Aurora Ice Museum
Aurora Ice Museum
4
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
Chena Hot Springs Resort is home to the world’s largest year-round ice environment, the Aurora Ice Museum!
Duration: < 1 hour
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- BluMangoKikiOmaha, Nebraska14 contributionsMeh!Meh, I was expecting more I guess...I know that they are currently under some repairs and so we didn't get the whole experience plus I was there with my 8 year old so I didn't partake in the Apple Martini which seemed to be more of the focus of the tour. If there had been a little more light, that would have been appreciated as well as a demonstration on ice sculpting? I am glad I didn't pay full price for the experience (or $30 for the drink).Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 21 September 2023
- KenLoveland, Colorado1,386 contributionsIt's Pretty CoolA lot of work backed by a lot of skill went into making the sculptures inside this quonset-hut looking building. And it's bigger inside than you might think. My favorite sculpture was the jousting knights. This is not an all-day or even all-morning activity. For us, it was about 45 minutes, and we took our time.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 17 October 2023
- Tracy PCharlestown, Indiana19 contributionsFun with adult childrenThe museum is under construction but it is a cool thing to do while in Fairbanks. We enjoyed the Appletini and the environment. We didn’t get to see a sculptor working. It’s about a 45 minute tour and people were leaving sooner. Wear your warm clothes and embrace the fun of being in an igloo! Let others go first then enjoy the back areas with no one back there!Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 19 October 2023
- 957shayla4 contributionsUnforgettable apple martini experienceFor me, the highlight of my ice museum experience was their apple martini. Drinking apple martini from a cup made entirely with ice was such a unique and unforgettable experience! In addition, after you finish your drink you can smash your cup and make a wish :)Visited November 2023Travelled soloWritten 26 November 2023
- Jenn CGatlinburg, Tennessee87 contributionsZombiesVery small walkthrough for the price and non existent friendly staff. Did get a half smile from the bartender for the $9 tip on the $21 martini. Half of the exhibit was blocked off and could not see everything. And it was so dark you could slip or trip on a lot of things.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 28 January 2024
- Abel RMiami, Florida746 contributionsA cool ice museum which you can interact.The Aurora Ice Museum is really cool. The tour itself was short and fascinating. You get to explore the art solo and take tons of pictures. When you're done the guide will make you an Appletini, which was delish. They're served in ice glasses. Overall, it was a nice little museum. We really enjoyed our visit.Visited May 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 10 April 2024
- JendeSan Francisco, California5 contributionsTourist trapThe ice house has some cool pieces but it’s extremely small and a handful of the pieces were melted. If you are staying at the hotel and want something you do for 20-30 minutes and take photos then it can be fun. If you are driving from Fairbanks which we did to go see it, it’s not worth the drive and overpriced.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 11 April 2024
- Donna NJacksonville, Florida117 contributionsInteresting but dated and priceyInteresting but little disappointed in the tour. The tour was very short, the museum was small and we didnt see anyone other than construction workers working with the ice. The guide was nice and the appletini was good but not really worth the $40 (tour is $20 plus $20 for the drink). Checked it off the bucket list but probably would not go back.Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 19 May 2024
- WALTER KIndianapolis, Indiana59 contributionsFun stop in downtown FairbanksFun place to visit in downtown Fairbanks. Located in an historic theater building that is undergoing restoration. We had a great time with n the slide, visiting the ice “bar” and the various interactive sculptures. The highlight is actually watching a new creation by one of the amazing ice artists.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 25 June 2024
- JudyColumbus, Ohio408 contributionsFun experience! Take some gloves!2 sizes of coats are available to put on in the 1st room, you then enter the “working” area where the artists work their magic & then on into the main room with all the fun & wonderful ice structures! Pay extra for the appletini martini in your own glass made of ice & sip away at the ice bar or tables near the fireplace! Just have fun!!Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 2 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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chris p
Texas, USA12 contributions
Mar 2021 • Friends
This was a very unique museum and had so much to offer, however our tour guide was very difficult to understand, not customer friendly and truly should not be guiding small groups. The sculptures were fabulous And we wanted to know more about them however the lack of command of the English language and volume made it very difficult. It would be beneficial to have a more knowledgeable tour guide and decrease the size of the tour groups to 15. The drinks were great and we were told the tour guide would only take One picture of us. The gentleman that was at the door was pretty clueless and really should find another position. For $33, it could have been a much better experience, with a knowledgeable tour guide, microphone, and smaller group. Hopefully, whoever reads this will make these changes so that others can really enjoy this truly beautiful and unique piece of art.
Btw... drinks were good.
Chris p
Texas
Btw... drinks were good.
Chris p
Texas
Written 29 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ginger1375
Rochester, NY23 contributions
Oct 2021 • Solo
Once you get your online tickets, you’re directed to meet at the “Activities Center” where the tour guide leads you back across the ice covered parking lot to the museum. There are approximately 50 people waiting to get into the museum. Warm parkas are provided if you need (but, eewww-have they been washed any time this year????). The inside is much colder than you might think, and dark. There are no windows and only a few lights. The ice sculptures are beautiful, but the detail is lost in the dimly lit building.
The appletini was, meh. You have the option to leave after about 30 minutes if you are too cold. I left, I had my martini, took my pics and had other things to do.
The appletini was, meh. You have the option to leave after about 30 minutes if you are too cold. I left, I had my martini, took my pics and had other things to do.
Written 24 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M Russell
11 contributions
Oct 2020
Well worth the long drive out to the Hot Springs. Great tour int he ice museum. It is open 365 and stays 25 degrees in side. They have a full size sculpore of two knights on horses jousting. 4 rooms setup a couple with ice beds where you can actually spend the night in there. Plus of course they also have an Ice Bar where for an additional $15 you can get an appletini in a ice carved martini glass that you can take with you. Take the time, go enjoy this place.
Written 4 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveller282012
United States549 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
I don’t really know what I was expecting prior to visiting. The ‘ice museum’ is in a hangar on the Chena Springs resort. It is hard to say it is a museum and would be better placed being referred to as an ice display. You arrive and go through some large wooden doors than take you to the entrance. You can grab a coat, if required but we didn’t find it too cold and were sufficiently prepared with just gloves.
You then pass an area where they do sculpting and then get to see some pieces. You are then led to the bar. There are about 4 ice bedrooms at the end of the ice display. There are also other ice sculptures. We were with a child so we’re done in 10mins. Those without children were there for much longer, enjoying the martinis at the ice bar. It is somewhat over priced for what it is and the marketing is very confusing. The guide was very limited and as such it was a self guided walk around. I am not sure the connection with Chena Springs and the plane on stilts outside. However, it does go along with the state of confusion that you get when you arrive at Chena Springs.
You then pass an area where they do sculpting and then get to see some pieces. You are then led to the bar. There are about 4 ice bedrooms at the end of the ice display. There are also other ice sculptures. We were with a child so we’re done in 10mins. Those without children were there for much longer, enjoying the martinis at the ice bar. It is somewhat over priced for what it is and the marketing is very confusing. The guide was very limited and as such it was a self guided walk around. I am not sure the connection with Chena Springs and the plane on stilts outside. However, it does go along with the state of confusion that you get when you arrive at Chena Springs.
Written 5 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VaAlleyCat
Aldie, VA1,197 contributions
Jan 2022
I should have known there would be trouble when we had to sign a waiver before we arrived for our Ice Museum visit. Why would that be needed? Strange.
Well, we got out of the car and had no idea where to go to meet the tour group. We started walking across the parking lot and both my husband and I fell. The parking lot is a sheet of ice and it's pitch dark outside. We had NO TROUBLE walking at any other location during our trip to Fairbank...just here. Needless to say, after falling, I was in a bad mood. And yes, I was wearing snow boots with grippy bottoms.
The museum was a large metal garage that is 25 degrees inside. I thought it was going to be an igloo made of ice. Nope. They have ice sculptures inside that have been there for years. It's fine. It wasn't really a museum tour as much as it was a way to make money. They packed at least 60+ people inside the bar area of the "museum" and the tour guide yelled out information. There is no "tour". He yells out info and you can walk around to see the ice sculptures. Supposedly you can stay in one of the 4 ice beds inside the museum for a huge amount of money, but I have no idea why you would want to do that. There are no doors on the bedrooms inside and no bathroom. Count me out.
They offer a $15 appletini in a homemade ice glass. You have no choice of any other beverage - that is all they have. I think the best part of the visit was watching someone making the ice glasses and then smashing the glass in the snow outside.
We left right after the tour. The drive to and from Chena Hot springs was terrifying and not recommended unless you have a 4 wheel drive with studded tires. Even then, be careful.
We did not go to the hot springs or do anything else at the resort. But I can tell you that this place was BUSY. The restaurant was packed and the community center where we met our tour was filled to the brim with people.
Well, we got out of the car and had no idea where to go to meet the tour group. We started walking across the parking lot and both my husband and I fell. The parking lot is a sheet of ice and it's pitch dark outside. We had NO TROUBLE walking at any other location during our trip to Fairbank...just here. Needless to say, after falling, I was in a bad mood. And yes, I was wearing snow boots with grippy bottoms.
The museum was a large metal garage that is 25 degrees inside. I thought it was going to be an igloo made of ice. Nope. They have ice sculptures inside that have been there for years. It's fine. It wasn't really a museum tour as much as it was a way to make money. They packed at least 60+ people inside the bar area of the "museum" and the tour guide yelled out information. There is no "tour". He yells out info and you can walk around to see the ice sculptures. Supposedly you can stay in one of the 4 ice beds inside the museum for a huge amount of money, but I have no idea why you would want to do that. There are no doors on the bedrooms inside and no bathroom. Count me out.
They offer a $15 appletini in a homemade ice glass. You have no choice of any other beverage - that is all they have. I think the best part of the visit was watching someone making the ice glasses and then smashing the glass in the snow outside.
We left right after the tour. The drive to and from Chena Hot springs was terrifying and not recommended unless you have a 4 wheel drive with studded tires. Even then, be careful.
We did not go to the hot springs or do anything else at the resort. But I can tell you that this place was BUSY. The restaurant was packed and the community center where we met our tour was filled to the brim with people.
Written 8 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peggy C
Oahu, HI73 contributions
Apr 2021
I would give this 2 stars based on the check in process. As it was, most people checked in at the activity center, then walked over to the ice museum. There was a small crows there already- maybe 10-15 people. The guide asked if they'd checked in already, and they said "yes" but I highly doubt they'd checked in at the activity center. In other words, those folks likely didn't pay to enter this place, but were able to enter anyway.
Now, for the suckers like my husband and me who paid the price of admission, was this "museum" worth the price of admission? Not really. There were a few ice sculptures that were pretty interesting, and the rooms in the back were interesting, but mostly it was just sort of something to do. A guest there told me that back in the day, maybe 10-15 years ago, the place had a lot of ice sculptures, and that it's currently a shell of what it used to be.
We didn't bother with the appletini, and I did see a lot of the people buying them, but it just seemed kind of like a gimmick that was not needed for me or my husband.
Ultimately, I'm not sad I went, but if we go to Chena Hot Springs with our kids next Spring, we won't spring for the ice museum again. I can show them the pictures I took, and they'll get the idea.
Now, for the suckers like my husband and me who paid the price of admission, was this "museum" worth the price of admission? Not really. There were a few ice sculptures that were pretty interesting, and the rooms in the back were interesting, but mostly it was just sort of something to do. A guest there told me that back in the day, maybe 10-15 years ago, the place had a lot of ice sculptures, and that it's currently a shell of what it used to be.
We didn't bother with the appletini, and I did see a lot of the people buying them, but it just seemed kind of like a gimmick that was not needed for me or my husband.
Ultimately, I'm not sad I went, but if we go to Chena Hot Springs with our kids next Spring, we won't spring for the ice museum again. I can show them the pictures I took, and they'll get the idea.
Written 22 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonisharps
Spring, TX65 contributions
Mar 2021
The museum is beautifully lit with lights accenting beautiful ice sculptures, an ice bar, rooms to stay the night. You are served an appletini in a freshly carved martini ice glass (if you paid in advance for the drink). The fellow carving the martini glasses from a block of ice is also interesting to watch. Definitely the coolest (27degrees) that I've ever shared a drink with my travel buddies.
Written 5 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BridgetSmith4
Newport News, VA164 contributions
Sept 2021
I came here as part of a tour I booked that included Chena Hot Springs and seeing the Aurora. We arrived right at closing time so the guy took quite a bit of us in at one time and tried his best to be a gracious host. When I say quite a bit, I mean more than 50 people. I mentioned in another review that the people in Alaska have a very relaxed attitude about Covid. I don't know about anyone else in the group but I didn't feel comfortable crammed in like we were but then again the plane ride over to Alaska was just as packed. The ice sculptures were beautiful and I lasted about 30 minutes inside before I started trembling really bad. It's very dim inside and I don't fully understand why that is. It may be because most of the sculptures are decorated with some sort of colored lights to help them stand out. I would have appreciated brighter lighting inside so that I could see the sculptures a lot better. What used to be the coca-cola bear had no lights shining on it at all so it stood basically in the dark. Unless you're getting the $15 drink they offer, 30 minutes is more than enough time to spend in here.
Written 20 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ViajarEsVivir
Los Angeles, CA23 contributions
Dec 2021
Okay. So let me preface this with the fact that after you are allowed inside the museum, you're really on your own to explore the ice sculptures and it's your responsibility to ask questions and make it a museum-like experience. If you're okay with that, this place is actually very legit and interesting. We walked in, and first thing we witnessed was a guy in his workshop working on a piece. Continued on in and you're instantly amazed by the perfectly sculpted pieces, and then you see the bar and the rest doesn't matter much (yet). They offer appletinis on an ice souvenir "glass." Cash only and the guy was limited on cash so try bringing exact cash ($15 per drink) or purchase vouchers ahead of time. Our bartender was very well informed in the history of most pieces and the facts to run this museum year round. After the drinks kicked in, the rest of the place was more enjoyable and you definitely see the attention to detail, patience, SKILL, and time it takes to create these pieces of art. If you're in town, may as well give this place a shot!
Written 29 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shawn P
Shippensburg, PA5 contributions
Jul 2022
The museum was pretty to look at but it was very small inside and they try to fit at least 20 people into this small area at one time. Our tour guide was kind of rude, but was expecting that from some of the past reviews, he was very full of himself. We paid for the beverage at the ice bar and we couldn't even drink it because this same tour guide said that he doesn't like using the measuring cups when making the drinks and put so much vodka into the drink that it was 90% that and tasted terrible. 10/10 would not go again.
Written 31 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are advanced reservations necessary, not sure if we will be there on June 25 or 26th. Thank you for your response.
Written 6 June 2022
I recommend advanced reservations as it can get booked pretty quickly. However, they are not required per their website.
Written 7 June 2022
Are the ice glasses molded and/or sculpted/turned on a lathe?
Written 27 August 2019
They are each sculpted, it takes about 45 seconds for one of our ice carvers to make one.
We hope we get to see you here soon!
Written 29 August 2019
Is it a good idea to be at chena hot springs all day? we are going to do the dog sled and some other activities in chena hot springs. What do you guys recommend and how much time should spend in chena hot springs?
Written 21 February 2018
We were there last June. We spent a couple of hours at the hot springs. We swam in hot springs, the indoor pool and layed out in the sun a bit. They provide lockers, showers and blow dryers. While you are there, go to the ice hotel. Doesn't take a lot of time and buy an apple martini in an ice glass.
Written 21 February 2018
Hello,
I am going to Fairbanks and anchorage from March 8-March 14. I will be staying in Fairbanks for 3 nights 4 days. I want to know what is there to do in Fairbanks and places to eat? I will be staying in anchorage for 2 nights 3 days and I also want to know where to eat and what to do? I love to be outside and i love to go hiking and explore and try knew things. I am from Texas so we don’t deal with much snow and cold temperatures here as compared to over there. Thank you for helping me out.
Written 2 January 2018
I’m not sure if there is a way to search by reviewer, but I traveled to both Anchorage and Fairbanks on my trip and wrote quite a few reviews while I was there that you can check out. I hope you have a great time!
Written 27 January 2018
westnewtonsally
West Newton, Pennsylvania
Can you go to the hot springs on your own or do you need to go with a tour can I just rent a car and go
Written 14 August 2017
Yes you can go on your own. It is a paved highway all the way there. You drive straight into the resort with plenty of parking for your vehicle.
Written 14 August 2017
We are going to the hot springs and museum in June. What do I wear? Do I bring a bathing suit?
Written 30 May 2017
Definitely a bathing suit for the hot springs, but a coat for the museum. It is cold in the ice museum. As I recall, they do have heavy jackets that you can wear. We went in February so had warm coats and gloves. Additional note: the hot springs are wonderful!!!!
Written 1 June 2017
What do I wear to the museum and hot springs, June
Written 30 May 2017
They provide you with winter jackets at the aurora ice museum, so there is no need to bring a parka if you are traveling in june. I would say to be sure to bring a swim suit to the hot springs, and to wear comfortable clothes (t shirt/light jacket, shorts/jeans depending on weather).
Written 2 June 2017
We'd like to visit Ice Museum but not the hot spring. Any tour for the museum only? Any other transportation to get the museum?
Written 12 April 2017
You can visit just the Ice Museum and not go into or pay for the hot springs. Don't know about transportation out there though.
Written 15 August 2017
ChenaHotSprings
Fairbanks, Alaska
You cannot make a reservation, but just show up to the activity center at least 15 minutes before the tour that you would like to go on, to make sure you have time to sign up for it. The tours are at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, and 7pm. Hope you have fun! :)
Written 17 March 2017
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