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The Alaska Marine Highway- America's only Marine Scenic Byway!
5307 Halibut Point Road
Consider a different adventure to experience the majestic Southeast Alaska --take the Alaska Marine Highway ferry! The only Byway of its kind, Alaska's Marine Highway lets you leave the driving to someone else as you travel along scenic coastal routes totaling over 8,000 miles. Enjoy a wide variety of wildlife and awe-inspiring natural beauty as you cruise Alaska's Inside Passage to Sitka, Alaska.
SITKA NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
106 Metlakatla Ste. C
This scenic 107 acre park preserves and interprets the site of a Tlingit Indian Fort and the battle fought between the Russians and the Tlingits in 1804. A fine collection of Haida & Tlingit totem poles were moved there from the Louisiana Exposition in St. Louis in 1904, and in April, 1996, a locally carved totem was raised in traditional ceremonial style. The museum contains an exhibit of Tlingit and Russian artifacts. Please visit the Park's auditorium to view the fascinating historical movie depicting Sitka's colorful and rich past. The main building houses authentic original totems, a fine indoor museum artifact display, and an active Tlingit arts program/studio where the public can watch and talk to local Alaskan Native Indian artists. (Southeast Alaska Cultural Center). Building admittance fee: May to Sept. $4/person, family pass $15, Gold Age, Golden Access, Golden Eagle & National Park passes honored. 12 yr. and under free. A free, self-guided oceanside trail leads past numerous hand carved totems to the site where the Tlingit fort once stood. Open 8:00am - 5:00pm daily in summer. (Winter hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm Monday - Saturday). (907) 747-0110. Popular guided ranger walks on various topics are offered throughout the week in the summer months-please check with the park for their weekly schedule. Sitka National Park is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. Website: www.nps.gov/sitk
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SOUTHEAST ALASKA INDIAN CULTURAL CENTER
106 Metlakatla Ste. C
The Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center provides an artist studio for local Sitka Tlingit, Haida and Tsimpsian teaching and creating long-practiced cultural arts. This unique working artist studio provides a one-on-one experience for visitors to understand and view master (and practicing) native artists creating contemporary pieces of tradtional art forms. Questions and conversation welcomed while watching these finely-skilled artisans craft hand-chiseled wood totem poles and carvings, silver carving, weaving and beadwork. Located in Sitka National Historical Park's visitor center, the Cultural Center perpetuates the Native people whose history is an integral part of the Park story. The Cultural Center is open year-round. The Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose membership ($15) is open to the public and donations are welcome. Sitka National Historic Park visitor center building admittance fees, which help support the Cultural Center, apply May to Sept. (see Sitka National Historical Park above). (907) 747-8061 Email: seaicc@gci.net ww.nps.gov/sitk/parkmgmt/southeast-alaska-indian-cultural-center.htm
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ALASKA RAPTOR CENTER
1000 Raptor Way
A pioneering wildlife project, the Raptor Center has for years proven that dedicated volunteer effort and innovative veterinary medicine can make a life-or-death difference on Alaska's raptors (birds of prey). The Center's goal is to release into the wild all rehabilitated birds, however, a few never recover flight and remain housed at the Center's outdoor display. One of SItka's popular attractions, visitors are welcome at the Raptor Center's expanded facility and view the Center's latest flight barn addition. Summer Hours: mid-May to mid Sept.: 8am-4pm, days to be determined. Winter Hours: please call to confirm. Prices: $12 for adults, $6 for children.
For information, Call (907) 747-8662 or email: members.alaskaraptor@alaska.com.
Website: www.alaskaraptor.org
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FORTRESS OF THE BEAR
Sawvill Cove Industrial park
Alaska Brown Bear viewing in a natural type setting. .75 Acre exhibit replicates the Southeast Alaska Brown Bear habitat. View Brown Bears as you would encounter them in the wild! $11 adult, $4 for children, no charge for children under 6.
For information, Call (907) 747-3032 or e-mail: info@fortressofthebear.org
Website: www.fortressofthebear.org
 
SHELDON JACKSON MUSEUM
104 College Drive
Home to one of the oldest native culture collections in Alaska, collected by Dr. Sheldon Jackson, General Agent of Education, between 1880 and 1900. The present building, the first concrete building in Alaska, was erected in 1895. Located at 104 College Drive is just a short walk along Lincoln Street, midway from downtown and Sitka National Historical Park. Gift shop on location. Open 9:00am - 5:00pm daily, May to September. Summer months offer a Native artist demonstration daily. (winter hours: 10:00am - 4:00pm Tuesday - Saturday). Admission is $4.00. (907) 747-8981. National Register of Historical Places.
Website: www.museums.state.ak.us/sheldon_jackson/sjhome.html
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SHELDON JACKSON COLLEGE AQUARIUM & HATCHERY
801 Lincoln Street
Experience the spectacular diversity of the many amazing creatures that thrive in the waters surrounding Sitka. See the ecosystem of Southeast Alaska as depicted by a local artisan's mural and an 800 gallon Wall of Water exhibit. Feel the spiny skin of a star fish, the soft tentacles of a sea anemone, and the coarse shell of an abalone as your hands roam through the three large touch tanks. View the feeding of four species of salmon in the nation's only on-site college run hatchery. Admission is free, but due to the recent college closure, the aquarium is being operated solely by local volunteers (when available) to keep the fish release program continuing and donations are truly appreciated. Open during summer season, please check to see if the door is open between 9:00am-5:00pm and stop to visit this incredible volunteer-run Hatchery. 801 Lincoln Street. Website: www.sjhatchery.org
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ST. PETER'S BY THE SEA EPISCOPAL CHURCH
611 Lincoln Street
Since Sitka was the capital of Alaska in 1895, it was chosen as the "See City" by Bishop Rowe. In 1899 the first service was held in St. Peter's. In 1901, St. Peter's was chartered as Alaska's Pro Cathedral. Located directly behind the church is the Bishop's residence referred to as the "See House" built in 1905, by Bishop Rowe. The church continues to be used by many as a place of quiet and prayer, and a place of meeting for community organizations. According to legend, Joseph of Arimathea's staff took root and blossomed. In April of 1999, St. Peters' by the Sea received the 3rd planting from this Holy Thorn of Glastonbury.
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RUSSIAN BISHOP'S HOUSE
105 Lincoln Street
The oldest intact Russian building in Sitka was built in 1842, by the Russian American Company as a residence for the Bishop of the Orthodox Church. Bishop Innocent (Ivan Veniaminov) was its first resident. The building and grounds are managed by the National Park Service. It has been restored to the 1850's historic period when it functioned as a school, Bishop's residence, and a chapel. Registered as a National Historic Landmark. Open 9:00 am -5:00 pm daily during the summer months. Winter hours vary and reservations are needed. Admission is $4.00 (907) 747-6281 Website: www.nps.gov/sitk
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SITKA HISTORICAL MUSEUM
330 Harbor Drive
All elements of Sitka's history converge in one place: The Sitka Historical Museum. Packed with displays, photographs and artifacts from Sitka's Tlingit, Russian and American history, the museum is a worth-while first stop. It provides a perspective for almost everything else the traveler will see during his/her stay. A gift shop which supports the museum includes many exclusives made only for the museum. Open 8:00am - 5:00pm most days, but call to confirm hours (winter hours: 11:00am - 5:00pm Tuesday through Friday, Saturday 10am-4:00pm). (907) 747-6455. Donations are accepted to help support this well-loved city museum. Maps of Sitka's National Registered Landmarks can be found at the Sitka Historical Museum. Email: sitka.history@yahoo.com Website: www.sitkahistory.org
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NEW ARCHANGEL DANCERS
330 Harbor Drive (Performances are held at Harrigan Centennial Hall unless otherwise noted)
Authentic Russian and Ukranian dances performed by local women in authentic costumes. They perform when cruise ships are in town (approx. May to September). Please check the dance board schedule (which is updated daily) at Harrigan Centennial Hall, downtown, for details, or call (907) 747-5516 (dancer hotline). Tickets are sold a half an hour in advance of each performance at Harrigan Centennial Hall. Email: newarchangel@gci.net Website: www.newarchangeldancers.com
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HARRIGAN CENTENNIAL HALL
330 Harbor Drive
Built in 1967, during Alaska's Centennial celebration, the building is still one of the finest in the state. It houses visitor information, the Sitka Historical Society, a local history collection in the Sitka Historical Museum (formerly known as the Isabel Miller Museum), an auditorium for public use, a wildlife display and Baranof Arts and Crafts Association (in the summer months). A large hand carved Tlingit canoe made from one log is displayed under a sheltered area near the building. (907) 747-3225. Website: http://cityofsitka.com/dept/cent/index.html
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SAINT MICHAEL'S CATHEDRAL
240 Lincoln Street
Important collection of Russian Orthodox art and church treasures. Built in 1844-48, it was totally destroyed by fire in January 1966. Many of the icons and religious objects were salvaged and are in the rebuilt structure. Summer hours, open 9am-4pm on large cruise ship days, or check posted hours on the door. Sundays by appointment only. Winter hours: Call to check hours, (907) 747-8120. A $2.00 donation is requested. National Register of Historical Places.
SITKA LUTHERAN CHURCH
224 Lincoln Street
The site of the first Lutheran Church on the West coast of North America which contains original artifacts (1844 Kessler organ, chandelier, pulpit & communion rail) from the original 1843 Finnish Lutheran Church. Located on Lincoln Street in the heart of downtown Sitka. Mid-May to mid Sept., Mon.-Sat., trained volunteers offer FREE tours and literature. E-mail: office.slc1840@gci.net
Website: www.sitkalutheranchurch.org
SHEET'KA KWAAN NAA KAHIDI NATIVE DANCERS
200 Katlian Street
The Tlingit Dancers perform in connection with Sitka Tribal Tours at the Sheet'ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Community House. Hear the songs of tradition handed down by generations of a living culture. 1/2 hour performance, $7 per person. For further information, contact the Sitka Tribe of Alaska at (907) 747-7290, (888) 270-8687 toll-free or for further information email: reservations@sitkatribe.org Website: www.sitkatribe.org
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SHEET'KA KWAAN NAA KAHIDI TRIBAL COMMUNITY HOUSE
200 Katlian Street
Constructed on a site that once housed the Indian Government School, the Community House offers Native dance performances in full regalia, story telling, cultural events, and small gift shop with authentic Native artwork. Houses the largest hand-carved house screen ("Lovebirds") in Southeast Alaska. Located in the downtown area on Katlian Street, next to the Pioneers Home. This unique building can be rented for various events.
Website: www.sitkatribe.org
CASTLE HILL
(Baranof Castle Site) An Early stronghold of the Kiksadi clan. Later a succession of Russian buildings were erected on this site. The last one, known as "Baranof's Castle", was erected in 1837, and perished in a fire 1898. On October 18, 1867, it was the site of the transfer of Alaska to the United States. Each year, Alaska Day is still celebrated Oct. 18. This historical Site is managed by Alaska State Parks. National Register of Historical Places.
BUILDING 29
(The Log Cache) 206 Lincoln Street. Building 29, also known as the Tilson Building, is one of the few structures surviving from the Russian era of Alaska History. Built in 1835, it is listed with the National Historic Landmarks. Spruce logs, sawdust insulation system and heavy squared beams support the structure.
RUSSIAN BLOCK HOUSE
Replica of the block house that separated Russian and Tlingit sections of Sitka after the Tlingits moved back into the area 20 years following the 1804 battle. Located behind the Pioneer's Home on Katlian Street.
ANB HALL
The Alaska Native Brotherhood building is a registered National Historic Landmark built in 1914. Located on Katlian Street in the heart of the traditional Tlingit village, it serves as an Alaska Native community center. National Register of Historical Places.
MARINER'S WALL
Located at ANB Harbor, this brick wall with 2,000 inscriptions, representing the rich maritime history of Southeast Alaska and a special memorial to mariners.
TOTEM SQUARE
Contains a Russian cannon and three anchors recovered from the Sitka vicinity, probably lost by early British or American explorers. The totem pole displays the double-headed eagle of Sitka's Russian heritage.
PRINCESS MAKSOUTOFF'S GRAVE
Located behind the Pioneer's Home in the Lutheran cemetery, Princess Maksoutoff was the wife of Alaska's last Russian governor, Dimitrii Maksoutoff.
SITKA PIONEERS HOME
120 Katlian Street
Built in 1934 on the old Russian Parade Ground, this is a state home for elderly Alaskans. Handicrafts made by the residents are sold in the gift shop located on the first floor. The pioneers welcome visitors. The 13-1/2 foot bronze statue standing in front of the Pioneers Home was made by Alonzo Victor Lewis and was dedicated on Alaska Day 1949. The model was a real pioneer--William "Skagway Bill" Fonda. National Register of Historical Places.
WHALE PARK
Dedicated in July 1995, Whale Park provides an opportunity
to view wildlife (from the boardwalk), including humpback
whales in the late fall and early spring months. The park
is located about 6 miles south of downtown and has a small
sheltered picnic area and free viewing scopes. A hydro
phone is located in the main shelter area to listen to the
"songs" of the humpback whales.
JAPONSKI ISLAND
WW II headquarters for military forces who served in Sitka.
During WW II, Japonski Island was connected by a man-made
causeway in the 1940's to the surrounding chain of islands
which served as a location for bunkers and gunning sites.
Though the bunkers and sites are not well preserved, they
are accessible by boat. The island was connected to Sitka
by the O'Connell Bridge in 1972. Presently, it is the site
of a USCG Air Station and Boat Station, University of Alaska
Southeast, Mt. Edgecumbe High School, Southeast Alaska Regional
Health Center, and the Rocky Gutierrez Airport.
Key:
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Handicap Accessable |
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Within One Mile of Town |
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More Than One Mile From Town |
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