The best time to visit Fairbanks, Alaska is definitely during the BP World Ice Art Championships. The competition is usually around the end of February and beginning of March. Prepare to be dazzled by these feats of incredible design while sipping hot cocoa. Warm up with a trip out to the Chena Hot Springs Resort.

Chena Hot Springs

The Chena Hot Springs is Fairbanks’ most popular, if only, tourist attraction. To be honest the town of Fairbanks is not all that interesting (but they do have unexpectedly amazing Thai food). Ask the locals what to do/see while you are there and their answer will be: Chena Hot Springs.

The Chena Hot Springs Resort offer a lot! But nearly all of it is EXPENSIVE. I mean crazy expensive. If you want to make a splurge trip out of it, they do offer a lot in way of accommodations and activities. But expect to be paying $60 per person minimum for anything and everything. Except for the hot springs and Aurora Ice Museum. Which are the two things we did. Each run you $15 per person. I suggest freezing in the museum, then heading to the pools to warm up! There are limited food options, a small cafe, and fancy restaurant. Visit their website for all the details!

The Aurora Ice Museum was interesting but small. Definitely smaller than expected. There is an ice bar where you can get an appletini in an ice martini glass (extra charge). Unfortunately, that is the only drink available. You can also stay the night in one of the ice rooms (a very large extra charge). The sculptures have been kept for years and are all very coolly lit. The best part was watching the sculptor make the martini glasses (which they do right in front of you).

The Hot Springs were one of the best I have been to. These are not hot springs spilling into a natural basin. They are very obviously constructed. That being said, they did an amazing job! The “natural” area is big, surrounded by boulders and there is a fountain in the middle. Cruise around the pool or find a good spot that is just the right temp. There are also hot tubs and an indoor pool if that is what you prefer.

Swimsuits are required and a locker is provided. Don’t forget the flip flops!

BP Ice Sculpture Championships

During the championships, a large park area is turned into a gallery of incredible works of art. Along with the art is a kids area with ice slides, an ice hill (to sled down), a full sized ice house and numerous igloos.

The first thing to consider is when to go. The championships run for  roughly 3 weeks. I suggest going during the last week, toward the end. That way almost all of the sculptures are done and ready for you to admire, but there are still some artists working. Seeing the sculptures being made is pretty incredible in itself.

Go at night! The first year I went, we only got to see the sculptures at night. So on my second trip, we went during the day. While the daytime is still interesting (and definitely fun for the kiddos), it doesn’t come close to the night. And it really doesn’t offer much in addition to what you will see at night (see the comparison in the gallery. You will fully appreciate all the edges and fine detail with the lighting that is wonderfully done. The entry is for the full day, so if you can do both, go for it! Entry is $15 per person and is definitely worth it!

All considered a visit to Fairbanks is not exactly budget friendly but you can do it pretty inexpensively. I also must point you towards the Thai House Restaurant. Best Thai food I have ever had!

Headed to Alaska? Make a stopover in Juneau to see the Mendenhall Glacier.