Visit the Aurora Ice Sculpture Museum In Alaska

About Visiting The Aurora Ice Museum In Alaska (a.k.a. The Chena Ice Museum & Hot Springs in Alaska)

Aurore Ice Museum Ice BarWhile a visit to see the Northern Lights is an adventure in and of itself, there is a multitude of activities you should consider adding to your itinerary including a visit to the Alaska ice museum known as the Aurora Ice Museum (a.k.a. the Chena Ice Museum) and taking an Aurora Ice Museum Tour. This Alaska Ice Museum is the largest ice environment in the world that is year-round and even has the famous Aurora Ice Bar. The indoor temperature is kept at a cool 25 degrees with geothermal technology. Inside the Alaska Ice Museum are chandeliers that represent the Aurora Borealis. The Chena Hot Springs Ice Museum is the largest year-round ice building in the world with the inside interior being made of entire ice and amazing works of ice sculptures in Alaska. The museum is home to award-winning ice sculptures in Alaska and features a two-story observation tower and a famous ice bar. Not far away to offer your nipped noses and fingertips is the Chena Hot Springs. The Chena Hot Springs Ice Museum is famous for visitors soaking in the legendary mineral water. There is a belief that the waters of the Chena hot springs cure skin conditions, muscular pains, and arthritis. Not only do the healing waters of the hot springs help with pain it also is beneficial for some circulatory disorders and provides relief to those with bronchial disorders.

One such activity that’s open year-round is the Aurora Ice Museum in Alaska — also known as the Chena Ice Museum and hot springs or the Ice Museum in Alaska! Whether you’re fascinated with the art of ice sculpting or need a family-friendly activity for your trip, make sure you don’t miss a visit to the Aurora Ice Museum, a unique ice museum in Alaska — it has fantastic ice sculptures! Before you buy your Aurora Ice Museum tickets read on to learn more about the experience and how to visit the Aurora Ice Museum in Alaska and take an Aurora Ice Museum Tour.

aurora ice museum in alaska Featured Image by Por Markus Bernet

When & Where Was The Aurora Ice Museum Built?

The Aurora Ice Museum in Alaska (a.k.a. the Chena Ice Museum) was built in 2004 in Chena Hot Springs, Alaska. The location is important to people who want to see the northern lights because there is lower light pollution; being outside of the city. To get to the Chena hot springs there is roughly an hour and a quarter drive from Fairbanks; which makes it easy to see the northern lights and quickly venture back to Fairbanks for other local finds. More importantly, it’s an easy trip from the city to visit the unique Aurora Ice Museum and take an Aurora Ice Museum Tour!

Who Built The Aurora Ice Museum?

The Aurora Ice Museum in Alaska was made out of ice by Steve and Heather Brice. They likely chose this location because the temperature in the area the Aurora Ice Museum resides is typically around 20ºF all year round. Their fantastic ability to pull life out of blocks of ice is worth witnessing in person. Whether they are carving an ice angel, an ice octopus, a frozen dragon, or an intricate floral design out of ice, the Chena/Aurora Ice Museum in Alaska is a safe place to store and display their art year-round. The Ice Hotel in Alaska is now the Aurora Ice Museum and is located sixty miles northeast of Fairbanks, Alaska. In the beginning, the goal was to create an ice hotel in Alaska, but the Aurora Ice Museum in Alaska ended up as a year-round ice environment and Alaska ice museum — which is still quite an undertaking! And, they opened the Aurora Ice Museum to visitors so you can take an Aurora Ice Museum Tour.

Five Facts You Should Know Before Visiting The Aurora Ice Sculpture Museum In Alaska

1. The Aurora Ice Museum in Alaska Has Award-Winning Ice Sculptures

ice sulpture museum and northern ligths-tripsCreated by 16-time world champion Steve Brice and his wife, 7-time world champion, Heather Brice, you’ll be amazed by the beauty of these ice sculptures in Alaska. The ice museum features furniture, life-size knights on horseback, chandeliers shifting colors to mimic the Northern Lights, and even a bar, all made of ice. Get a preview of the sculptures and Alaska Ice Museum attractions here.

Heather and Brice have been crafting art together since 1999. While their year-round ice workshop is at the Aurora Ice Museum at the Chena Hot Springs Resort, they also work at events both small and large. Learn more about their art at Brice’s website; which includes details about their ice craft that has been housed at the Aurora Ice Museum in Alaska. The Aurora Ice Museum is home to the world’s largest year-round ice environment. It was created from more than 1,000 tons of ice and snow, all harvested from the Chena Hot Springs Resort. The Aurora Ice Museum stays a cool 25° Fahrenheit (-7° Celsius) inside. Keeping the Aurora Ice Museum icy cold in the heat of summer comes from the patented absorption chiller, the first of its kind in the world used for this purpose! Parkas are available free of charge to use during your Aurora Ice Museum tour.

The Ice Museum uses geothermal technology to keep it at 25 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celcius) all year, despite summers that can reach more than 90 degrees. It took more than 1,000 tons of ice and snow to create the ice museum, which resembles a church. If you’re interested in getting up close and personal with ice sculpting, the Aurora Ice Museum offers a 2-hour ice carving workshop, with a maximum class size of 3 people. That’s a great small-group activity!

2. The Aurora Ice Museum Features a Two-Story Observation Tower

One feature of the Aurora Ice Museum in Alaska is a two-story observation tower with a circular staircase. This is a selling point during the Aurora Ice Museum Tour and makes for great Aurora Ice Museum photos. From there you can see other sculptures such as life-size jousters on horseback, a polar bear bedroom, a Christmas tree bedroom, a kid’s 2-story fort bedroom, and a Northern Lights room with an ice outhouse made exclusively with Alaska Diamond or Alaska Marble ice. Don’t miss this exclusive trip to an ice museum when you visit Alaska! Add amazing Aurora Ice Museum photos to your album after experiencing a memorable and chill trip.

Ice bar at the Aurora Ice Museum in Alaska

3. Enjoy A Drink At The Aurora Ice Bar Fairbanks, Alaska – Inside The Aurora Ice Museum in Alaska

What could be more magical and a true Alaskan experience than an Alaskan ice bar in Fairbanks? The Fairbanks Ice Bar in Alaska is a cool adventure that is made out of complete ice! Enter the Fairbanks ice bar witness all of the ice sculptures and watch your very own famous apple martini glass is made out of ice! The Aurora ice bar is a half-mooned-shaped bar that is surrounded by a dozen ice stools covered in caribou fur and is completely carved out of ice. Watch your glass being carved out of ice right in front of you! This Aurora ice bar in Fairbanks, Alaska is perfect for an out-of-the-ordinary and exciting new adventure. After touring the Aurora Ice Museum, enjoy our specialty beverage, an Appletini, in an iced carved martini glass at the Aurora Ice Bar. If you’re worried about being cold in the Alaska ice bar, you can enjoy your drink on a caribou fur-covered stool and take in the view or warm your hands by the ice fireplace in Alaska’s only ice museum, the Aurora Ice Museum. The ice museum’s unique bar serves drinks in sculpted ice glasses, the fireplace glows with amber flickers, and 5 chandeliers lit with color-changing fiber optics can be found in the lobby. The Aurora Ice Bar in Fairbanks, Alaska is located at the Chena Hot Springs Resort This is about an hour’s drive outside of Fairbanks. Make sure to order your Appletini ahead of time when you purchase your tickets for the Aurora Ice Bar in Fairbanks, Alaska. Have yourself a true Alaskan experience by having an Appletini at the famous ice bar in Alaska. Take a seat on the caribou-covered stools and take in the warm glow of the fireplace. Taking the trip to Alaska and visiting the ice bar  Alaska has become one of the most iconic and unique experiences in Alaska. Getting to the ice bar in Fairbanks, Alaska is a truly memorable experience from start to finish. The scenic drive is never dull with the wildlife sightings. The ice bar in Alaska is truly a cool experience with over 1,000 tons of ice as well as snow to create breathtaking ice sculptures. This magnificent ice bar is completely carved out of ice with eye-catching neon light beaming through.

Tips for traveling to the Ice Bar in Fairbanks, Alaska

Make the most out of traveling to the Ice Bar in Fairbanks, Alaska, and take the best Aurora Ice Museum photos or participate in educational ice sculpting classes. The Ice Bar in Alaska offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. Nestled in the heart of the Last Frontier, this icy wonderland is crafted entirely from ice and snow. Guests can enjoy sipping on frosty cocktails served in glasses made of ice, surrounded by stunning ice sculptures and beautiful frozen landscapes. The Ice Bar in Fairbanks, Alaska is more than just a place to enjoy icy cocktails and admire stunning ice sculptures. It also offers a range of exciting activities for visitors to indulge in. If you’re interested in capturing the beauty of the Aurora Ice Museum in photographs, make sure to bring your camera along. The museum’s ethereal lighting and intricate ice sculptures make for the perfect backdrop for unforgettable snapshots. Additionally, if you’re feeling creative, you can sign up for educational ice sculpting classes. Learn the art of transforming blocks of ice into stunning works of art under the guidance of skilled instructors. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or someone with a desire to unleash their artistic side, the Ice Bar in Fairbanks, Alaska has something to offer for everyone.

The bar maintains a chilly temperature year-round, providing a refreshing escape from the Alaskan wilderness. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the Ice Bar in Alaska is the perfect destination for those seeking an icy adventure and a taste of the frozen north. The Ice Bar in Fairbanks is an exciting and unique experience! To make the most out of your travels, here are some tips:

  1. Dress appropriately: The Ice Bar is made out of ice, so with that being said the temperatures can be pretty cold. Dress in warm layers with hats, gloves, thermals, and woolen clothing. It is much better to be overdressed and be able to remove layers of clothing compared to having any clothing to add when you start to get cold.
  2. Check hours of operations: Check their website or contact them in advance to ensure they are open and you are also able to make necessary reservations.
  3. Make Reservations: If there are reservations available, it is wise to make them, especially during peak times.

4. Make Sure You Dress for the Temperature When You Visit The Aurora Ice Museum in Alaska

Before you visit the Aurora Ice Museum and Aurora Ice Bar in Fairbanks, prepare for the atmosphere! The Alaska ice museum stays at a cool 25° Fahrenheit or -7° Celsius at all times. In order to keep it cool in the heat of summer, they have a patented absorption chiller, the first of its kind in the world used for this purpose. While you can certainly bring your own warm coat, the kind-hearted keepers of The Aurora Ice Museum also offer parkas free of charge during the tour of the ice museum. Book your tour to Alaska’s ice museum for the coolest experience!

5. What Is The Cost Of Admission To The Aurora Ice Sculpture Museum? (Where Can You Get Aurora Ice Museum Tickets To See The Ice Sculptures In Alaska?)

The tickets for the Aurora Ice Museum can be purchased at the museum or you can purchase your Aurora Ice Museum tickets online in advance. Purchase your Aurora Ice Museum tickets and experience a unique and fascinating attraction. If you are looking for Aurora Ice Museum tickets to take an Aurora Ice Museum tour, then we have information about that. The price of the Aurora Ice Museum (a.k.a. the Chena Ice Museum) is reasonable compared to the “cool” experience you will leave with. While the cost for a tour of the Alaska Ice Sculpture Museum is typically $15 per person, it is included with the Northern Lights trip when you book with Gondwana Ecotours because the Aurora Ice Museum in Alaska is one of the many Alaskan attractions we visit when Fairbanks. The Aurora Ice Museum is a great Alaska vacation idea! The world’s largest ice museum is open all year round! You can bathe in the warm mineral hot springs and you can witness the rare phenomenon called the northern lights. Get your Aurora Ice Museum tickets soon for an unforgettable Alaska vacation.

When is the Aurora Ice Museum open for tours and where can you get the Aurora ice museum tickets?  The Aurora Ice Museum is open every day, 365 days a year! There’s no reason to miss a trip to the Aurora Ice Museum when you visit Alaska. The Ice Museum in Fairbanks continues to be a unique attraction that has interesting ice sculptures. Take a guided introduction through the ice museum and you can also take some time to wander freely and explore the bar with an appletini.

Video Of The Northern Lights In Alaska (Near The Aurora Ice Sculpture Museum)

You can also catch a glimpse of the experience in this brief video.

Is There A Difference Between The Aurora Ice Museum in Alaska And The Chena Ice Museum in Alaska?

Though the Aurora/Chena Ice Museum and the Aurora Ice Museum in Alaska may sound like two different places; they are one and the same. The interesting thing is that, though the year-round climate at the Aurora Ice Museum tends to be 25ºF, there is a hot spring resort in the area. That’s right! You can relax in the Chena hot springs and visit the Aurora Ice Museum (or Chena Ice Museum) all on the same day when you visit ice museum and Chena Hot Springs! The ice museum in Fairbanks was created from over 1,000 tons of ice and snow. You may be wondering how they keep the Alaska museum ice from melting in the summer. Well, a patented absorption chiller is used and is the first of its kind.

History of the Chena Hot Springs

People have been going to hot springs like the Chena Hot Springs for centuries; some in search of the eternal fountain of youth and others searching for cures for whatever ails them. The healing water of Chena Hot Springs has been compared to mineral waters found in hot springs in the Czech Republic, formerly known as Bohemia. The Chena Hot Springs Ice Museum is a popular place for visitors to soak in the healing mineral waters.

The recorded history of the Chena Hot Springs dates to the early 1900s but there is evidence indigenous people used the water at the Chena Hot Springs as well. The water boasts usage by people throughout Alaska, the Lower 48, and International visitors and dignitaries from every corner of the globe. The waters are timeless but the resort began when weary gold miners discovered that soaking in the “oh-so-warm” waters of the Chena Hot Springs helped their aching bodies.

The geothermal system of the Chena Hot Springs is fed by water that circulates deep underground over a period of thousands of years, picking up the natural heat from the earth, and then ‘short circuits’ back up to the surface through cracks and fractures in the granite rock underneath the Chena hot springs area. Granite rock fractures or breaks very nicely in all directions, as opposed to a layered sedimentary rock which just tends to break horizontally. This allows the hot water to quickly find its way to the surface from a great depth (~3000 feet).

The Chena Hot Springs and Ice Museum is best known for its natural hot springs, awesome Ice museum, great aurora viewing, and geothermal-powered facilities. It is the most accessible and developed hot spring resort in Alaska’s Interior. This amazing place was discovered in August 1905 and became famous for curing crippled prospectors of their aches and pains. Fairbanks residents often take the trip to the Chena Hot Springs and Ice Museum to enjoy the healing waters and soak and marvel at the amazing ice sculptures.

Where can you stay while touring the Chena Hot Springs Ice Museum?

The Chena hot springs were discovered in 1905 and became well known for curing people of their aches and pains. The residents of Fairbanks would take long trips to soak and enjoy the healing waters. One of the places to stay is the Chena Hot Springs Resort. This resort allows you to enjoy great aurora viewing as well as the Chena Hot Springs Ice Museum. After a dip in the healing water of the Chena Hot Spring, you can enjoy a drink at the famous ice bar in Alaska. 21-year-old visitors can wind down with an appletini that comes in an ice-carved martini glass.

The Chena Hot Springs & Aurora Ice Museum Is Both Cool AND Hot! Not far from the famous Ice Bar in Alaska

Can You See The Northern Lights From The Aurora/Chena Ice Museum in Alaska?

Given that the Chena Hot Springs and Chena Ice Museum are located in an area away from light pollution, the Chena Hot Springs is known as one of the best places to see the northern lights. Imagine watching the northern lights from the Aurora Ice Museum in Alaska. Contact us to learn more about watching the Alaskan Northern Lights at the Chena Hot Springs and visiting the Aurora Ice Museum in Alaska, or visiting the ice museum at the Chena Hot Springs.

The Aurora/Chena Ice Museum in Alaska is an incredible place to experience the natural beauty of the Northern Lights. Located in the Chena Hot Springs area, the museum offers an unobstructed view of the Aurora Borealis, making it the perfect spot to observe the magical lights of the night sky. Furthermore, the museum offers a variety of activities such as a guided ice-sculpting class, snowmobile and dog mushing tours, and a unique Ice Bar & Grill. With all the amazing amenities, the Aurora/Chena Ice Museum is one of the most popular places to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking view of the Northern Lights.

Do You Want To See The Aurora Ice Museum or Visit The Chena Hot Springs?

chena hot springs near the aurora ice museumFor as cold as Alaska is, the Aurora Ice Museum is a hot destination for great Aurora ice museum photos! People love the year-round availability of the ice bar at the Aurora Ice Museum, a walk through their variety of elaborately carved ice sculptures, and proximity to the Chena Hot Springs — where their natural hot springs are a great place to watch the aurora borealis. For more information about the Aurora Ice Museum in Alaska, visit their website.

Soak up in the hot springs with its legendary healing mineral waters and then afterward take a quick stroll up to the Aurorium to view the spectacular dancing lights dancing above in the dark skies. The Chena Hot Springs aurora tour is one of the most requested northern lights tours with experiencing the Chena hot springs and the famous ice museum. The hot springs at the Ice Museum are a geothermal system that is fed by water. This water circulates deep underground over a period of thousands of years. The Chena hot springs get hot by picking up the natural heat from the earth which then returns to the surface through cracks and fractures in the granite rocks. You can plan a trip to the Chena Hot Springs and Aurora Ice Museum on the same day!

How To Get From Fairbanks To The Aurora Ice Museum

The Aurora Ice Museum is the world’s largest year-round ice environment that is created from over 1,000 tons of ice and snow. After you have explored the ice museum with all its creative ice sculptures, and the famous ice bar in Fairbanks, then you can venture to the Chena Hot Springs. The Chena hot springs offer healing and relieving purposes that have been traced back to the 1900s. Interested in visiting the Ice Museum and Chena hot springs? If you are wondering how long it takes to get from Fairbanks, AK to the Aurora Ice Museum (or the Chena Ice Museum), then you can expect to drive for roughly one hour and fifteen minutes. After soaking in the waters of the Chena hot springs head to the ice museum. The drive is fairly easy to travel as it is just 61 miles on one road from Fairbanks to the Chena Hot Springs and Aurora Ice Museum in Alaska. See The Route Here.

Did You Know?

Did you know that there is a second, smaller ice museum in Fairbanks Alaska? The Fairbanks Ice Museum is located at 500 2nd AveFairbanksAK,99701, and opens for summer hours in May. Ice sculptor An Zhe showcases his creations at this ice museum and also teaches ice sculpting classes to visitors during the summer months. The Fairbanks, Alaska ice museum features an outdoor sculpture park geared toward children, and daily aurora shows for visitors, too. The Fairbanks Ice Museum is the world’s ice art capital! Complete with an ice bar as well as ice chandeliers that are designed to mimic the northern lights. Some visitors hold special events and weddings at the Fairbanks, Alaska ice museum. Make sure to bring your own hats and gloves and there are parkas that are provided at the Fairbanks Ice Museum. The Fairbanks, Alaska ice museum’s main attraction is ice sculptures of course. This ice museum has many ice sculptures that are interactive such as igloos where you can step inside for photos. There are even ice snowmobiles that you can climb on and an ice slide you can slip down. After enjoying the ice sculptures you can watch a live demonstration of local artists at the Fairbanks ice museum. Wondering how much the price of the Aurora Ice Museum tours and tickets are? The price of admission to the Fairbanks Ice Museum is $15 for adults, $10 for children 6-14, and if you have a group of 10 or more it is $12 per person. The pricing for the Aurora Shows is $10 for adults, $8 for children ages 6-14, and $8 per person for groups of 10 or more. The Fairbanks, Aurora Ice Museum tours and tickets are a great place to start planning your family vacation of a lifetime. Plan your trip to the Aurora Ice Museum and discover all that this cool magical place has to offer! Try our ice sculpting yourself with ice sculpting classes during summer!

Discover More About Our Alaskan Ecotour

Our ecotour offers everything you could want when you visit Alaska – including expert Alaska guides, entry to Chena Hot Springs, a curling lesson from local players, a dog-sledding excursion, a visit to an ice museum, and so much more. As part of this vacation, you receive Aurora Ice Museum tours and tickets, getting the chance to walk around the museum and see the famous ice sculptures in Alaska! Since sustainability is important to us, we donate a portion of proceeds from Northern Lights Alaskan Adventure trips to the non-profit, Northern Alaska Environmental Center. When you travel with us to see the northern lights, the Aurora Ice Museum, and many other hand-picked activities, you are doing your part in keeping the world as green as it can be!

Learn More About Our Trip To The Aurora Ice Museum

Travel to Alaska where the landscapes are rich in mountain ranges, clear salmon-filled waters, home to the brown nears, and the location of the famous ice bar in Alaska. The Ice Museum in Fairbanks is also known as the Ice Alaska Ice Park and Museum. Experience a true winter wonderland filled with impressive ice sculptures, ice furniture, and even a famous ice bar! Spend your days hiking trails and witnessing the wide variety of thriving wildlife. Reach new personal goals and cross adventures off your bucket list in Alaska. After you have spent the day taking in the scenic views of beautiful sunlit streams and trails, take some time to relax in the healing waters of the Chena Hot Springs or take a seat at the ice bar in Fairbanks, Alaska. Sitting on stools covered in warm caribou fur, you can sip on the ice bar’s famous Appletini in an ice-carved martini glass. The Aurora Ice Museum in Fairbanks is an extremely popular attraction for travelers venturing to Alaska. Taking a step into this icy wonderland, even during the summer, will make you reach for a parka. The Aurora Ice Museum in Fairbanks is filled with impressive ice sculptures, ice furniture, an ice bar, and even ice chess with ice chandeliers hanging and changing colors much like the northern lights. Visiting the Aurora Ice Museum in Fairbanks is an unforgettable adventure that you will talk about again and again.

Travel with us to see the Aurora Ice Museum in Alaska (a.k.a. the Chena Ice Museum) and the Aurora Ice Bar near Chena Hot Springs and take an Aurora Ice Museum Tour (and experience other once-in-a-lifetime activities)! We offer same-day trips to the ice museum at Chena Hot Springs. Experience the Chena Hot Springs and Ice Museum tours while making memories that will last a lifetime! Visiting the Chena Hot Springs Ice Museum in Alaska’s remote wilderness is a memorable experience and makes for some extremely cool Aurora Ice Museum photos. The intricate ice sculptures display the region’s history and natural beauty. You can even learn how to bring the ice to life with their very own ice sculpting classes. The Chena Hot Springs Ice Museum even has an ice chapel for a cool wedding or for hosting other special occasions. Take the trip of a lifetime and experience the Aurora Ice Museum reviews! Learn how to explore the Aurora in style, visit the Aurora Ice Museum, and experience Alaska and all of its beauty.

Discover More About The Famous Chena Hot Springs & Ice Museum

Located near Fairbanks, Alaska, the Chena Hot Springs & Ice Museum is a unique and captivating destination. Transported to a world of ice and snow, visitors are invited to explore the many interactive displays and attractions. Experience an ice park made of over 2 million pounds of ice, a natural hot spring, a geothermal energy plant, a 36-foot tall ice sculpture, and a world-famous Aurora Ice Bar. Guests can also observe the breathtaking Aurora Borealis and take part in many of the exciting activities and tours available. With something for everyone, the Chena Hot Springs & Ice Museum is a must-visit for anyone looking for an unforgettable experience!

From the awe-inspiring Aurora Borealis to the interactive ice sculptures and snow activities, the Chena Hot Springs & Ice Museum has something for everyone. With its unique and captivating atmosphere, the museum is a perfect destination for families, friends, and couples alike. Be sure to make time for a visit, and don’t forget to explore the wonders of the Park’s natural hot springs and geothermal energy plant. A visit to the Chena Hot Springs & Ice Museum is an experience you won’t soon forget. Want to learn more about the Northern Lights? Find out if you can see the Northern Lights during a full moon! While the brightness of a full moon can sometimes diminish the visibility of the Northern Lights, it’s still possible to catch a glimpse of the aurora under the right conditions. Optimal viewing typically occurs during a new moon or when the moon is at its lowest illumination, allowing the auroras to shine brighter against a darker sky. However, even during a full moon, lucky observers may still witness the mesmerizing dance of the Northern Lights if other factors like solar activity and atmospheric conditions align.

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