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This museum in the heart of town discusses many different aspects of the Tongass like the locals way of life, ecosystems, wildlife and industry. It is a must for anybody wanting to learn more about this part of the world. Find the Discovery centre right in town, see map for its exact location.
Night Alaska ExperienceDetails
The town was founded in the late-19th-century as a fishing village and incorporated in 1900. The town developed mainly through the fishing and fish-processing industries (canneries). Current-day city's economy is still based on fishing (canneries), as well as on tourism, forestry and services.
Take The Crab Fishermen’s Tour
Like most Inside Passage communities, Ketchikan is not accessible via car, and even its international airport is only accessible via a small ferry or water taxi. There’s lot of coverage to popular destinations, including Ward Cove, Totem Bight, and Saxman Park. Fares are cheap (just $1) for bus service, and two free shuttles run from May to September between the cruise ship docks and key downtown locations. This historical site houses original and unrestored totem poles created by Tlingit and Haida villages in the 19th century. This museum is a 15 minute walk from town or you can take the free shuttle bus to it.
Ketchikan City Council increases cruise ship head tax, adds pot stores - Must Read Alaska
Ketchikan City Council increases cruise ship head tax, adds pot stores.
Posted: Tue, 11 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Culture & History of Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan is a port city on Revillagigedo Island (part of Alexander Archipelago, Southeast Alaska) with population around 8,000. Ketchikan offers 4 cruise dock which are all located in front of the center of town. From here you simply cross the street and you are in the historical part of town. Read our full Ketchikan cruise port guide for all the information about this cruise destination. The city of Ketchikan offers a free shuttle service in the downtown area.
Time Zone
For a $10 entry fee, you’ll learn all about Dolly and her trade from a tour guide. Then, enjoy a self-guided tour through the house, seeing artifacts and photographs from this time period. Look closely at the shower curtain decorations and note the Married Man’s Trail that came to a special entrance at Dolly’s house. Alaska Firearms Adventures is only a few minutes from the cruise ship docks. Certain packages require firearms experience and proof of hunter’s safety course completion. Begin your Ketchikan cruise port experience by learning all about the area’s cultural and natural history at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center.
Horse Trolley in Downtown Ketchikan, Alaska
And for a stroll, take a walk along picturesque Creek Street – lined with charming shops and galleries to explore. From outdoor adventures to cultural discoveries, there’s something for everyone in this gateway to Southeast Alaska. Being centrally situated, it opens a direct gateway for passengers into downtown’s vibrant streets packed with attractions and amenities. Ketchikan, often called the “gateway to Southeast Alaska,” sits snugly on the Inside Passage.
Manhattan, New York – Cruise Terminal Guide
In the summer there are 2 main visitor centres that you will find right at the berth. At the visitors centre you can get all kind of information like walking maps, bus schedules, hiking information, but you can also book tours and excursions. Surrounded by colorful and intricately carved totem poles, the museum includes many artifacts from the native peoples who lived in Ketchikan before frontiersmen came to Alaska. Be sure to see all of the photographs, baskets, tools, totems, clothes, and masks while you’re here. Stop by to learn more about Tlingit symbols, totem poles and their stories, and unique crafts that make the native population of Ketchikan unique. While you’re there, pick up a few souvenirs to support the authentic art of the indigenous people of Ketchikan.
Tongass Historical Museum
The shuttle will make a stop at all 4 cruise docks, Creek street, Thomas Stedman, Totem Heritage City Park and Plaza Mall. Most cruise ships cruising the Inside Passage stopover in Ketchikan. They can dock right downtown within easy walking distance of the shops and Creek Street. Popular seaplane tours include Misty Fjords National Monument (approx 22 mi / 35 east of downtown) and Alaska Bear Adventure (Neets Bay). Also popular among tourists are the fishing charter excursions (salmon, halibut, cod, herring, rockfish) as well as guided eco-tours for wildlife viewing. Ketchikan's most popular restaurants are Alaska Fish House (seafood), Chico’s Mexican (also best for pizzas), Burger Queen, Bawden Street Brewery.
As in all Alaska ports, you’ll find kiosks set up along the dock with vendors selling last minute shore excursions. Located near Dixon Inlet near the southern entrance to the Inside Passage, Ketchikan is either the first or last Alaska cruise port visit for the big cruise ships. Ketchikan is a tourist town and almost always the first or last Alaska port on an Inside Passage cruise. The town’s small size makes it very easy to navigate in only one day while your ship is in port. There are tons of attractions, shops, and restaurants, too, so there’s no shortage of activities. Ketchikan was established thousands of years ago by Tlingit natives who would fish the creek during summer, drying their catch to keep them sustained through the bitter winter.
Dolly lived and worked at this house on Creek Street from 1919 to the 1940s. Hop on the free downtown shuttle to get to Saxman, which is about two miles south of downtown Ketchikan. If you are interested in firearms, archery, or knife and axe throwing, the port of Ketchikan offers a unique opportunity to try them out. Downtown Ketchikan can be tricky for biking when there are a lot of tourists, but locations like the Saxman Totem Park are a short 3-mile bike ride, mostly on a dedicated bike path.
Located about a mile and a half from the cruise docks, you’ll find a small array of stores and fast-food chains as well as a Safeway Supermarket. Note that the plaza is closed on Sundays (not including Safeway or McDonalds). The famous and fun street in the centre of Ketchikan is Creek Street. 30 stilt houses lined up the Ketchikan creek that is nowadays filled with lovely souvenir shops and museum.
The Chief Johnson Totem Pole is a bit unusual due to the large undecorated space between the lower totems and the topmost totem. This uncarved section was left blank to emphasize the importance of the mythological kadjuk atop the totem pole. The totem pole you see today is a replica carved by Israel Shotridge of the Teikweidi clan. It was the first totem pole to be carved and raised in the traditional Ketchikan ways in over 50 years. Chief Johnson’s Totem Pole stands 55’ feet tall and is one of the most photographed totem poles in the world.
Ketchikan’s E-bike and hike combines an electric bike tour with a leisurely walk through the Tongass National Forest. Lastly, enjoy a stroll through Totem Park at Saxman Native Village to learn about the historical carvings and stories behind the native culture. During the cruise, you’ll enjoy a complimentary alder-smoked salmon tasting and treats from other local Alaskan companies. Travel further out to Guard Island Lighthouse, built in 1904 and still working today, which offers panoramic views of the mountainous seascape surrounding you.
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