Aurora Ice Museum Chena Hot Springs
Explore a year-round wonderland of ice sculptures and a unique ice bar, all at a constant 25°F. A frosty gem near Fairbanks!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Constant 25°F chill
Aurora Ice Museum Chena Hot Springs
Best Time
Constant 25°F chill
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a year-round wonderland of ice sculptures and a unique ice bar, all at a constant 25°F. A frosty gem near Fairbanks!
"A truly unique experience with stunning ice sculptures and a novelty ice bar that's a must-see!"
🎯 Reserve Your Tour
Booking tours in advance is essential to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment.
🧥 Dress Warmly
Parkas are provided, but wear layers! Think thermals, gloves, and hats for the 25°F chill.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Intricate Ice Sculptures
Aurora Ice Museum
Marvel at a winter wonderland of ice, from entire rooms to detailed figures, all crafted from thousands of tons of ice and snow.
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The Aurora Ice Bar
Aurora Ice Museum
Enjoy a unique cocktail served in a glass carved entirely from ice – a truly unforgettable novelty.
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Ice Bedrooms
Aurora Ice Museum
Experience the ultimate chill by booking an overnight stay in one of the museum's two specially designed ice bedrooms.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Visit in Advance
Dress for the Chill
+2Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Reserve Your Tour
Booking tours in advance is essential to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment.
🧥 Dress Warmly
Parkas are provided, but wear layers! Think thermals, gloves, and hats for the 25°F chill.
🍸 Ice Bar Novelty
The apple martini in an ice glass is a fun novelty, but some find it pricey for the small serving.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The ice sculptures and bar offer fantastic photo ops. Small groups are best for unobstructed shots.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Reserve Your Tour
Booking tours in advance is essential to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment.
🧥 Dress Warmly
Parkas are provided, but wear layers! Think thermals, gloves, and hats for the 25°F chill.
🍸 Ice Bar Novelty
The apple martini in an ice glass is a fun novelty, but some find it pricey for the small serving.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The ice sculptures and bar offer fantastic photo ops. Small groups are best for unobstructed shots.
⏳ Quick Visit
The museum tour is brief, but you can often stay longer to explore and take photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Aurora Ice Museum for its unique and visually stunning ice sculptures and the novelty of the ice bar. The experience is described as a 'cool' and memorable part of any trip to Chena Hot Springs. However, some find the ice bar drinks to be pricey for the serving size, and the tour itself is quite brief, leading to a short overall visit for some.
"My husband and I booked a tour of the ice museum and ordered a martini. You do need to make a reservation. We met at the Chena Hot Springs Activity Center to start the tour and walked to the museum as a group.
They do provide parkas if you need them. There is a process for entry and exiting. You all enter the entryway where the parkas are stored at one time. The exterior door is closed. Then, once everyone is ready, the interior door is opened, and the entire group enters. You exit the same way in reverse, but they did allow us to stay and explore as long as we wanted, we just had to let the staff know when we were ready to leave for him to open and close the doors.
The experience was cool, although the drink itself was only like 3 oz total.It's not really worth the money. We were there a total of maybe 20 minutes. The drink itself was good.
I'm glad our group was small, less than 10 people. If the group were larger I can see it being a pain trying to get photos. It is definitely a nice way to cool off when it's hot outside or warm up a little during winter. It's definitely a unique experience."
Tammy Weatherby
"Such a fun and unique experience! The Chena Ice Bar and Museum is entirely sculpted from ice, including the walls, furniture, and even the cocktail glasses. We were prepared in our winter clothes. The ice sculptures are stunning and incredibly detailed. The best part? Enjoying cocktails served in hand-carved ice glasses—definitely a cool highlight. It’s a quick visit, but totally worth it for the photos and the vibe."
Marta Stashevska
"The tour itself is short but they you give you ample time to explore on your own. It is a museum with many beautifully crafted pieces. The guide was enthusiastic and helpful. However, the narrative could be much better and informative. They should consider putting writeups next to the statues, at least the massive ones. The two coolest things were the ice bar which is definitely a novelty and fun and the work in progress by an award winning sculptor who was working with ice and an electric saw."
Rashmi Bhatnagar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Aurora Ice Museum is located at Chena Hot Springs Resort, about an hour's drive east of Fairbanks, Alaska. You can drive yourself, take a taxi, or book a tour that includes transportation from Fairbanks. Many visitors opt for organized tours that combine the ice museum with hot springs and aurora viewing.
Yes, Chena Hot Springs Resort offers ample parking for visitors. If you are driving from Fairbanks, you can park your vehicle at the resort upon arrival.
Yes, you can visit the Aurora Ice Museum even if you are not staying overnight at Chena Hot Springs Resort. Day passes and specific tours to the museum are available. It's recommended to book these in advance.
The driving distance from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs is approximately 60 miles (about 97 kilometers). The drive typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on road conditions and weather.
While there isn't direct public bus service, several tour operators offer shuttle services or organized tours from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs, which often include the Aurora Ice Museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, tickets or reservations are generally required for the Aurora Ice Museum, especially for guided tours and access to the ice bar. It's highly recommended to book your tickets in advance online through the Chena Hot Springs Resort website to secure your preferred time slot.
Ticket prices can vary, but typically include admission to the museum and sometimes a guided tour. The cost for a drink at the ice bar is usually separate. Check the official Chena Hot Springs Resort website for the most current pricing information.
The Aurora Ice Museum is open year-round, maintaining a consistent temperature of 25°F (-6°C). Specific operating hours for tours and the ice bar can vary, so it's best to check the Chena Hot Springs Resort's official schedule.
While it might be possible to purchase tickets upon arrival, it's strongly advised to book in advance, especially during peak seasons or if you wish to experience the ice bar. This ensures availability and avoids disappointment.
The museum itself is open to all ages. However, access to the ice bar and consumption of alcoholic beverages is restricted to individuals 21 years of age and older.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum is kept at a chilly 25°F (-6°C) year-round. While parkas are provided, it's essential to wear warm layers underneath, including thermal underwear, thick socks, gloves, and a hat, to stay comfortable during your visit.
The guided tour of the Aurora Ice Museum is relatively short, often around 20-30 minutes. However, visitors are usually allowed to stay longer to explore the sculptures and take photos at their own pace.
Yes, guided tours are typically offered and are a great way to learn about the ice sculptures and the history of the museum. The guides are often enthusiastic and can provide interesting insights.
Absolutely! Photography is encouraged inside the Aurora Ice Museum. The stunning ice sculptures and the unique ice bar provide excellent opportunities for memorable photos.
The Aurora Ice Bar is a highlight where you can enjoy a cocktail served in a glass carved from ice. While a unique novelty, some visitors find the drink portion small for the price. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The main culinary offering within the Aurora Ice Museum is the Aurora Ice Bar, which serves cocktails, including the popular apple martini, in glasses made of ice. Food options are generally available at the main Chena Hot Springs Resort facilities.
The apple martini served in an ice glass is a signature experience. While many find it a fun novelty and enjoy the taste, some reviews suggest it's a bit pricey for the small serving size. It's often considered part of the overall unique experience rather than a substantial drink.
Yes, Chena Hot Springs Resort offers several dining options, ranging from casual cafes to more formal restaurants, providing a variety of choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted inside the Aurora Ice Museum to maintain the integrity of the ice sculptures and the controlled environment. You can purchase drinks at the Aurora Ice Bar.
Dining hours at Chena Hot Springs Resort can vary depending on the season and specific restaurant. It's advisable to check the resort's daily schedule or website for the most up-to-date information on restaurant operating times.
📸 📸 Photography
The Aurora Ice Museum is an indoor attraction, so lighting is consistent year-round. However, visiting during off-peak hours or with smaller groups can make it easier to get unobstructed photos of the ice sculptures and the ice bar.
Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged inside the Aurora Ice Museum. However, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography directly on the ice if it might cause condensation or damage.
You can expect to capture stunning images of intricate ice sculptures, including entire rooms, furniture, and decorative elements. The ice bar, with its unique cocktails and ice glasses, is also a popular subject.
The main challenge with photography in the cold is managing your camera equipment. Allow your camera to acclimatize to the temperature change when moving between the cold museum and warmer areas to prevent condensation.
Don't miss capturing the ice bar, the detailed ice sculptures, and any unique features like the ice bedrooms. Posing with an ice cocktail in an ice glass is a classic shot.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the constant 25°F temperature requires warm clothing for everyone, the provided parkas help. +1 The ice sculptures are visually engaging, and the ice bar, though perhaps more for adults, can still be a point of interest for older children who might enjoy seeing drinks served in ice glasses. It's a relatively short visit, making it manageable for younger attention spans, and offers a fun, cool escape from the Alaskan chill. 💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The intricate ice sculptures, the glowing ice bar, and the novelty of ice furniture provide endless creative possibilities. +1 Visiting with a smaller group or during less busy times can help ensure you get unobstructed shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of Ice Sculpting
These aren't just simple shapes; they are intricate sculptures that form entire rooms, furniture, and decorative elements, showcasing a remarkable level of detail and creativity. The museum is a year-round exhibition, meaning these masterpieces are preserved and accessible regardless of the season. Visitors can witness the dedication and artistry involved in creating such ephemeral beauty. The process itself can sometimes be observed, with award-winning sculptors working with ice and specialized tools.
+1Beyond the static displays, the museum also features the unique Aurora Ice Bar. Here, the artistry extends to crafting cocktail glasses directly from ice, adding another layer of novelty to the experience.
+1 This blend of art, novelty, and the unique Alaskan environment creates a truly memorable visit for all who step inside its frosty walls.Experiencing the Aurora Ice Bar
+1 Visitors can order a variety of drinks, with the apple martini being a popular choice, served in a chilled ice glass. While the novelty of sipping a cocktail from an ice glass is a major draw, it's worth noting that the drink portion is typically small, and some visitors find the price point a bit high for what's offered.
To fully enjoy the Ice Bar, remember to dress warmly, as the temperature inside the museum remains a constant 25°F (-6°C). Parkas are provided, but layering is key.
+1 Reservations for the ice bar experience may be required, so it's advisable to check with Chena Hot Springs Resort in advance.Chena Hot Springs Resort: A Complementary Experience
+1 Visiting the ice museum often complements a day spent soaking in the mineral-rich hot springs, which are particularly inviting during the cold Alaskan winters. The resort offers a unique contrast of fire and ice, with the warm waters of the hot springs set against the frigid temperatures of the surrounding landscape and the ice museum. Many visitors combine their trip to the Aurora Ice Museum with other activities offered by the resort or in the Fairbanks area, such as dog sledding, reindeer encounters, or aurora hunting tours.
This synergy between the ice museum, the hot springs, and the potential for viewing the Northern Lights makes Chena Hot Springs Resort a popular choice for those seeking a quintessential Alaskan adventure.
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