The Nenana Ice Classic is Alaska’s greatest guessing game —…

The Nenana Ice Classic is Alaska’s greatest guessing game — and one of the coolest spring traditions in the North!
Back in 1917, a handful of railroad engineers in Nenana bet $800 on when the Tanana River ice would finally break up. That friendly wager grew into a beloved 100+ year tradition.
Here’s how it works:
Every year, you buy a $3 ticket and pick the exact day, hour, and minute you think the river ice will go out (usually late April or early May). In the fall, a big tripod is planted in the frozen river and tied to a clock on shore. When the ice finally moves and tips the tripod, the clock stops — that’s the official breakup time. Closest guess wins the jackpot (often $200K–$300K+ split among the winners)!
It’s part lottery, part community party, and 100% Alaskan. ❄️🏔️
Tickets go on sale Feb 1–April 5. Who’s got their guess ready?