Things to do in Ketchikan

Totem Bight State Historical Park

Totem Bight State Historical Park, located in Ketchikan, Alaska, United States, is a significant historical site that showcases the totem pole culture of the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast. The park features several exquisite totem poles, recreated by traditional Tlingit and Haida artisans based on ancient designs, with intricate carvings representing family histories, myths, legends, and animal totems. It also includes a reconstructed traditional Indigenous clan house, highlighting local tribal culture and architectural traditions. Situated along the strait, the park features a small beach where visitors can take in the natural scenery of the Ketchikan coastline.

Creek St

Creek Street is a historic district in Ketchikan, Alaska, United States, known for its boardwalk built on pilings over Ketchikan Creek. In the early 20th century, it was Ketchikan's busiest red-light district, with dozens of brightly colored wooden buildings suspended over the creek that remain well-preserved today. Today, these historic buildings have been converted into galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, making it a popular spot for visitors to learn about Ketchikan's Gold Rush history and experience the cultural atmosphere of an Alaskan town. During the salmon spawning season, large numbers of salmon can be seen swimming upstream in the creek, adding a touch of natural charm to this historic street.

Baranof Fishing Excursions

Baranof Fishing Excursions is a professional fishing guide operator in Ketchikan, Alaska, specializing in deep-sea fishing experiences for Pacific salmon, halibut, rockfish, and cod. Known as the Salmon Capital of the World, Ketchikan boasts abundant waters and a rich variety of fish, ensuring successful catches year-round. The operator offers various fishing charters ranging from half-day to full-day, equipped with top-tier fishing gear, rain gear, and professional captain guides, and provides fish cleaning, processing, and shipping services. Some routes also combine sightseeing in the Misty Fjords, perfectly blending the joy of fishing with Alaskan wilderness exploration, making it a popular outdoor experience for cruise passengers and independent travelers.

Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary

The Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary is located in Ketchikan, Alaska, United States, and is a natural and cultural attraction offering an immersive experience of the temperate rainforest in the southeast. The sanctuary features a raptor rehabilitation center where visitors can get an up-close look at native raptors such as bald eagles and owls. The park preserves a historic sawmill that showcases the history of the Alaskan logging industry from the late 19th to the early 20th century, and also features historic cabins carved with traditional Tlingit totem poles for visitors to view. Lush rainforest vegetation, forest streams, and mossy landscapes together form the unique temperate rainforest ecosystem of Southeast Alaska.

Saxman Totem Park

Saxman Totem Park is located in the village of Saxman, south of Ketchikan, Alaska. It is renowned for its large collection of traditional Tlingit totem poles and is one of the largest gatherings of standing totem poles in the world, which has earned Ketchikan the reputation as the Totem Capital. Most of the totem poles in the park were replicated in the 1930s by Tlingit carvers with the support of the Civilian Conservation Corps, based on original poles from abandoned villages. Each totem pole features intricate designs that record clan legends and historical stories. The park features a clan house, a carving center, and a gift shop, where visitors have the opportunity to watch artists at work. Some guided tours also include traditional Tlingit song and dance performances, making it an important place to gain a deeper understanding of Alaska Native culture and art.

Kawanti Adventures

Totem Heritage Center

Totem Heritage Centeris located in Ketchikan and houses totem poles, contemporary sculptures, textile art, and canoes. The collection is exquisite.

Tongass Historical Museum

Tongass Historical Museumis located in Ketchikan, houses many collections, and frequently hosts various exhibitions. Through these exhibits, visitors can gain a great understanding of the local fishing and logging history.

Southeast Alaska Discovery Center

Taquan Air