Table of Contents
📍 Location & Quick Overview
- Where: Chena Hot Springs Resort, ~60 miles northeast of Fairbanks, Alaska
- Built: 2005
- Creators: Ice carving champions Steve & Heather Brice
- Fun Fact: Built with over 1,000 tons of ice and snow
- Inside Temp: Constant 25°F (-3.9°C)
🎟️ Aurora Ice Museum Tickets (2025)
Ticket Type | Price |
Adults (12+) | $15–$20 |
Children (6–11) | $10 |
Under 6 | Free |
Appletini at Ice Bar (21+) | $15–$20 |
📸 Aurora Ice Museum Photos
Use Night Mode or Low Light settings for best results.
📅 Tour Schedule & Experience
- Tours per day: 5
- Tour duration: Around 45 minutes
- Tour style: Guided only (required for entry)
- Group size: Up to 50 people during peak times
When you walk in, you’ll be given a warm parka. But don’t rely on that alone, wear warm clothes and sturdy boots with a good grip!
🧊 What’s Inside the Museum?
✨ Sculptures That Take Your Breath Away
The museum features incredible frozen art:
- Life-sized ice horses
- A frozen bedroom with an ice bed
- Two-story ice observation tower
- Chess set carved completely from ice
💡 Ice Chandeliers That Mimic the Aurora
There are ice chandeliers with LED lights that shift in color, simulating the Northern Lights. It’s not just a museum, it’s a light show!
🍸 Sip in Style at the Aurora Ice Bar
Ready for a truly chilling drink? Visit the Aurora Ice Bar, the world’s only bar made entirely of ice.
- Signature Drink: The famous Appletini
- Served in: A cup made from solid ice
- Bonus: You get to keep the ice glass (until it melts, of course)
Only guests aged 21+ are allowed at the Ice Bar.
🎨 Meet the Artists Behind the Magic
Steve and Heather Brice are not just local legends, they’re world ice-carving champions. Their passion has shaped this museum into a truly artistic space where exhibits always evolve.
❄️ Temperature & Environment
- Inside temperature: 25°F (-3.9°C)
- Parkas: Provided at the entrance
- Power source: Geothermal energy from the hot springs nearby
It’s the perfect blend of science + art + sustainability.
🗣️ Aurora Ice Museum Reviews
⭐ 4.2/5 stars based on 838 Google reviews
Highlights from visitors:
- “The lighting effects were stunning!”
- “Loved the ice bar, it’s unlike anything else.”
- “Wish the tour was longer and the group smaller.”
💡 Tip:
Try visiting on a weekday morning to avoid larger crowds.
🌌 Best Time to Visit
🎯 For Northern Lights + Museum
Visit from August to April, when the Aurora Borealis is active.
😌 For Smaller Crowds
Try late spring or early summer weekdays.
No matter the season, the museum stays icy-cool thanks to geothermal magic.
🚗 How to Get There
- From Fairbanks: ~1.5-hour drive (60 miles)
- Options:
- Rental car
- Shuttle service
- Tour package (many include museum + Aurora viewing)
🅿️ Parking: Free at Chena Hot Springs
🧖♀️ Combine It With a Relaxing Getaway
After your icy adventure, warm up at the Chena Hot Springs nearby!
Things to Do at Chena:
- Soak in the hot springs
- Dog sledding (winter)
- Snowmobiling
- Visit the greenhouse and energy tour
- Relax in the spa
📊 Fun Facts & Stats
Metric | Value |
Year Opened | 2005 |
Ice & Snow Used | 1,000+ tons |
Temperature Inside | 25°F (-3.9°C) |
Tours Per Day | 5 |
Tour Length | 45 mins |
Max Group Size | 50 |
Tripadvisor Rating | 4.1/5 |
🔚 Final Thoughts
The Aurora Ice Museum is more than just a tourist stop, it’s a place that blends art, science, and raw Alaskan magic. Whether you’re sipping a frosty Appletini or admiring glowing ice chandeliers, this place delivers stick memories. Pair it with a hot soak or an Aurora sighting, and you’ve got yourself a bucket-list-worthy Alaskan adventure.
❓FAQs
Yes, it stays open daily, even in summer. Thanks to geothermal cooling.
Yes, but only at the Ice Bar, and only to visitors 21 and older.
Absolutely! Kids love the sculptures. Only the Ice Bar has age restrictions.
Totally! Just avoid flash, it disrupts the lighting effects.
For Aurora + museum, go from August to April. For smaller crowds, aim for weekday mornings.
