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tunities to see the northern lights shining overhead. Meanwhile, you can spend your day touring the excellent University of Alaska Museum of the North, watching the sled dog races that are held almost every weekend during the winter, or wandering the forest on a nature walk with a herd of tame reindeer. When you turn in for the night, make sure to let the front desk staff at your hotel know that you want a northern lights wake-up call if the aurora borealis comes out.

If you don’t already have a car, rent one for the 60-mile drive from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs. This year-round destination sports a relaxing, rock-lined hot springs pool and limited light pollution, both of which make it a great place to see the aurora borealis. Make sure you tour the Aurora Ice Museum while you’re here; this marvel was carved by two of the world’s best ice artists. Chena Hot Springs also offers a number of day tours and the front desk staff will, if asked, wake you when the aurora comes out.