Before going to the hot springs, I read all the reviews and saw tons of people complaining about how old and dirty this place is. I’m glad my family and I still decided to go. We had rented a car and decided to take the drive up without pre booking. It was a good hour drive, beautiful scenery. The first mile or so on chena hotsprings drive was unpaved due to construction (repaving) , but any car can drive through it. Once we arrived, you can see the ice museum and the large plane to the right. We walked to the activity center and decided to book the ice museum tour. It was $15 dollars for admission and $15 dollars more for an apple martini. I would recommend to bring gloves, a beanie and warm clothes and jacket. They offer parkas to wear which were a little damp and dirty but worked well. The apple martini glass was made of ice. The martini was vodka and an apple pucker type of liquor. It was ok. I don’t think I would want more than one as it was freezing in the museum. It was a good experience. After that, we went to the hot springs. Before going I highly recommend bringing slides or sandals as some people get grossed out with a wet floor. They sell water, bathing suits, trunks, sandals and have towels for rent. My group of 6 bought waters which were life savers! There are lockers for purchase (quarters) in the locker room. The water is very warm when you go in and has very very hot spots in certain areas. You will get hot! I started perspiring. Very important to hydrate. Make sure you do not drink alcohol or are dehydrated before entering as it can be very dangerous. The peacefullness of the springs and the warm spa like waters was such a great experience. I’m so happy we ignored the rude and negative comments about this place. It isn’t a 5 star resort- it’s Alaska and you are in the middle of the forest … what do you expect?!?!? The drive back was great and we saw a couple moose on the chena river! Such an awesome day trip!