The Best Ice Museum in Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks Ice Museum
Admission and Information
- Adults $12
- Children ages 6-12 $6
- Children ages 5 and under $2
The ice museum is open May through September
What To Do While In Fairbanks?
I planned to arrive in Fairbanks a few days before my official tour started so I could see some sites on my own before I began my guided tour.
While researching places to see and things to do, I was intrigued by the Fairbanks Ice Museum. It was located not far from my hotel, and had beautiful pieces of ice sculptures on exhibit. It was also cheap, which is a must when you're vacationing on a budget.
Alaskan Ice Sculptures
So Much To See!
A Review of Fairbanks Ice Museum
Each February, ice carvers from around the world come to Fairbanks to participate in the World Ice Art Championships where participants turn blocks of ice into breathtaking works of art. The Ice Museum houses some of these ice sculptures.
I must admit, I had a hard time finding this museum. It is in an old movie theater, the building has seen better days. But stopping by this museum was well worth my time, and it should be on your must-see list when you're in Fairbanks. Both the teens and adults in our group loved this museum. The museum is interactive, so small children will enjoy this as well.
The admission price was very reasonable, my ticket was around $12. The museum is well worth the $12 and more. Compared to other places I toured in Fairbanks, the ice museum is a good deal.
The entrance of the museum is actually through the gift shop where they sell regional handcrafted items, as well as memorabilia and souvenirs of the World Ice Championship.
After passing through the gift shop, we were led to the theater. We were shown a slide show on Alaska in general. Following that film, we were shown what was basically a documentary about the World Ice Championship. The film showcased some of the entries and how the artists make a piece from start to finish. I was wowed by what an artist can do with a block of ice.
At the end of the film, the lights were turned on and we were shown something you can't see when you first walk in. The perimeter of the room is basically a large glass room. Inside this room are some of the beautiful sculptures that have been in the World Ice Championship. This is a beautiful exhibit because the sculptures are backlit with different colored lights. This was my favorite part of the museum.
At the very front of the theater is the ice showcase. This is where the interactive part of the exhibit is. The ice sculptures in the showcase are intended to be touched and sat on. This is a great photo opportunity, so make sure to bring your camera. You will want to show your friends at home a picture of you sitting on a ice snowmobile or standing behind a solid ice bar.
It's very cold in the ice showcase, about 9°F. There is no time limit on the amount of time you can stay in the ice showcase, so you're able to be in there as long as you like or as long as you're able. (It's cold in there!)
Don't Forget Your Camera!
Have you visited the Fairbanks Ice Museum?
Museum Information
The Fairbanks Ice Museum is in downtown Fairbanks on the corner of 2nd Avenue and Lacey Street. It is located inside the historic Lacey Street Theatre.
The Fairbanks Ice Museum is open during the summer months only, which in Alaska is May through September. Admission for adults is $12, children ages is 6-12 $6, children ages 5 and under is $2.
