Chena Lake Recreation Area Guide
Chena Lake Recreation Area: Fun in the Midnight Sun (and Winter Wonderland!) Guide
Discover the Chena Lake Recreation Area, a year-round playground located near North Pole, Alaska. This popular destination offers a wide range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. From swimming and boating in the summer to ice fishing and snowmobiling in the winter, Chena Lake provides endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Chena Lake is a man-made lake created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of a flood control project on the Chena River. Completed in the 1970s, the project not only protects the city of Fairbanks from flooding but also created a valuable recreational resource for the community. The Chena Lake Recreation Area has since become a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a variety of amenities and activities. Chena Lake Recreation Area offers a plethora of activities. In the summer, enjoy swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing on the lake. There are also picnic areas, playgrounds, and hiking trails. In the winter, the lake transforms into a winter wonderland, perfect for ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice skating. The recreation area also hosts various events throughout the year, including fishing derbies and winter festivals. While there are no specific culinary traditions within the recreation area, nearby North Pole and Fairbanks offer a wide variety of dining options.
Transportation
Chena Lake Recreation Area is located approximately 20 miles east of Fairbanks and 13 miles southeast of North Pole. From Fairbanks, take the Richardson Highway (AK-2) south to the Chena Hot Springs Road. Turn east onto Chena Hot Springs Road and follow it to the recreation area. From North Pole, take Badger Road east to Chena Hot Springs Road, then turn south. The recreation area is accessible by car.