Aurora Ice Museum
4.2(977)google
3.6(71)yelp
QuirkyWinter SnowPhoto SpotIndoorFamily
Overview
The Aurora Ice Museum is a marvelous, one-of-a-kind architectural wonder located within the Chena Hot Springs Resort complex, crafted entirely from over 1,000 tons of natural ice and snow. Kept at a freezing 25 degrees Fahrenheit year-round using advanced eco-friendly geothermal technology, the interior features intricate ice sculptures, life-sized ice knights, and an ethereal multi-colored ice chandelier that mimics the Northern Lights. Visitors can bundle up in parkas and enjoy a signature appletini served in a custom, hand-carved ice glass.
Practical Info
Mon11:00 AM– 7:00 PM
Tue11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wed11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thu11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Fri11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sat11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sun11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Suggested Duration45-60 minutes
Best TimeOpen year-round (maintained at a constant 25°F/-7°C). Best visited during the aurora season from September to April as a daytime activity. Make sure to order their signature Appletini served in a custom martini glass hand-carved out of real ice at the ice bar.
Getting ThereTucked inside the Chena Hot Springs Resort complex. From downtown Fairbanks, drive roughly 60 miles east along Chena Hot Springs Road (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes). The highway dead-ends directly into the resort's expansive free gravel parking lots.
Travel Tips
- The museum interior is locked at a constant 25°F (-4°C) year-round; complimentary heavy-duty insulated parkas are distributed at the airlock entry barrier.
- Signature Apple Martinis served in custom-carved ice glassware must be pre-purchased via voucher at the main resort registration desk prior to entering the museum.
Photo Tips
Gear
- Transitioning camera gear from the sub-freezing vault to warm ambient air causes instantaneous internal lens condensation; seal gear airtight in plastic bags before exit.
Reviews
Positive
- The bar and chandeliers carved entirely from ice are incredibly exquisite; under the colorful lights, the visual impact is stellar and highly photogenic.
- Though the interior stays below freezing year-round, heavy parkas are provided free to every visitor at the entrance, ensuring proper safety comfort.
- The signature green Appletini served in a custom ice glass is highly entertaining, and smashing the ice cup outside afterward adds a unique thrill.
- Structured tour slots regulate the crowd, ensuring it is never too packed to take photos; guided by a master ice carver, the fun factor scores 100%.
Heads up
- The ice museum is actually very small space-wise, consisting mainly of one large room and a few alcoves; you finish in 15-20 minutes, offering low value.
- While admission is mandatory, drinking the signature martini requires an expensive secondary purchase on-site, making the overall spend steep.
- Tucked deep inside the remote Chena Hot Springs Resort, it takes 1.5 hours to drive or shuttle from Fairbanks, making the transit cost high for a dedicated trip.
- The signs inside are simple English plaques without multilingual audio; if independent travelers miss a scheduled slot, they must endure a long wait outside.