Location: Ketchikan
Top Things to do in Ketchikan
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What to do and see in Ketchikan, Alaska (AK): The Best Things to do
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. Tongass National Forest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 140 reviews
The nation's largest national forest.
Reviewed By scuba-chuck - Moorpark, United States
Went fishing, and flew over only a small part of the forest. Beautiful area. Highly recommended to get away from it all.
2. Misty Fjords National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 860 reviews
This huge wilderness area includes hundreds of rivers and streams fed by melting glaciers each spring.
Reviewed By RupaAnand - New Delhi, India
I had booked this trip prior my departure from New Delhi for our Alaskan Cruise on board The Nieuw Amsterdam. May 9th we docked at Ketchikan. The operator met me at the jetty as instructed and I was transported to Taquan Air office. “Let me fly high into the clouds to be with the bird touching the skies and washing my spirit clean.” Storytelling from Alaska - An awesome experience flying nearly 5000 feet above sea level- The magnificent Misty Fjords National Monument taken from board an Alaska seaplane, a de Havilland Beaver. Misty Fjords National Monument is home to some of the most dramatic scenery in Alaska. What an incredible sunny day here! We were only four passengers with the pilot as the fifth. A highlight of this tour was an exhilarating water landing, where we stepped out onto a wooden jetty to enjoy the fresh fjord air, eagle calls, and breathtaking scenery. Only by air can one fully appreciate the dramatic beauty of land slowly crafted by nature over tens of thousands of years. Massive glacier action created this ice-rimmed wilderness. We saw majestic fjords, cascading waterfalls, jewel-like lakes, and a whale ambling in lush blue waters.... I marvelled at sheer walls of granite plunging more than 3,000 feet into the fjords. Lush forests of spruce, hemlock and cedar clinging to snowcapped peaks in this land of incredible natural beauty and rugged grandeur. Look after Nature and Nature looks after you. All pictures are from the Floatplane window (????)
3. Totem Bight State Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 979 reviews
Reviewed By MelL913 - Portland, United States
Our tour was purchased through Holland America - it was a combo of this and the Lumberjack Show. Our tour guide/driver "Rebecca Thelen" that brought us here after short tour of the city was soooo knowledgeable about the city history as well as the Park's history. We didn't even have to ask questions as she provided so much information in an interesting way. Very passionate about the history here. Fascinating to see a "Clan House" Rebecca provided umbrellas which were much needed during our visit. Had a brief stop in the gift shop which had a huge selection of items.
4. 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.
5. Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 889 reviews
Reviewed By sharond924 - Adelaide, Australia
The most wonderful trip Small van pick up and drop off The guide Ben was fantastic, very knowledgeable, friendly and charming There is a boardwalk that runs the entire walk over a river and near a salmon Hatchery and the rainforest We saw 3 black bears in the river eating salmon, and just meandering, lying in the sun and playing in the water catching fish The boardwalk is high enough of the ground for safety, but close enough to view The bears without disturbing them Absolutely stunning to see them in their natural habitat The rainforest walk is beautiful Ben was very knowledgeable on the different plants, trees, etc., We also viewed totem carving, Small avairy area that has several injured birds that are being rehabilitated As well as a blacksmith and gift shop Great value, very informative and interesting Bears and scenery are worth the trip
6. Potlatch Totem Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 375 reviews
Reviewed By AmieB28 - Gold Coast, Australia
We visited Potlatch Park as part of a totem and wildlife tour. Jack our guide was a First Nations person and was great at explaining the meanings of the Totem poles and how and when they were carved. The poles are found along cute paths through the trees and have clear information signs explaining each one. There is also a clan house that has been built to show us what they looked like. The work that has gone into the poles and decoration is amazing. Seeing the carved totem in the carving shed was great and is surrounded with interesting pictures of it being carved along with displays of traditional tool. The gift shop is huge!! And also contains a gun museum which my son and husband loved. They provided free cookies and hot tea and coffee to visitors too. There are also a range of old cars around the site that the men were oohing and ahhing over. Definitely worth the visit and only ten minutes north of town.
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. Saxman Native Village
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 679 reviews
This unique park's 24 totem poles each tell a different story.
Reviewed By N3065LKdebbies - Abingdon, United States
Enjoyed a very informative tour of this very beautiful area ,learning about the Saxman tribe, their way of life and the seeing the most intricate carvings of numerous totem poles. Were able to actually see the area where totem poles are carved..almost where their story is told. Truly a place to see.
9. Creek Street
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,361 reviews
Once a red-light district, now an arts and crafts shopping area.
Reviewed By hornart - Aztec, United States
Creek Street is always a busling place , so many things to see, lots of history in this area, exciting to see the salmon trying to get upstream, all of the eagles trying to catch a fish, wonderful place
10. Dolly's House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 314 reviews
Reviewed By have2cruise - Solana Beach, United States
The stories are awesome!! You have a madam or one of her girls take you on a tour of Dolly's house (cost is $10 per person) and the regale you with some of the stories of the notorious Dolly's House and Creek Street. Very entertaining!!
