Ketchikan – What To Do And See In The Heart of Alaska?

Ketchikan, Alaska is a remote and beautiful city nestled in the misty mountains of southeastern Alaska and is the most southeastern major city in the United States. It is a great destination to experience the authentic Alaskan culture and natural beauty. The area has a rich history, and there are plenty of places to explore and things to do, whatever your interests may be.Ketchikan is known as “the salmon capital” of the world and a popular destination for anglers seeking chinook, coho, and sockeye salmon. It’s also the gateway to Misty Fjords National Monument, a two million acre wilderness area with pristine fjords, breathtaking lake, and abundant wildlife. From guided tours of Ketchikan and local Native villages to hiking and kayaking, Ketchikan has something for everyone. So, what are some of the top things you should see and do while in Ketchikan?

1. Enjoy the Salmon Capital

Ketchikan is known for its excellent salmon runs and deep fishing heritage. There are various boat charters that let you explore the city and its nearby bays, islands, and rivers to try your luck with some salmon fishing. If you don’t have your own boat, take a guided tour of Ketchikan to get up close and personal with the spectacular views of the local waterways and its abundant wildlife. Salmon fishing is always a great option for any angler irrespective of whether you are a beginner or expert.

2. Check Out Ketchikan’s Centennial Building

Another standout sight in Ketchikan is its Centennial Building in historic downtown. This historic building was constructed in 1911 by city founders and stands tall as one of the most impressive structures in the city. It served as home to the Ketchikan Public Museum until 2018 when it was renovated and returned to its original purpose as City Hall for Ketchikan. During your visit, be sure to check out the historic gold-colored filigree detailing on the façade of the building for free!

3. Explore The Nearby Native Villages

Ketchikan is also home to five nearby Tlingit and Haida Native villages: Hydaburg, Kasaan, Saxman, Klawock, and Craig. Visitors can even take tours to explore these villages and their culture by kayak or air-taxi to get an up-close look at Alaska’s Native American history.

4. Hike Through The Misty Fjords National Monument

Misty Fjords National Monument is an incredible two-million acre wilderness area that’s home to diverse wildlife and stunning scenery like fjords, pristine lakes, waterfalls and wetlands. The Misty Fjords National Monument is one of America’s most spectacular wilderness parks and it’s a great place for nature hikes or to see wildlife from up close. There are plenty of hiking trails in the area where visitors can explore this beautiful region, some of which offer magnificent views of the surrounding area.

5. Sample Local Cuisine

Ketchikan is well-known for its excellent seafood cuisine, particularly its succulent wild-caught salmon dishes. Enjoy lunch or dinner at one of Ketchikan’s waterfront restaurants where you can get caught up with local delicacies as well as delightful North Alaskan brews from area microbreweries while overlooking the waterfront views. Head downtown towards Water Street if you’re looking for more traditional restaurants and cafes that specialize in even more fantastic fresh seafood dishes.

6. Visit Totem Bight State Historical Park

Totem Bight State Historical Park is located five miles outside of downtown Ketchikan on Gravina Island and offers an incredible view of 14 hand-carved totems that have been standing since 1936. This park also houses a museum with archaeological artifacts including local totem poles. Visit this spectacular park if you’re interested in learning more about the culture, artifacts, stories and history of Alaska’s Native Peoples.

7. Get Local Shopping Tips On Creek Street

For those looking for a little retail therapy, Creek Street is a must-visit spot in Ketchikan that offers a variety of shopping stores featuring arts, crafts, souvenirs and antiques from local artists and artisans. This popular street has been around since the 1920s when it was built on stilts over Ketchikan Creek; so literally a stroll down this road can take you back in time! Aside from its historical charm, Creek Street also has some unique stores that sell mementos such as jewelry and clothing, as well as authentic Alaskan art and crafts.

8. Get Close To Nature At The Totem Heritage Center

The Totem Heritage Center is located just outside of town on Stedman St., at Cape Fox Park. This center houses a vast collection of native artifacts from the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures which visitors are invited to explore and learn about Alaska’s History through interactive displays that includes rare artifacts such as a 20-foot totem poles that were rescued from Native villages abandoned due to restrictive laws crafted by the United States government in 1899, banning aboriginal worship practices in an effort to assimilate them into American culture and ways of life. If you’re looking to escape into nature while visiting Ketchikan, this beautiful area offers plenty of activities to choose from such as mountain biking, kayaking, camping, whale watching and more! Overall, visiting this city will be worth it! Ketchikan is considered one of the best places in Alaska to experience authentic culture and wilderness. Although it’s not always easy to access due to winter storms, Ketchikan continues to be one of Alaska’s best kept secrets; but many who visit find that its unique landscapes, beautiful nature and friendly people make it truly worth discovering! Check out this website for travel tips for your visit to Ketchikan, Alaska!