Location: Sitka
Top Things to do in Sitka
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What to do and see in Sitka, Alaska (AK): The Best Things to do
The city of Sitka, located on Baranof Island along the Alaska Panhandle, was once the capital of Russian America. Nearby Sitka National Historical Park was established to commemorate the Battle of Sitka in 1804, the last major conflict between Europeans and the native Alaskans. The park now helps preserve the culture of the Tlingit people, as well as the Russian and American settlers, with collections of rare artifacts, the preserved remains of the Tlingit fort and a Russian Bishop's House.
Restaurants in Sitka
1. Herring Cove Trail
2. Harbor Mountain Trail
3. Sitka National Historic Park/Totem Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 882 reviews
Reviewed By 808janiep
I spent a month in Sitka and found so much beauty, yet the place I returned to almost every day was this pristine historical forest. It is a rain forest, a forest beside the sea, a forest along a river, a forest with amazing totem poles planted around a curve, a forest with eagles flying over the tree tops, a forest memorial of a battle site between the natives and the Russians, asking for peace and brotherhood. Whether you have several hours or only 15 minutes this may be the most sacred place you have been.
4. Sheldon Jackson Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 274 reviews
Reviewed By Fran4747
This is a collection of native Alaskan items collected from all over the state. It is a wonderful insight into the skills and craftsmanship of the cultures and an insight into their daily activities. If you’re into native crafts, this is a must see!
5. St. Michael's Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 390 reviews
Reviewed By ruthandkev
Cruise port visit to Stika, wandering round Stika and came across the Cathedral which has a $5 dollar per person entry fee, worth every cent and more. Walked inside and was stopped in my tracks by the beautiful icons and altar box, met the bishop who was simply amazing to talk to, he gave us a detailed history of the cathedral, could have spent much longer looking at all the treasures.
6. Alaska Raptor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,059 reviews
Growing from a backyard, volunteer-run operation, the Alaska Raptor Center has become Alaska's foremost bald eagle hospital and educational center, as well as one of the state's premier visitor attractions.Each year, the Alaska Raptor Center provides medical treatment to 100-200 injured bald eagles and other birds. Our goal is to release our patients back into the wild; some, however, are injured so severely they could not survive in the wild even after rehabilitation. These birds may join our Raptors-in-Residence, providing excitement and education for more than 36,000 annual visitors and for the 15,000 schoolchildren we reach through the Adopt-A-Raptor program and Classroom Presentations around the country.The Alaska Raptor Center's 17-acre campus borders the Tongass National Forest, a temperate coastal rainforest, and the Indian River in Sitka, Alaska, and features award-winning natural habitats for our 19 Raptors-in-Residence.
Reviewed By samc503 - Davis, United States
Sitka is a lovely city with much to offer a tourist to Alaska--Russian Dancers, St. Michael the Archangel Russian Orthodox Cathedral, many amazingly carved totem poles and the Alaska Raptor Center where one can see individuals lovingly and sensitively caring for Alaska's beautiful bald eagles,owls and other raptors which have been injured and are being brought back to health prior to being released back into the wild.For any first-time visitor to Alaska, a trip to Sitka with its wonderful sights and people is a must!
7. Russian Bishop's House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 271 reviews
Located within the Sitka National Historical Park, this is one of the last surviving examples of Russian colonial architecture in North America.
Reviewed By Land0nC
We stopped at the Russian Bishop's House on an impulse and were very glad we did. We took a short guided tour and learned some fascinating details about the early settlement of Alaska by Russians and then Americans, as well as some history of the Native people in the Sitka area. I recommend it to anyone interested in the history and European and Native culture of the Sitka area.
8. Fortress of the Bear
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 917 reviews
Reviewed By Akoni1959 - Los Lobos, Spain
A rescue centre for ‘nuisance’ and orphaned bears. It is housed in an old water treatment plant which provides perfect large and well equipped compounds. One contained two sisters who were orphaned when their mother was shot raiding a farmers chicken pen. They were playing and romping in the pool like cubs should. There were guides on hand to explain how the bears are looked after and to answer any questions. The hope is to either release or if not suitable, find a zoo to take them. The value entrance fee is well worth it to protect and preserve these wonderful animals. Buy something in the gift shop and it all helps with the costs!
9. Baranof Island Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
10. Baranof Castle State Historical Site
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 107 reviews
Reviewed By 6edith7 - Oklahoma, United States
We didn't know what to expect when we walked up to the top of this historical site. After reading the plaques at the site, we learned so much about the history, and how the U.S. acquired the territory of Alaska from Russia. After walking up to the top, you will love the 360 degree view you get above of all of Sitka. It's a great place for photos and selfies.
