Location: Ketchikan
Top Things to do in Ketchikan
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10 Museums in Ketchikan That You Shouldn't Miss
Ketchikan, one of Alaska's most Southeastern cities, is the first stop for many cruises on their way to more Northern climes. A stay in Ketchikan itself can be rewarding, however, as the city is the gateway to Misty Fjords National Monument, an area so beautiful, it is known as "The Yosemite of the North." With steep valleys formed by glaciers and lava flows left by volcanic activity, Misty Fjords offers gorgeous views of natural formations, all reflected in the calm waters of Pacific inlets.
Restaurants in Ketchikan
1. Alaska Stone Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
2. Scanlon Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 56 reviews
From the spirit and character of the people who live here comes a remarkable range of talent and vision reflected in art forms from painting to carving to printmaking. Since 1972, Scanlon Gallery has offered residents and visitors to Ketchikan, Alaska, the finest in Alaskan art. At Scanlon Gallery you will find art at a range of affordable prices, whether your interests are in original paintings, sculpture, fine art prints, posters, or fine art books. We'll take the time to answer your questions and share our knowledge about the kind of art we know and love best.
3. The Rain Barrel
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 119 reviews
4. Alaska Galleries
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
This locally owned and operated gallery features many Alaskan artists, several from Ketchikan. At times you can watch an artist at work or ask about their methods and materials directly. The collection varies from museum worthy pieces to very affordable crafts.
5. Totem Heritage Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 533 reviews
The Totem Heritage Center was established in 1976 to house and preserve endangered 19th century totem poles retrieved from uninhabited Tlingit and Haida village sites near Ketchikan and to preserve and promote Native artistic and cultural traditions through traditional classes. The Center is home to 33 authentic poles, numerous historic images, and Native art works. Educational and interpretive tours are available.
Reviewed By Sightsee362722
Excellent, small, quick, educational, cultural and historical overview and display of Totems, their purposes, arts, techniques, meanings. Inexpensive $12 I think). Could stay a very long time immersing yourself, or you could see the whole museum in a half hour. We walked down to the Center from our Deer Mountain Rain forest hike and after our visit, caught the free Ketchikan shuttle bus back to the Cruise Ship docks.
6. The Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
The Point is a destination. It is an Art Cafe. It's an art gallery, coffee and tea shop and they serve lunch. All lunches are homemade from scratch, daily. Incredible waterfront views. See bald eagles, harbor seals, and occasionally even whales appear. Watch float planes take off and land close by as ships and fishing boats cruise the busy harbor. Free Wifi for customers. Open all week.
Reviewed By andinosmom34
I lived in Ketchikan as a travel nurse for a year several years ago. Terry Pyles and his wife are local artists and have a wonderful array of beautiful beads and unique yarns. Terry’s art is on display and are a must have for the art collector. It’s a wonderful gathering place where you can get to know interesting locals and even take crafting classes. The food is marvelous.
7. Southeast Alaska Discovery Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 264 reviews
The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is the gateway to the Tongass National Forest. Located just one block from the cruise ship docks in downtown Ketchikan, you can explore the amazing ecology of the coastal rainforest, connect with the rich cultures of the region's native peoples, discover how people earn a living from the forest, enjoy Junior Ranger activities with your kids and experience Alaska's rainforest from the comfort of our theatre through a variety of award-winning films. Wi-fi access is included with admission, and kids can play the Agents of Discovery augmented-reality game in the museum to sleuth out the truth about the Tongass
Reviewed By 512ferdinandf - Eugene, United States
After touring the museum part of the Discovery Center, we enjoyed watching a couple of films about how Alaskan salmon play in the lives of the fishermen. Very interesting and relaxing. We forgot our senior pass but it only cost five dollars each to get in...quite a great bargain for sure.
8. The Soho Coho
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Ray and Michelle Troll opened the Soho Coho art gallery in 1992. It's appropriately situated above a salmon spawning stream in K-town's notorious former red light district. The Star Building was the biggest house-of-ill-repute on the street and featured a hardwood dance floor with a large inlaid star. The original star is still there today! Once upon a time it housed a rouwdy dance hall run by the likes of "sporting women" known as Black mary and Thelman Baker. Now it showcases the artwork of Ketchikan artists Ray Troll, Evon Zerbetz, Chip Porter, Hall Anderson, Lizzie O, and more. You'll find an ecclectic mix of originals, prints, t-shirts, books, fossils, and unique gifts at the Soho Coho where our moto is "Better living through difficult art!"
Reviewed By amydeloach - Palmer, United States
Great local wares. A lot of art. Worth the visit if you can coordinate open times. The price is right for local art, jewelry, notecards, and sweats/T-shirt's.
9. Caribou Creek Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By Cruiser35942625918
Large store, great selection, good prices! So much to choose from here! Prices seem very competitive and had a large selection of everything.
10. Soaring Eagle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Our store consists of three rooms with WALL TO WALL pieces of art, carvings, ivory, knives and so much more!
Reviewed By KathyF1252 - Perth Hills, Australia
We visited whilst on a cruise stopover and were looking for items made in Alaska/USA and were authentic instead of mass produced souvenirs - so we were so happy to have found Soaring Eagle store. So many interesting items which I would loved to have purchased but Perth Australia is a long way away! We settled on a wonderful Eagle inlaid pendant made by Calvin Begay and I chose a Sleeping Beauty Turquoise bead. We are so thrilled with our purchases and the staff were very helpful and interesting. Thanks from Australia!
