EXPERIENCE THE TOP 17 ATTRACTIONS IN KETCHIKAN
Ketchikan was founded as a salmon cannery site in 1885.Its livelihood initially relied on fishing until logging was introduced and cruise ships began to frequent the area. Forested slopes serve as a backdrop for the city, which faces the Tongass Narrows—a waterway busy with floatplanes, fishing boats, ferries, and barges. But travelers should pack their raincoats, as the city experiences an average annual rainfall of 162 inches—or what the locals call 'liquid sunshine.'Visitors can wander downtown to see the harbors and maybe catch a glimpse of a docking cruise ship. Other attractions include the historic Creek Street—a boardwalk road built over Ketchikan Creek. The Waterfront Promenade wraps around the busy shoreline and offers whale-tail benches for a place to rest and enjoy the view. Just 22 miles east of Ketchikan, Misty Fiords National Monument boasts a montage of sea cliffs, steep fjords, and rock walls that jut out to the ocean. Hikers should keep their eyes open for wildlife, including bears, mountain goats, bald eagles, and a variety of marine animals.
In Ketchikan you will find some beautiful attractions that you just cannot miss! Places like Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, Alaska King Fishing Charter, and Arctic Bar and many more. Continue reading to know more.
1. Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, located in Alaska, is known to be the best spot for observing and looking at the glacier. Not only does the visitor center offer a great observation deck but also features interpretative and engaging programs as well as an observatory with numerous telescope
2. Alaska King Fishing Charter
Alaska King Fishing Charter offers a one-of-a-kind experience in Alaska. It provides a fun and enjoyable fishing charters where avid fishers would surely have a blast. There are a variety of fishes waiting for those who want to fish such as the king salmon and yelloweye rockfish where guests could keep what they were able to fish.
3. Arctic Bar
Arctic Bar is a world-class interpretive center that attracts all tourists, international people, along with local loggers, fishermen, pilots, and construction workers. It is a waterfront bar that was established in 1937. The bar offers 19 draft beers on tap. Also, it is famous for its logo of two bears and its signature dishes.
4. Best Views Of Nature At Guard Island Lighthouse
Guard Island Lighthouse, located in Alaska, is a must-visit destination for those who love sightseeing as it is surrounded by a stunning landscape of nature. It is situated on Guard Islands which visitors will surely love as it is a pair of small rocky islets worth exploring.
5. Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour
This is a 3-hour tour from Ketchikan Alaska where snow crab, king crab, octopus, prawns, and a variety of fish can be caught. Deadliest Catch is a reality television series that aired on Discovery Channel in 2005. Best eagle viewing is also part of this tour. Close shots of the eagles can be taken. Guides give good educational information in their presentation. From the start to the end of this tour, everyone will definitely enjoy the beautiful moments.
6. Dolly's House Museum
Dolly's House Museum used to be one of the more popular brothels along the creek. The Dolly's House Museum is on the itinerary from 10:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. You may plan an itinerary that includes the Dolly's House Museum, which is situated at 24 Creek St in Ketchikan, Alaska. To construct a picture safari, you'll need 3 hours away from the tourist traps.
7. Baranof Fishing Excursions
Baranof Fishing Excursions is well known for the traditional Alaskan dining with fishing packages, located in Ketchikan. The Cook Your Catch program is the interesting part of this trip where visitors will get a chance to eat the delicious fish which they catch. The best techniques for catching the fish are taught in this program.
8. Alaska Strike Zone Sportfishing
Alaska Strike Zone Sportfishing is the perfect spot for the best coastal fishing in the world, this is the Salmon Capital of the world. Alaska is the oldest and the largest fishing charter. Alaskan salmon fishing and adventure can be best learned in this place.
9. Salmon Market
The Salmon market is centrally located in the heart of Ketchikan on the corner of Mission and Main Street. It specializes in authentic Alaskan food products and carries a wide range of gourmet canned smoked salmon, salmon fillets, salmon jerky, caviar, spreads, reindeer sausages, wild berry Alaskan jams, and jellies, etc. It is visited by over half a million visitors a year.
10. Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary
This 40-acre rainforest reserve features tall stands of spruce, hemlock, and cedar trees, as well as mosses, wildflowers, and a variety of berries on the forest floor. The sanctuary is located in Herring Cove, which is only 8 miles from Ketchikan by road. Walking a readily accessible half-mile Tongass trail, visiting the Alaska Raptor Center's aviary exhibits, watching a Native master totem-pole carver at work, and touring a historic Alaska sawmill are just a few of the on-site activities.
11. John's Episcopal Church
John's Episcopal Church, located in Alaska, is perfect for those who want some peace and quiet. It is a Christian Congregation where visitors could reflect and worship as it offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere. Aside from this, visitors could also admire the wonderful and characterful architecture the church has.
12. Misty Fjords National Monument
Misty Fjords National Monument, located in Ketchikan, features captivating views of nature where it houses blue glacial lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. The monument is perfect for those who love to go on sightseeing as it offers beautiful views of nature.
13. Tongass Historical Museum
History enthusiasts should not miss visiting the Tongass Historical Museum in Alaska as it houses the collection of local historical and Alaska native artifacts. Visitors would surely learn more about the city's culture and history through the extensive exhibits the museum offers. It is well known for its efforts of collecting, preserving, and interpreting artifacts and documents relating to history and culture so visitors could be confident that the museum is well maintained and organized.
14. Totem Heritage Center
Totem Heritage Center is located in Ketchikan, Alaska. The poles were recovered from Village Island, Tongass Island, and the Haida village. For the preservation of totems, Totem Heritage Center was founded in 1976. About 33 authentic totems poles were kept on display, while the rest were kept for research purposes. The center has collections of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian artifacts, artworks, numerous historic images, modern sculptures, textile arts, and canoes carved from a single piece of wood. The center provides classes on traditional art and crafts. Classes are available throughout the year. The center also offers educational and interpretive tours for the public.
15. Ketchikan Totem Poles
Ketchikan Totem Poles, seen in Alaska, can easily be spotted while you are exploring the city. They are known for their colorful designs and significance in history. They are also usually seen in parks where guests could relax and unwind after visiting various tourist spots. Truly, seeing the Ketchikan Totem Poles must be on your bucket list when going to Alaska as it features the rich and vibrant culture and history of the locals.
16. Creek Street
Creek Street, located in Ketchikan, is a historical destination where visitors will surely love strolling around while admiring the wonderful and stunning historic buildings it houses. The structures at Craig street feature numerous establishments with architecture prominent in the past as it was once the city's red-light district.
17. Dolly's House Museum & Gift Shop
Dolly's House Museum & Gift Shop, located in Ketchikan, is one of a kind tourist destination, where visitors are given the chance to see and look back at the 19th-century. It consists of various engaging exhibits, where 19th-century furniture is displayed.