Exploring Sitka, AK: Where Alaskan Wilderness Meets Rich History

The Sheldon Jackson Museum is the brainchild of Reverend Doctor Sheldon Jackson, who established hundreds of missions and churches across the United States in the late 1800s. His extensive travels allowed him to collect artifacts from all over, many of which are presently on display at the museum. The museum is the oldest in Alaska and the building the museum is housed in is the first concrete building in the state. Some of the artifacts and exhibits you’ll come across include jewelry, traditional toys, clothing, and several totem poles. One of the collection’s highlights is the Baidarka, which is a traditional skin-covered watercraft that was used by the Alutiiq and Aleut people.

104 College Dr, Sitka, AK 99835

Sitka National Historical Park/ Totem Park in Alaska, also known as Totem Park, is full of so much history, culture, and beauty. The park preserves the site of a battle between the indigenous Tlingit people and Russian traders who tried to invade the land. You’ll be able to see the Russian Bishop’s House, learn about their little known colonial legacy in North America, and see the gorgeous Haida and Tlingit totem poles which stand along the park’s coastal trail. There are daily tours which are guided by knowledgeable rangers who will give you a more in-depth perspective of the land. Other aspects include a visit to the park museum which houses over a thousand glass plate negatives by photographer E. W. Merrill.

103 Monastery St, Sitka, AK 99835

The Alaska Raptor Center was established in 1980 in an effort to provide medical treatment to bald eagles and other birds while teaching people about environmental conservation and Alaska’s varied bird species. The center has grown rapidly over the years and now treats around 200 injured birds every year. Every once in a while, a bird is injured so severely that it can’t make it in the wild even after rehabilitation; in these cases, the birds are added to the center’s Raptors-in-Residence program. You’ll be able to see the many birds, learn about their mannerisms and the medical relief provided by the center, as well as learn about the Alaska Raptor Center’s bald eagle research.

Alaska Raptor Center, 1000 Raptor Way, Sitka, AK 99835

Fortress of the Bear is a three-quarter acre habitat that is set against the Tongass National Forest. Visitors come from far and wide to see the amazing bears that live in the naturalized setting. The fortress is home to three populations of bears, which you will be able to observe from a large covered viewing platform less than twenty-five feet away. Being in such close proximity to the them will let you get to know their unique personalities and better understand the many aspects of the fortress. Tours are held throughout the day and last about half an hour each before ending with a visit to the gift shop, so you can purchase souvenirs to take back with you.

4639 Sawmill Creek Rd, Sitka, AK 99835, Phone: 907-747-3032

The Russian Bishop's House, which can be found within Sitka National Historical Park, is one of the nation’s few surviving examples of Russia’s brief colonization of the United States. It was completed in 1842 and was originally a part of the Russian Orthodox Church. Today, visitors can step back in time and better understand what it was like to live in Sitka during the Russian-American period. The log-structure building you see today has been restored and renovated over the years, though it looks very much like it originally did in 1853. There are a few other buildings from that era surrounding the Bishop’s House, one of which is the wood frame structure built in 1897 as the Old School.

501 Lincoln St, Sitka, AK 99835

Identified as a U.S. National Historic Landmark, while also being listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, St. Michael's Cathedral has a long and rich history. It was the first Orthodox cathedral to be established in North America and opened its doors to Russian explorers, hunters, and missionaries in 1848. The cathedral was built during the short amount of time when Alaska was controlled by Russia and is recognized for bringing the Orthodox faith to its people. What you see today is not the original structure, as that was destroyed in a fire in 1966, but is a newly designed landmark that has become prominent in Sitka over the years.

240 Lincoln St, Sitka, AK 99835

The Sitka Sound Science Center is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to sharing the wonders and mysteries of Alaska’s terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems with its visitors. There are many aspects of the science center that will interest you, whether it be the hatchery, aquarium, or field station. You can tour the operational hatchery, which produces over 250,000 Coho salmon, three million pink salmon, and twelve million chum salmon annually. Younger visitors love the aquarium, especially its touch tanks which let you feel a pointy urchin, anemone, or starfish. Once it’s all said and done be sure to stop by the gift shop to get some great souvenirs to take back with you.

Sitka Sound Science Center, 834 Lincoln St, Sitka, AK 99835, Phone: 907-747-8878

Once a Russian-built settlement along the shore of Starrigavan Bay, the Old Sitka State Historical Park covers 212 acres, 7 miles north of the town of Sitka. These days, visitors come to the park to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, boating and wildlife watching. There is a public boat launch and dock which allows you to reach the ocean waters north of Sitka which opens up a wide variety of sports fishing opportunities. Those who prefer to stay on land can explore a historic home and 2 short hiking trails called the Forest Muskegs Trail (1.25 miles) and the Mosquito Cove Trail (1.5 miles).

Old Sitka State Historical Park, 7.5 Halibut Point Rd, Sitka, AK 99835

The Baranof Castle State Historical Site , also popularly known as Castle Hill, is one of the most substantial historical sites in the entire state. The area was originally inhabited by Tlingit natives, who built a strategic fortification against those attempting to occupy their land. It was here that Alaska was officially transferred from Russia to the United States in 1867. Visitors will be able to explore the recognized National Historic Landmark via the many accessible walkways that lead them to the top of the hill. At the very top you’ll be able to see gorgeous views of the waterfront and downtown Sitka.

For a slightly more difficult hiking experience, head to Harbor Mountain Trail out of the many choices available in Sitka. The hiking path is mostly difficult during hazardous weather conditions, and there are some areas where footing may prove to be a bit more difficult due to being wet or icy. That being said, the experience of hiking Harbor Mountain Trail is completely worth it as you come across excellent views of Baranof Island, Sitka Sound, Kruzof Island, and Mount Edgecumbe. You’ll also see a variety of flora and fauna along the way including deer and eagles.