Chena Hot Springs (thermal mineral springs) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chena Hot Springs |
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| Location | Yukon-Tanana Plateau |
| Coordinates | 65°03′11″N 146°03′20″W / 65.05306°N 146.05556°W |
| Type | Geothermal |
| Discharge | 165 °F / 74 °C |
| Temperature | 153°F / 67°C |
Chena Hot Springs is a special place in Alaska where warm, mineral-rich water naturally flows from the ground. It's located in the beautiful Yukon-Tanana Plateau, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northeast of a city called Fairbanks, Alaska. People visit Chena Hot Springs to relax in the warm water and enjoy the amazing natural surroundings.
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What are Hot Springs?
Hot springs are natural pools of water that are heated by the Earth's inner warmth. This happens when water seeps deep into the ground. There, it gets heated by hot rocks or magma (molten rock). The heated water then rises back to the surface, often bringing along different minerals it picked up underground.
How Do Hot Springs Work?
The Earth's core is very hot. This heat warms up the rocks deep beneath the surface. When rainwater or melted snow goes deep into the ground through cracks, it gets heated by these hot rocks. The hot water then becomes lighter and rises back up through other cracks, forming a hot spring.
The Water at Chena Hot Springs
The water at Chena Hot Springs comes out of the ground at a very warm temperature, around 153°F (67°C). This is hot enough to boil an egg! However, the water in the pools where people swim is cooled down to a comfortable temperature.
What's in the Water?
The water at Chena Hot Springs is full of natural minerals. These minerals dissolve into the water as it travels through the rocks underground. Some of the minerals found in the water include:
- Silica
- Sodium
- Iron
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Chloride
- Sulfate
These minerals are believed by some to have health benefits, which is one reason why people enjoy soaking in hot springs.
History of Chena Hot Springs
Chena Hot Springs was discovered in 1905 by two gold miners, Robert Swan and Thomas Cleary. They were looking for a place to ease their aches and pains after long days of mining. They found the hot springs and soon realized how special they were.
From Discovery to Resort
After its discovery, Chena Hot Springs quickly became a popular spot. People from Fairbanks and other areas would travel there to enjoy the warm waters. Over the years, it developed into a resort, offering places to stay and other activities for visitors. It's now a well-known destination for tourists and locals alike.
Things to Do at Chena Hot Springs
Besides soaking in the hot springs, there are many other fun things to do at Chena Hot Springs, especially because of its location in Alaska.
Relaxing in the Rock Lake
The main attraction is the outdoor "Rock Lake," a large pool of hot spring water. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the natural warmth, even when it's cold outside. There are also indoor hot tubs and a swimming pool.
Visiting the Ice Museum
One unique attraction is the Aurora Ice Museum. It's a building made entirely of ice and snow, kept cold all year round. Inside, you can see amazing ice sculptures, including chandeliers made of ice. You can even enjoy a drink in an ice glass!
Seeing the Northern Lights
Chena Hot Springs is a fantastic place to see the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. Because it's far from city lights, the night sky is very dark. This makes it easier to see the beautiful dancing colors of the aurora, especially during the colder months.
Other Activities
Depending on the season, visitors can also enjoy:
- Dog sledding
- Snowmobiling
- Hiking
- Cross-country skiing
- Visiting the geothermal power plant to learn how they use the Earth's heat to make electricity.
Chena Hot Springs is a unique blend of natural beauty, relaxation, and adventure, making it a memorable place to visit in Alaska.
