circle hot springs

FYI Circle Hot Springs closed down for a couple of years in the early 2000's, then reopened and finally closed for good(?) in 2009. The owner is still trying to sell the property. Most of the land around the hot springs is private. You can drive by and see the hotel, but get permission before wandering around the property.

I have spent several nights on different occassions at this resort. You can rent a whole house for about $100 adjacent to the main lodge, or stay in a decent room for a bunch less, down to a dormer closet where you bang your head if you wake up too fast for real cheap. The lodge is a 4 story historic monument to rustic living. If you are looking for real fancy, stay the hell away- the people in Circle are not going to feed your fantasy about this being at a fancy "resort". This is at the end of the road, and if you need a gay waiter, sushi, and late' to tell you you're somewhere cool, you are going to be disappointed. If you are looking for a great place to bring a group of chums to make your own fun- baby you're home! Get blind drunk and enjoy an olympic style pool built in the 1930's, check out the "haunted" library and enjoy some board games. The pool is HOT (Fed by geo-thermal springs and chlorinated for your safety)-and it's a great place to sprawl unencumbered by a pissy life guard on the floatation device of your choosing and suck back an adult beverage. I recommend this as a winter get away- when the air is cool, the steam rises, creating a foggy oasis with limited visability, and a unique opportunity to style your hair into whatever icy doo you can imagine. The bar attracts a local element- that is to say, dirty miners that don't gave a rats ass about how they do it in the lower 48. The management will do all they can to make you comfortable, but please note they are staffed lightly, so don't expect to be pampered, unless all you need to be pampered is an endless array of well drinks and jukebox music. Come with an open mind, and enjoy a true taste of the last frontier with all that it implies- good and bad. Go for it, go with it, or stay home.

Arctic Circle Hot Springs is a terrific and extremely out-of-the-way place to unwind. It is unpretentious, relaxing, and unique. The old lodge offers a visit into history. The water is healing. The landscape is inviting. Nothing like soaking under the northern lights at the top of the world. Alaskans cherish the area.

The accomodations While quaint are overpriced and watch your lugage closely. Anything left in your room is likely to disappear never to be seen again. The pool facilities are outdated and need a great deal of work . The food is Good , if you dont mind paying 30$ for baked beans. The bar, a mess frequented by local beggars, offers two drinks: warm beer and nauseatingly warm beer. Aside from swimming in the pool the only activity available is an anual snowmobile race.If you plan to visit bring your own RV , lots of travelers checks, and a gun.