Destination attractions things to do in sitka AK

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

Sitka proudly boasts its self as Alaskas most beautiful seaside town full of Russian history and Tlingit culture. In the late fall and early spring the waters around Sitka provide a feeding ground for humpback whales. During the year, you can also see many sea birds, tufted puffins, sea otters, and sea lions. The Tongass National Forest is the largest temperate rain forest in the world and Sitka lies at the center. Many mountain trails and river trips offer fantastic views of the pristine area around Sitka.

Sitka National Park displays many beautifully carved Tlingit totem poles, native artifacts and as you walk through the area you will see and hear many different types of wildlife. An important battle was waged between the Russians and Tlingits on the site of this National Park. The fort was burnt to the ground and the area where it once stood to this day remains bare.

The Isabel Miller Museum is located in the Centennial Building and full of interesting history of Sitkas mining days, logging days, and many Russian artifacts. Sheldon Jackson Museum has one of Alaska's oldest native culture exhibitions. Dr. Sheldon Jackson began the in 1895. This museum is small but worth the visit.

In 1842, the Russian Bishop's House was built making it the oldest original building in Sitka. It was built for the Bishop of the Orthodox Church. It has been restored to resemble what it would have looked like in the 1850s during which time it was used as the Bishops house, a chapel, and a school.

Castle Hill, which is the site of the Baranof Castle, was the stronghold of the Kiksadi clan. It was built in 1837, burnt down twice, and never rebuilt after the last fire. When Alaska became part of the United States on October 18, 1867, the transfer took place there because it used to be the capital of Alaska. Every year on October 18th they celebrate the transfer to the United States. Saint Michaels Cathedral built in 1844 stands in the center of town housing an important collection of Russian Orthodox Church treasures and art. The cathedral was destroyed by fire in January 1966. It is only open when the cruise ships come in.

St. Peter's by the Sea Episcopal Church was chartered as Alaska's Pro Cathedral. The doors to St. Peter's have never been locked, and the church is still used by many as a place solitude, prayer, and communing with God. Behind the church is a house built by the Bishop of St. Peters. Over the years, the house behind the church has been used as an elementary school and preschool. Today it is used as the Church Rectory and meeting place for community groups.

The New Archangel Dancers are a group of local Sitka women who perform genuine Russian dances in authentic costumes. They performances are only given when the cruise ships are in town. Alaska Raptor Center is a wildlife project staffed mostly by volunteers to protect and care for Alaskas raptors or birds of prey. Almost all of birds treated here are released back into the wild. Some do not regain the ability to fly and stay at the Center.

The Alaska Pulp Corporation built Whale Park, which is a small sheltered picnic area with two boardwalks. Each of the boardwalks leads down to the waters edge where you can view the Humpback whales and other wildlife. The Humpbacks come through in the spring and fall and viewing scopes are available to watch them feed offshore.

Also available for sightseeing pleasure are many wildlife boat tours, air tours, kayak tours, bus tours, bike tours, walking tours and cruises. Many restaurants, hotels, motels, beds and breakfasts and campgrounds are also available. Bayview Restaurant features gourmet hamburgers, sandwiches, seafood, salads, steaks, clam chowder, homemade desserts, beer, wine, and espresso.

Bear Country Coffee offers gourmet coffee and espresso, Italian sodas, fruit smoothies, and muffins. The Backdoor is a coffeehouse serving custom roasted espresso, hand-made pastries, bagels, pies, soups and fresh-squeezed orange juice. Captain's Galley features appetizers, sandwiches, soups, salads, fried chicken and pizza.

Tea-Licious TeaHouse & Bakery serves freshly baked bread, cakes, scones, creative soups and sandwiches and has a gift shop offering a wide selection of gifts and teas. Twin Dragon Restaurant serves Cantonese, Mandarin, Szechwan, and Peking style food. Ernie's Old Time Saloon serves your favorite beverage, chips, peanuts, and has a pool table.

Westmark Sitka - Raven Dining Room features fine dining serving up fresh locally caught seafood and also has a traditional menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner offering soups, sandwiches, and appetizers. Super 8 Motel is downtown offering a Jacuzzi, Laundromat, free breakfast bar with coffee and toast, cable TV, non-smoking rooms and restaurants and attractions nearby.

Totem Square Inn is located downtown within walking distance of attractions and restaurants. Most rooms have an ocean view. Phones and TVs are in all rooms. Laundry facilities available and a full kitchen is on the fourth floor. They are only open from May to September.

Sitka Hotel, recently remodeled is downtown close to attractions and shopping offering free local calls, coin-operated laundry, and internet connection. There are private and shared baths, phone, and TV. Alaska Ocean View Bed and Breakfast Inn offers a complimentary breakfast, King and Queen sized beds, microwave ovens, refrigerators, TV/VCR/DVD, fireplaces, data ports, and stereos.

Westmark Sitka is downtown close to shopping and attractions. It has a restaurant and lounge, room service, suites, private bath, phone and TV. Annahootz Bed & Breakfast offers two one-bedroom suites with private baths, mini kitchenette, phone and TV. Continental breakfast is also served. Alaska Swan Lake Bed & Breakfast features home cooked breakfasts, private baths and comfortable beds.

Baranof Island Bed & Breakfast gives you a private entrance, spacious living room, two bedrooms with queen beds, and a mountain view. They serve a full breakfast. Biorka Bed & Breakfast has two rooms with private entry, private bath, microwave, refrigerator, cable TV, queen beds, and a beautiful garden and mountain view.

Apple Blossom Inn features queen-size pillow-top beds and goose down pillows and comforters, high-speed internet access, washer/dryer, continental breakfast, shared bath, phone, and TV. Where Eagles Roost has two rooms with an ocean view, offering queen or twin rooms and there is a shared bath, mini kitchen, continental breakfast, telephones, and television/VCR and radio.

Cinnamon Bear Bed and Breakfast offers a spectacular view of the ocean, forest, mountains and volcano. They feature a spa, feather beds, home baking, full breakfast, and shared bath. Denny's Guide Service and Bed and Breakfast has three rooms, non-smoking, full breakfast or continental, private entrance, hot tub, common area, shared bath, and more.

Sitka Sportsman's Association RV Park is next to the ferry terminal with space for 16 RV's and water and electrical hookups; showers and restrooms. Open year round. Sealing Cove RV Parking has space available for 26 RV's with water and electrical hook-ups and is next door to Sealing Cove Boat Harbor and close to downtown Sitka. Open May 1 to October 1.