Kodiak Travel Tips: Where to Go & What to Do

Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park is steeped in natural and cultural resources that are worth exploring during a visit to Kodiak. The natural beauty of the park is extraordinary, and you’ll be able to walk through wildflower-laden meadows or stand over towering cliffs. Visitors in the park will come across the historic ruins of a World War II coastal defense installation. Other activities and amenities include hiking, swimming, fishing, or camping in one of their tent or RV campsites. For a more comfortable visit, they have additional amenities such as picnic sites, toilets, as well as fresh drinking water fountains.

Address: Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park, Miller Point, AK 99615

The Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1941 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in an attempt to protect the distinct Kodiak brown bears and their habitat. Today, the refuge keeps the pristine island ecosystem intact, allowing wildlife to thrive in the expansive acres of mountains, streams, lakes, wetlands, grasslands, forests, and meadows. The habitats sustain over 3,000 bears, 400 breeding pairs of bald eagles, over 30 million salmon, and multiple other species of fish, birds, and mammals. Start your exploration of the refuge at the Visitor Center, as it will properly guide you on your journey to wildlife viewing, environmental education, hunting, fishing, and camping in one of their secluded cabins.

Address: Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center: 1390 Buskin River Road, Kodiak, AK 99615, Phone: 907-487-0282

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Located within the Kodiak Fisheries Research Center is the Kodiak Laboratory Aquarium & Touch Tank. The large, freestanding aquarium holds over 3,500 gallons of water and various species of fish that visitors of all ages love to watch during their visit there. You can hold and feel several intertidal organisms in their touch tank, which represent major marine invertebrate phyla in the region. The fish that is housed in the aquarium, as well as the touch tank, are collected from the waters around Kodiak Island to display the extensive array of life that can be found in the area.

Address: Kodiak Laboratory Aquarium & Touch Tank, 301 Research Ct, Kodiak, AK 99615

To preserve, explore, and celebrate the culture of Native Alutiiq communities, the Kodiak Area Native Association’s Culture and Heritage Division established several island-wide programs dedicated to sharing the Alutiiq language, art, and history. The Alutiiq Museum opened to the public in the summer of 1995 and houses and executes a number of exhibits, programs, events, and publications. Through their many displays, you’ll be able to learn about the Alutiiq/ Sugpiaq people, indigenous plants, and about their native language. Several temporary exhibits and workshops are housed as well, including a hands-on exploration of Alutiiq arts which may be displayed in their growing gallery.

Address: Alutiiq Museum, 215 Mission Rd # 101, Kodiak, AK 99615, Phone: 844-425-8844

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

Kodiak History Museum, which is operated by the City of Kodiak and the Kodiak Historical Society, is housed in the oldest building in Alaska - popularly called the Russian American Magazin. The museum houses several exhibits which display the stories of the land’s people, culture, nature, art, and history. Exhibits vary throughout the year, with one of the most popular being of the Sami Reindeer indigenous people and how they adapted to the surroundings and lived off the land for generations. The West Side Stories exhibit documents the unique stories and photographs of people who lived by, taken by local photographer Breanna Peterson.

Address: Kodiak History Museum, 101 W Marine Way, Kodiak, AK 99615, Phone: 907-486-5920

Attracting veterans and visitors from all over, the Kodiak Military History Museum has several displays and exhibits dedicated to the land’s military heroes and history. The museum itself is housed in Fort Abercrombie’s Ready Ammunition Bunker. The bunker, located at Miller Point, was built by Navy SeaBees of CB-43 in 1943. Within and surrounding the building, visitors will be able to see the remains of two eight-inch gun mounts, several gun barrels, and many other aspects. Several of the artifacts on display there include model telephones, typewriters, newspapers, artillery shells, vehicles, uniforms, and more.

Address: Kodiak Military History Museum, 1417B Mill Bay Road, Kodiak, AK 99615, Phone: 907-486-7015

Orthodox Christian missionaries first landed on Kodiak Island in 1794 and one of the original members of the missionary team was Father Herman. He was a monk from the Valaam Monastery in northwestern Russia and devoted his time to building the Kodiak Archipelago and running a school for orphaned children on Spruce Island. He bonded with the native Alutiiq people and taught them the basic principles of Orthodox Christian Faith as well as new carpentry skills, agricultural techniques, and other crafts. Presently, the St. Herman Theological Seminary trains students and shapes prospective candidates who yearn to be religious educators, church readers, and be a part of the Holy Priesthood and Diaconate within the church.

Address: St. Herman Theological Seminary, 414 Mission Road, Kodiak, AK 99615, Phone: 907-486-3524

If you are a photographer, don't miss:

Favored by locals and visitors, North End Park is situated on Kodiak’s Near Island. The park is popular with hikers, as the trail is great for those who just go on an occasional walk as well as avid hikers. The trail is extremely well maintained, clearly marked, covered, and winds through the lush forest setting. During your walk you’ll come across scattered benches where you can sit and enjoy the views of the beach, the town, or the fishing boats on the channel. The trail at North End Park goes by the Kodiak Fisheries Research Center, which has an aquarium and a touch tank for visitors to enjoy.

At three miles long, Pasagshak River is one of the most outstanding places in Kodiak to go fishing. The stream empties into the Pasagshak Bay and is home to several species of salmon including salmon, chum, pink, and silver. During your exploration of the area you may be able to see several other coastal and wildlife animals such as dolphins, whales, seals, brown bears, eagles, and more.

You can spend your time fishing, kayaking, or beach combing; there are several tent and RV campsites near to water, toilet, and picnic facilities for guests who want to stay overnight.

Taking up a majority of the island, Shuyak Island State Park encompasses a coastal forest, several beaches, miles of rugged coastline, and several protected waterways. During your exploration of the area, you will be able to see much of the land’s flora and fauna including the Sitka Spruce which is unique to the Kodiak Archipelago. There’s tons of opportunities to go hiking on their intricate trail system, hunting, fishing, and kayaking.

Visitors are invited to go camping at Shuyak Island State Park as they have four public-use cabins which are located amidst the lush forest near the edge of the water. Each cabin comprises the main wood shed, which is fitted with sleeping platforms, a wood stove, and a basic supply of cooking pots and pans, though groceries need to be purchased prior to your arrival.