Best Aurora Viewing Location from Fairbanks? (university, cost of, military)

[jimsunhong]

Would appreciate any help--My wife and I are visitng Fairbanks for the first time in March. Where is the best place to view the Nothern Lights from? We're debating on taking a tour vs. going out on our own. Anybody have any opinions on which is better? If we do drive on our own, where's the best place to go to see them? Thanks much!

[Metlakatla]

Go on your own...spend a few nights at Chena Hot Springs or Earthsong Lodge in Denali.

[Arcticthaw]

All you need to see the lights is a dark night free of light polution and a clear sky when they are active. The tours are nice for those without a vehicle. Chena Hot Springs is nice in the winter. If you get a bit out of town on one of the highways you can see the lights pretty well. Bring warm things to drink and warm clothes. Plan on staying up late also.

[Rance]

And I was gonna say, standing on the ground looking up!

Definately check out Chena Hot Springs. This time of year should be awesome!

[jimsunhong]

Thanks for the replies. I was checking out the Chena Hot Springs website. It looks like there is a aurora watching tour that cost $75/person to take you to the top of a hill to watch the lights. Is it worth it? Or can I see the lights from the grounds of the hot springs without taking the tour?

[Rance]

Might be fairly lit up around the Hot Springs buildings. But there is a small airstrip right near the parking lot that I'm sure would be dark enough. But the 75 bucks might get you up on a nice hill top and a warm vehicle or bus to hang out in. Be worth looking into. If nothing else follow them in your car!

[Arcticthaw]

I had a friend up visiting from Florida a few years ago and they did the top of the hill thing, but the clouds interfered a bit. They did have hot chocolate. No you won't be able to follow them up in the car. They use SUSVEs (Military style track rigs). Actually we saw better views of the lights per my friend from the parking lot. What is cool about the springs in the winter is the Rock Pool! That is worth the cost of swimming and the drive out.

[RayinAK]

It's best to check the Auroras Forecast at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks before you go out. Here is the link:
Geophysical Institute of the University of Alaska, Fairbanks