Ice Sculptures at Ice Museum Amazing!
The giant carving of a fat fish above is but one of the many whimsical sculptures displayed at the Chena Hot Springs Ice Museum, located about 70 miles east of Fairbanks. Our time to visit the museum was limited so we didn’t take the normal tour, instead we were allowed to wander around inside and ask questions which was great. Ordinarily guests don heavy coats at the entrance, where they are greeted by the ice carver in his workroom, then proceed on the tour. Each guest is given a champagne goblet carved from ice and drinks are served from the ice bar complete with ice bar stools and ice mirror above the ice bar counter. Everything is colorfully lit by low voltage LED lights strategically placed inside the sculptures.
A huge carving of rearing horses ridden by ice men fighting with long lances in full ice armor, dominates the barroom. An ice wedding chapel is available for use as well as four private rooms with giant ice beds made with blankets of fur, brrrrr…… The whole scene is strangely amazing and creative. Certainly worth the gorgeous drive through the countryside to visit. But next time, I’m going to stay longer and bring my bathing suit and enjoy a soak in the famous hot springs. My friend, Vera Crews, wrote a much better description of our visit, read her Blog if you want more information on the Ice Museum.
Gail Niebrugge, Artist of Alaska
