Southeast Alaska is a beautiful place. (18), and Stevie (16). The Mythbusters Investigate", Catching a Can in Ketchikan, A History of the Canned Salmon Capital of the World, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ketchikan,_Alaska, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Alaska Public Lands Information Center, Ketchikan, Alaska Division of Forestry- Ketchikan Office, Misty Fjords National Monument Ranger Station, NOAA Nautical Chart 17422 (Behm Canal: western part), NOAA Nautical Chart 17430 (Tongass Narrows), USGS Topo Map: Ketchikan B-5 SW (Southeast Alaska), USGS Topo Map: Ketchikan B-6 SE (Southeast Alaska), This page was last edited on 27 April 2023, at 09:15. The Yates Building was built as a hospital in 1904 and later housed Alaska . At the risk of sounding trite, there's something for everyone in Ketchikan and a wide variety of ways to explore our beautiful backyard, the Tongass National Forest. Ketchikan is a popular port of call on Alaska cruises. 3 MCKINLEYVILLE, CA We had 24 hours in Ketchikan to drag bike bags to our Airbnb, assemble bikes, bike around town, borrow some bear sprays from our new favorite Ketchikan locals (since you cant fly with them on a commercial plane), and sample the delicious food and beverage. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. #celebritycruises #travelalaska #visitketchikan, Finally went to see the Misty Fjords with these amazing people and it did not disappoint! PDF September 29, 2021 - Ketchikan, Alaska Several attractions highlight the industries that made Ketchikan possible. Learn about our lawless past Fax:907-228-6215, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tongass/recarea/?recid=78948. #alaska #ketchikan #royalcaribbean #cruise #travelpostcovid #travelwithftc #seattle, Scroll for a portal into our carb loading adventures in Ketchikan and on the ferry to Prince of Wales Island. Upstairs, the exhibit hall features sections on the Inside Passage's ecosystems and Alaska Native traditions. Mailing/Admin office address: 50 Front St., Suite 203 Ketchikan, AK 99901 Thank you, Ketchikan! Preserves the battle sight between Russian traders and indigenous Tlingit Besides just opening your eyes and taking a look around, there are many ways to experience the beauty that surrounds you in Ketchikan. Its also a recreation hotspot, where you can fish Tongass National, This itinerary highlights the best bear viewing experiences youre likely to encounter on a cruise through Alaskas Inside Passage and across the Gulf of Alaska. View past newsletters here. Summer is the season to see the annual salmon migration. You'll stay Waterfall Resort Alaska is known the world over for the astounding number of king and silver salmon, halibut, lingcod, and other sport fish Book with the locals!ALASKA & YUKON TOURS is Juneau's only 100% local, 100% year round travel agency. Further east and away from moderating maritime influence, winters on these parallels in inland North America are much colder. Most of the totems at Saxman Totem Park and Totem Bight State Park are recarvings of older poles, a practice that began during the Roosevelt Administration through the Civilian Conservation Corps. Besides just opening your eyes and taking a look around, there are many ways to experience the beauty that surrounds you in Ketchikan. . In 1905 a mission house was built, which in 1909 became the Yates Memorial Hospital. Wine tasting alongside fresh roe is a must in the salmon capital of the world. #yourwishtravelco . 131 Front St, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA. Visited: Jun 25, 2017 The very oldest are in climate-controlled seclusion and some are in private collections, but you can see the majority of them scattered throughout town, at the Totem Heritage Center or at one of our beautiful totem parks. Options to see are the Salmon Hatchery, Herring Cove, Local Waterfalls, Local Totem Parks, seasonal bear viewing, and exploring the Indigenous Cultures of Southeast Asia. LockA locked padlock Ketchikan Seaplane Tours | About SeaWind Aviation Contact Info (907) 225-6166 (907) 225-6166 (907) 225-4250; Questions & Answers [38], Several movies have been shot in Ketchikan, including The Silver Horde, Spawn of the North, Timber Tramps and Cry Vengeance, plus episodes of the television programs The Love Boat and Baywatch. Are you a history buff? Built in 1902, St. John's is the oldest church building standing in Ketchikan. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. As of 2010, there were 8,050 people, 3,259 households, and 1,885 families residing in the city. The average household size was 2.41, and the average family size was 3.07. Lesley coordinates all of Seawind Aviation tours, including the pick-up and drop-offs at the Ketchikan Visitors Information . It successfully launched the M/V Susitna in April 2010. Ketchikan is the starting point for your vacation in the breathtakingly beautiful Misty Fjords National Monument. The city is located in southernmost Southeast Alaska on Revillagigedo Island, 700 miles (1,100km) northwest of Seattle, Washington, 235 miles (378km) southeast of Juneau, Alaska, and 88 miles (142km) northwest of Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada. Creek Street was Ketchikan's famed red-light district until 1954. . #wilsalaska #thelastfrontier #49thstate #ketchikan #alaska #alaskaphotography #alaskanadventures #gooutside #treelove #natureaddict #tree #naturephotography #treemagic #explorealaska #wild #travelalaska #justgo #alaskalife #nakedplanet #earthfocus #earthpix #hike #hikealaska #natgeo #wildernessculture #wanderlust #nomad, Sun peeks through the trees at Settlers Cove on a blustery winter day. Please adjust your search criteria and try again. Your guide will make sure all the sites are covered, and you can just relax and enjoy it all. Beside the building are a Historic Ketchikan Inc.history kiosk and the 'rain gauge'. The spectacular Misty Fjords National Monument, lying just 22 miles east of Ketchikan, is a natural, The scenic beauty and recreation opportunities inside the United States' largest national forest are vibrant and abundant. #alaska #visitalaska #thelastfrontier #travelalaska #vacationplanning #traveldestination #totempoles #funfacts #alaskantotempoles, My happy place For a quicker journey, Ketchikan is also accessible by air with daily scheduled flight service. Immerse yourself in history The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center in Ketchikan provides information on Misty Fjords National Monument and the Tongass National Forest. In The Young Pope TV series, the character Pope Pius XIII as a punishment sends several cardinals who upset him to Ketchikan, which is depicted as a frozen wasteland. Theres a lot to see and do in Ketchikan! In territorial days, Norman Ray "Doc" Walker, a Canadian-born pharmacist practicing in Ketchikan, was arguably the first career member of the Alaska Legislature. #ketchikan #alaska #alaskacruise #royalcaribbean #alaskalife, Top 5 PLACES in the US to visit TOTEM POLES. Ketchikan, AK 99901-6591, Phone:907-225-3101 South of Ketchikan is Saxman Native Village & Totem Park. Decades ago, we were deemed the worst pest-hole in America, a bit harsh, but still we challenge you to find a town with a more colorful past. How to Plan a Trip to Ketchikan, Alaska - AFAR Juneau Convention and Visitors Bureau - Juneau's official information resource for your vacation and business planning needs. The Alaska Marine Highway System has its headquarters in Ketchikan.[26]. Look her up! Also, video and interpretive programs are presented daily to enhance visitors understanding of the last frontier. Please check back as more information becomes available. The Alaska Public Lands Information Centers help visitors and residents to have meaningful, safe, enjoyable experiences on public lands, and encourages them to sustain the natural and cultural resources of Alaska. Are you a Native arts aficionado? Walker served in the territorial Senate for 16 years before losing reelection in 1948 following a feud with territorial governor Ernest Gruening. Are you a nature lover? Ketchikan is located on Revillagigedo Island, so named in 1793 by Captain George Vancouver. Ketchikan Visitors Bureau - Explore Fairbanks The Inter-Island Ferry Authority serves Ketchikan with daily service from its homeport in Hollis on Prince of Wales Island.[37]. Civic boosters have dubbed the community the "Salmon Capital of the World. The trip from Bellingham, WA to Ketchikan takes 36 hours, and connections can easily be made to other top destinations including Juneau, Wrangell, Petersburg, Haines, Sitka, and Whittier. The most popular house in the 1930s on Creek Street was Dolly's House, the parlor of the city's most famous madam, Dolly Arthur. The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is located in downtown Ketchikan and offers excellent information for visitors and those who are new to Alaska. Ketchikan Exclusive Private Group Tour 2023 - Viator Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock The large cruise ships call at one of the four cruise ship berths; berths 1-3 are located in downtown Ketchikan, while berth 4 is further north at Newtown. Read Top 7 Things to Do in Ketchikan. Located in the Berth 2 Visitor Information Center, our tour center is the best place to go if youre looking for something to do. The United States Coast Guard maintains a large shore installation, Coast Guard Base Ketchikan, south of the downtown area, which serves as a homeport to three cutters and as a regional maintenance base for Alaska. A small port city on Revillagigedo Island, Ketchikan receives over 1 million tourists each year, primarily from Alaska Cruise Lines. Visitor Center located at 131 Front Street, on Berth 2 dock and at Berth 3 (seasonal), Copyright 2023 Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, Mailing/Admin office address: 50 Front St., Suite 203 Ketchikan, AK 99901, Visitor Center located at 131 Front Street, on Berth 2 dock and at Berth 3 (seasonal), Marine Services and Freight Transportation. Today, its historic wood-frame houses contain restaurants, shops, and Dolly's House Museum, the home of Ketchikan's most famous madam. Salmon capital of the world, and lots of other fish in the sea. It will take you through Creek Street, a charming town with lots of history. Another Ketchikan native, Terry Gardiner, was notable as the youngest person elected to the Alaska House of Representatives (at age 22), as well as the youngest person elected Speaker of the House (at age 28). The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is located in downtown Ketchikan. Both are named for prominent Ketchikan residents of the early and mid 20th century, William Lewis Paul and Adolph Holton Ziegler, respectively. The most rainfall in one month was 53.85 inches (1,368mm) during November 1917 and the most rainfall in 24 hours was 8.71 inches (221mm) on October 11, 1977. and Water Street. The average annual rainfall is 162 inches, but it has been known top 200 inches. Just 90 miles north of Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Ketchikan hugs the bluffs that form the shoreline along the southwest corner of Revillagigedo Island. It's interesting to note that totem poles are still created today, even though it's been part of history for many decades. Kayaks can be rented in town, and options include everything from an easy paddle around the waterfront to a weeklong trip in Misty Fjords National Monument. In the foreground is the intersection of Schoenbar Rd. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.5 males. LIVE THE DREAMClick here for jobs in Ketchikan, The arts, crafts and traditions of our first people thrive here, Activities and attractions offer insights on our history, culture, Local artists take inspiration from nature, tradition and found objects. Ketchikan has the world's largest collection of standing totem poles, found throughout the city and at four major locations: Saxman Totem Park, Totem Bight State Park, Potlatch Park, and the Totem Heritage Center. [8] In modern Tlingit, this name is Kichxan. Or maybe just zip down a line between two enormous cedar trees high above a verdant rainforest? Ketchikan, Alaska! [51] The National Geographic Channel series Alaska Wing Men in the episode "Fatal Crash"[52] follows a National Transportation Safety Board investigator's site visit of a July 2010 bush pilot fatal crash near Ketchikan.[53]. Among the collection is a replica of the Lincoln Pole (the original is in the Alaska State Museum in Juneau), which was carved in 1883, using a picture of Abraham Lincoln. The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is located in downtown Ketchikan and offers excellent information for visitors and those who are new to Alaska. With more than 80 on display throughout town and in adjacent villages, Ketchikan boasts the largest number of Native American Totem Poles in Alaska. Sometimes they get in the way of satellite reception! A prototype ferry craft for use by Alaska's Matanuska-Susitna Borough, the Susitna is the result of planning by Admiral Jay M. Cohen, former chief of the Office of Naval Research, and former Navy captain Lew Madden, then working as a project manager for Lockheed Martin. Ketchikan is a major port along the Alaska Marine Highway System's Inside Passage route. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. Elevations of inhabited areas range from just above sea level to about 300 feet (91m). The Promenade begins near Berth 4, passes Harbor View Park, follows the cruise ship docks, and then wraps around Thomas Basin Harbor. Ketchikan - Travel guide at Wikivoyage Taking the ferry to Alaska was something several Alaskans we met recommended and we are beyond happy we went for it. The Chief Kyan pole in Whale Park in the city center is one of the featured background images in most US passports. Trips into the monument, whether by tour boat, small airplane, or kayak, provide wildlife-sighting opportunities for seals, otters, bald eagles, and whales. Ten miles north ofKetchikanis Totem. Come visit the center to view interactive displays focusing on the area's cultural and natural history. You can check out our special pricing that our agency receives Princess is the #1 Cruise Line in Alaska, with over 50 years' experience in the region. Ketchikan is home to several restaurants, many featuring the areas fresh seafood, plus coffee shops, bars, and two local breweries. 1.5-hour scenic air tour from Ketchikan. Inside youre guided through the brothel, hear about Dollys intriguing life in Alaska, and see, among other things, its bar, which was placed over a trapdoor to the creek for quick disposal of bootleg whiskey. Ketchikan is home to the largest collection of totem poles in the world, including some of the oldest ones still in existence. Visitor Center located at 131 Front Street, on Berth 2 dock and at Berth 3 (seasonal), Copyright 2023 Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, Mailing/Admin office address: 50 Front St., Suite 203 Ketchikan, AK 99901, Visitor Center located at 131 Front Street, on Berth 2 dock and at Berth 3 (seasonal), Marine Services and Freight Transportation. Ketchikan: Small-Group Land and Sea Combo Tour 2023 - Viator [22], In 2017, the ACS-estimated median and average annual incomes for a household in the city were $56,372 and $70,490, respectively. Salmon Capital of the World, Rain Capital of Alaska, Alaska's First City, Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org- License Information: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0), https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District, List of twin towns and sister cities in the United States, National Register of Historic Places listings in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska, Alaska Department of Community and Regional Affairs, Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, "Alaska Taxable 2011: Municipal Taxation - Rates and Policies", "2020 Census Data - Cities and Census Designated Places", "SitNews - Ketchikan took shape 120 years ago by DAVE KIFFER", "Eleven historic places in America that desperately need saving", "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Ketchikan city, Alaska", "U.S. The Ketchikan road system extends both north and south of the city and leads to more parks, attractions, and accommodations. Open May through September. For most of the latter half of the 20th century, a large portion of Ketchikan's economy and life centered on the Ketchikan Pulp Company pulp mill in nearby Ward Cove. Numerous lodges and resorts are located along Tongass Narrows and cater to visiting anglers. Visitor Center located at 131 Front Street, on Berth 2 dock and at Berth 3 (seasonal), Copyright 2023 Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, Mailing/Admin office address: 50 Front St., Suite 203 Ketchikan, AK 99901, Visitor Center located at 131 Front Street, on Berth 2 dock and at Berth 3 (seasonal), Marine Services and Freight Transportation. We opted to not get a stateroom on the ferry and instead pitched our tent on the back end of the boat and spent the next two nights under the stars while we made our way to Ketchikan. Mailing/Admin office address: 50 Front St., Suite 203 Ketchikan, AK 99901 For example, along the banks of Ketchikan Creek, youll find a former house of ill repute that takes you back to the Creeks days as a red light district where the ladies of negotiable affection entertained the miners, fishermen, handloggers, and other frisky frontiersmen. Ketchikan also serves as the departure point for side trips to Prince of Wales Island, Annette Island, numerous bear-viewing sites, and one of the areas most impressive attractions: Misty Fjords National Monument. It has exhibits and a new film showing the nature and history of Southeast Alaska. Ketchikan Alaska Cruise Port Tips - Caribeez.com Summer Hours: During summer months (May - September), the visitor center is open from 8:00am - 7:30pm daily. View all videos What's your type? Entrance Fee: $5 per person or America the Beautiful Pass; persons 15 years and younger free. Name Ketchikan Visitors Center Address 131 Front Street, 203 Ketchikan, Alaska, 99901 Phone 907-225-6166 Fax 907-225-4250 Hours Mon-Fri 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. Managed by: City of Ketchikan Payment Methods: All major credit cards accepted For unknown years Alaskas first people harvested salmon from Ketchikan Creek in their summer fish camps. Yes, men came here to work in lumber and fishing, but a few enterprising and bold women made the Last Frontier more hospitable, so those men would stay. It has totems representing the Haida, Tlingit and Tsimshian cultures, interactive displays about the area and a 150-person movie theater with stories about the city and its history. Visitor Center located at 131 Front Street, on Berth 2 dock and at Berth 3 (seasonal), Copyright 2023 Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, Mailing/Admin office address: 50 Front St., Suite 203 Ketchikan, AK 99901, Visitor Center located at 131 Front Street, on Berth 2 dock and at Berth 3 (seasonal), Marine Services and Freight Transportation. On one side of the avenue, many businesses and homes are built on stilts out over the water, while on the other side they cling to the steep slopes and often have winding wooden staircases leading to their doors. En route to ALASKA! Most local tour companies are represented, with sales staff available to help you plan your day(s) in Ketchikan and then assist with same-day tour bookings or advance reservations. Ketchikan also houses the publishing offices of the Ketchikan Daily News. Of its 40 residents, 26 were Native, nine were White and five were Creole (Mixed Russian & Native). The figures on the poles are not like gods to be worshipped. Postal Service, one of Ketchikan's two zip codes, 99950, is the highest-numbered in the United States.[27]. An educational exchange program has been active between the two towns since 1986. On behalf of the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, I am submitting the attached packet detailing our request for funding support from the City of Ketchikan in the 2022 budget year. The visitor center will be closed during the month of April for staff training. Visitors to Ketchikan can witness the strength and agility of Ketchikan's lumberjacks during The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. Tours can be booked same day at our tour center (May Sept) located inside the Berth 2 building. . The ferry to Prince of Wales Island takes about 3 hours, so we had another opportunity to enjoy some non-freeze-dried food before we departed , A few things I learned in Ketchikan Alaskas First City and the Salmon Capital of the World today 4.4% of the population were Hispanic or Latino (2.6% Mexican) of any race. Listed as part of National Refister of Historic Places Rodney Dial is the current Mayor of the Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska. The Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people have lived in southeastern Alaska for over 10,000 years, and their arts, culture, and history can be seen throughout Ketchikan. You'll never feel bored since there are always so many things to do in Ketchikan, those who like adventure can go on an off-road UTV ride, take a bear watching tour, go kayaking, or hike the Deer Mountain trail. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, View All Southcentral & Interior Towns on a Map, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. According to the U.S. Description: The Ketchikan Visitors Bureau is a tourist information center located in Ketchikan, Alaska, providing information and resources for visitors to the area. #alaska #wheretonext #travel #traveladvisor #summer #explore #tlpicks #anchorage #ak #nature #adventure #mountains #naturelovers #travelgram #beautifuldestinations #traveldeeper #mytinyatlas #cntraveler #welltravelled #wonderful_places #fairfieldcountyct #fairfield #fairfieldcounty #fairfieldcountymoms #heymama #mom #luxe #condenasttravelspecialist #themoderndaywife, Totem poles are a cultural part of many indigenous people of Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and British Columbia. The current city mayor is Dave Kiffer who was elected in 2021. Set at the southernmost entrance to Alaska's famed Inside Passagea network of waterways that snake through some of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful wilderness in the worldKetchikan is best known for three things: feisty salmon, idyllic scenery, and an incredibly rich Alaska Native culture. Winner of seven regional Emmys and three national Telly awards, the Ketchikan Story Project chronicles the life and times of Alaska's First City. The figures found on these poles include the raven (a symbol of the Creator), the killer whale (a symbol of strength), the eagle (representing peace and friendship), the Thunderbird, the bear, the wolf, the beaver, and the frog. Stretching 31 miles long but never more than 10 blocks wide, Ketchikan is centered on Tongass Avenue. As Ketchikan is surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, the town's built-up area is long and narrow and along with the waterfront. And enjoy! The town of Ketchikan was founded as a salmon cannery site in 1885, and for years the city was known as the Canned Salmon Capital of the World. Logging became an important industry as well, and when cruise ships started exploring the waters of the Inside Passage, Ketchikan naturally became a popular port of call. Over the decades, Ketchikan has produced a number of political figures of note to Alaska in general. Ketchikan native Walter L. Kubley, deputy commissioner of commerce under Hickel, became commissioner of the department under Miller. An official website of the Ketchikan Alaska Free Trip Planner and Visitor Information [5][6] It is the state's southeasternmost major settlement. Ketchikan, AK | Things to Do, Recreation, & Travel Information The downside of picturesque mountainous vistas? Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. Scattered throughout the park are 24 totem poles moved from abandoned villages around the Inside Passage during the 1930s and restored or re-carved. Share this! Ferry passengers can walk on or board with their car or RV. Moreover, Ketchikan is only accessible by air and sea due to its unique geographical location, making it ideally suited for both water and land activities.