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Sustainable Living

Geothermal Tour

Walk with a guide to explore how geothermal energy powers Chena Hot Springs, tracing its history and function at the geothermal plant before visiting the greenhouse, where that same heat supports year-round growing in Alaska’s cold climate.
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Quick Facts

Duration

45 Minutes

Location

Meet at Activities Center

Age

6+

Intensity

Relaxed

Reserve Your Tour

Free

Geothermal Energy & Greenhouse Tour - Chena Hot Springs

Geothermal Energy & Greenhouse Tour

At a Glance
Duration
45 min
Price
Free
Times
2pm & 4pm
Min Age
2+
Tour the world's lowest-temperature commercial geothermal power plant
Visit year-round greenhouses growing produce for the resort restaurant
Free, walking tour, daily at 2pm and 4pm
Duration
45 Minutes  ·  Free

About

Chena Hot Springs runs almost entirely on energy drawn from beneath the ground. This walking tour covers both sides of that system: the geothermal power plant that generates electricity from 165°F water, and the greenhouses that use that same geothermal heat to grow fresh produce year-round, even when temperatures outside drop to -50°F.

The plant holds a notable distinction as the lowest-temperature geothermal resource used for commercial power production in the world. The greenhouses supply the resort's restaurant with lettuce, tomatoes, and herbs grown hydroponically on-site. Together, they represent what the resort has been building toward: a largely self-sustaining operation in one of Alaska's most remote settings.

Tour Details

Meeting Point
Chena Hot Springs Resort
Tour Times
Daily at 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM
Walking Required
Outdoor walking tour, wear appropriate footwear
Min Age
2+ (Children welcome, all ages)
Complimentary Tour: This tour is free for all resort guests. Please register in advance to reserve your spot at the 2:00 PM or 4:00 PM session.

What's Included

Guided walking tour of the geothermal power plant
Access to all three year-round greenhouses
Tour of the hydroponic lettuce and tomato growing rooms
Explanation of how geothermal energy powers the resort

What to Wear

Warm, layered clothing appropriate for outdoor Alaskan temperatures
Comfortable walking shoes or boots with good grip
Good to know: The greenhouses supply the resort restaurant directly. The lettuce and tomatoes in your salad at dinner may have been growing on-site just days before.

The Geothermal Plant

Chena Hot Springs drilled approximately 1,580 feet to reach 165°F water. That's not hot enough to produce steam the conventional way, so the resort developed a system using R134A, a refrigerant with a boiling point of 140°F. The warm geothermal water passes over pipes containing R134A, turning it to steam, which spins the turbines to generate electricity. It's a closed-loop system that has been running on the same refrigerant for over a decade.

This makes Chena the lowest-temperature geothermal resource used for commercial power production in the world. The plant currently provides around 85% of the resort's electricity.

The Greenhouses

The resort operates three year-round greenhouses, all heated geothermally. In 2005, when outside temperatures dropped to -56°F, the original greenhouse maintained an interior temperature of 78°F, a 134°F difference that set a U.S. record for controlled environment production facilities.

Original Greenhouse Located near the restaurant. Soil-bottom greenhouse, now used to grow fodder for the resort's horses and goats.
High Tunnel Near the Bear Family Suites. Grows tea and herbs in winter, cabbage and cauliflower in summer.
Main Greenhouse Fully hydroponic. Houses the lettuce room (25 varieties, up to 1,920 heads in production at once) and the tomato room (360 plants, around 9,000 lbs harvested per year). Everything grown here is delivered directly to the resort restaurant.

Walking Tour

This is an outdoor walking tour. Dress for the conditions, especially in winter.
Stay with your group and follow guide instructions throughout
Children must be supervised by an adult at all times
Do not touch equipment or machinery inside the power plant

Inside the Greenhouses

Do not touch or pick plants unless invited by the guide
Pathways can be narrow. Move carefully, especially with children.
The main greenhouse operates between 68°F and 74°F, a warm break from the cold outside

Cancellation Policy

Notice Required
24-hour notice required for cancellations
Refund
Full refund with proper notice
No-Shows
May be charged full amount without notice

Arrival & Check-In

Arrival Time
Please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in
Late Arrivals
Tour may depart without you if you arrive late
Weather Policy: Tours may be modified or cancelled for safety due to weather conditions. In such cases, we'll contact you and offer rescheduling or a full refund.
📋 Overview
▼

Free 45-minute walking tour covering the geothermal power plant that runs the resort and the year-round greenhouses that supply its restaurant. Daily at 2pm and 4pm.

Free for all resort guests. Registration required to reserve your spot.
✨ What's Included
▼
Guided tour of the geothermal power plant
Access to all three greenhouses
Hydroponic lettuce and tomato rooms
Explanation of how it all works
You Bring
Warm layers and walking shoes
⚡ Experience
▼

The plant uses 165°F geothermal water and a refrigerant with a lower boiling point to generate electricity, making it the lowest-temperature commercial geothermal system in the world. The greenhouses maintain growing temperatures even when it's -56°F outside, supplying the resort restaurant year-round.

Original greenhouse near restaurant (horses & goats fodder)
High Tunnel by Bear Suites (tea, herbs, cabbage)
Main greenhouse, hydroponic lettuce & tomatoes for restaurant
🛡️ Safety
▼
Outdoor walking tour, dress for conditions
Stay with guide, supervise children
Do not touch plant equipment or machinery
Do not touch or pick plants in greenhouses
📅 Policies
▼
Cancellation
24hr notice required
Arrival
15 minutes early please
No-Shows
May be charged full amount

Book Your Tour

Live Availability
?
907-451-8104

FAQ

Meet at the Activities Center 5–10 minutes prior to tour departure time.

Cancel anytime.

The tour is approximately 45 minutes, though it can vary depending on walking speeds.

In the winter, we recommend wearing warm clothing.

This is a guided walking tour that explains how geothermal energy powers Chena Hot Springs, including a visit to the geothermal plant and the greenhouse it supports.

No. This is an easy, guided walking tour with short distances and a relaxed pace, suitable for most fitness levels.

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