Offbeat Travel: The Aurora Ice Museum in Fairbanks, Alaska

The Aurora Ice Museum offers a chilly but memorable experience. Situated at the renowned Chena Hot Springs Resort, about 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks, Alaska, this icy wonderland is a fusion of art and the natural environment, operating year-round in a region famous for its stunning natural phenomena, including the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. Hence the name.

Constructed in 2005, the Aurora Ice Museum is a sort of creative response to the harsh Alaskan winters. The museum was designed and built by world-renowned ice carver Steve Brice, a 15-time world champion ice carver, and his wife, Heather Brice, also an accomplished ice artist. The couple transformed 1,000 tons of ice and snow into a spellbinding gallery. Maintained at a brisk -7 degrees Celsius (20 degrees Fahrenheit) to preserve the intricate sculptures and architecture, the museum offers visitors a distinctive foray into a world of crystalline ice and shimmering snow.

Aurora Ice Museum, Chena Hot Springs, University of Alaska Fairbanks by Craig Talbert licensed under CC BY 2.0 DEED

The museum showcases a range of stunning sculptures, from lifelike animals to abstract designs, each piece highlighting the extraordinary skill and creativity of the artists. The attention to detail in each sculpture captivates the imagination, with the play of light and shadow creating an almost magical atmosphere.

Over time, the museum has featured an array of breathtaking exhibits and sculptures, capturing the essence of Alaskan culture and the natural world. Past displays have included larger-than-life ice renditions of Alaskan wildlife, such as bears and moose, enchanting fairy tale characters, and even a life-sized jousters on horseback. The museum also boasts an impressive ice chandelier that changes colors, mirroring the ethereal Northern Lights, and a whimsical ice slide, delighting visitors of all ages.

The museum undergoes regular maintenance to repair and refresh the sculptures. While the core exhibits remain, new sculptures and themed exhibits are introduced each season, ensuring that repeat visitors always find something new. Additionally, the museum continually evolves with various activities, including live demonstrations and interactive events.

Aurora Jousting Exhibit by Mark Wilson licensed under CC BY 2.0 DEED

One of the most popular attractions at the museum is Ice Bar. Here, visitors can sip on an appletini or some other drink of their choice served in a hand-carved ice glass, an experience that perfectly complements the chilly surroundings. The bar, with its intricately designed ice stools and counters, is a popular spot for photographs and a fun way to interact with the art.

For an even more immersive experience, the museum offers ice sculpting workshops, led by experienced carvers, providing visitors with a hands-on opportunity to learn about the art of ice carving. It’s a chance not only to appreciate the skill involved in creating these icy masterpieces but also to try your hand at this unusual form of artistic expression. Alas, the effect is temporary, due to the ephemeral nature of the icy medium, but, hey, these pieces are fun while they last.

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The museum also serves as a perfect complement to the natural wonders of the region. After exploring the ice sculptures, many visitors enjoy a relaxing soak in the resort’s natural hot springs, or partake in other activities such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, or catching a glimpse of the breathtaking Aurora Borealis.

The Aurora Ice Museum is an experience that blends art, adventure, and the stunning natural beauty of Alaska. It’s a place where visitors can immerse themselves in a world of ice and snow, enjoy distinctive activities, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Have you ever been to the Aurora Ice Museum? Tell us about it in the comments below! 

[Featured Photo: At the Ice Bar by Jeff’s Canon licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 DEED]