A personal cooling device includes a rigid ventilation tube that is curved in part to fit around the neck of a human user such that the entire device may be supported solely in this manner. A powered fan is located at one end of the ventilation tube and configured to force air through the ventilation tube. Ventilation holes are arranged to direct air leaving the ventilation tube toward a user's body. A hollow compartment is provided in the ventilation tube adjacent the fan and is configured to received a portion of ice or other frozen material as a frozen liquid-filled sponge to effect evaporative cooling of passing air.