tours $15), complete with an ice bar, ice bedrooms, and ice sculptures by world-class carvers. There are camping sites, and yurts ($65 and up) for rent. The hotel rooms are convenient for area activities but a bit worn, especially considering the price.