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We can assure you that fishing is not the only thing to do in Ketchikan, Alaska. There is so much more to put on your itinerary when visiting the charming town.
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Some of Ketchikan's
major points of interest include:
• Tongass Historical Museum
• Dolly's House
• The Saxman
• Totem Bight and the Totem Heritage Center
• Totem Bight Historical State Park
• Misty Fjords National Monument
• Southeast Alaska Discovery Center
• Art and Craft Galleries and Shops
Experience craft and dance exhibitions steeped
in tradition. Visit nearby Prince of Wales Island, the Metlakatla
Indian Community, and British Columbia. Take in the awe-inspiring
sights of the Misty Fjords National Monument. Find the perfect
gift or momento in Ketchikan's broad selection of shops and
galleries, located on historic Creek Street.
Some of Ketchikan’s most popular activities include:
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Ketchikan boasts a thriving arts community. High-caliber crafters – mostly natives – live in the area. The community teems with galleries specializing in authentic Alaska native art, including miniature totems, carved silver, hand woven basketry, and original drawings and paintings. Ketchikan has been designated one of the “Top 100 Small Arts Communities in the United States.” One of the unique artistic events is the Wearable Art Show in February. At this event, local residents walk down the runway wearing homemade fashions that include a little bit of everything – from spam to fishing line.
The Ketchikan Area Arts and Humanities Council organizes all of the area’s artistic activity – events such as the Blueberry Arts Festival in August. The Gigglefeet Dance Festival, which is part of the Blueberry Arts Festival, features local dancers and dance choreographers, attracting large audiences to view a wide variety of dance styles, including ballet, Alaskan native dances, and more. |
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If you enjoy live theater, then you will enjoy the First City Players, which boast a full season of theatrical productions. They begin their season with a major American musical. The rest of the season includes dramas, comedies, children’s productions and even dinner theater. The First City Players also host an annual Cabaret and Jazz Festival where visiting New York City jazz professionals perform and tutor amateur musicians.
Another performing arts option is the Ketchikan Theater Ballet, the area’s premier dance school, which has performed contemporary and classical dance for over 30 years. The Ketchikan Community Band hosts year-round concerts.
No matter what you seek when it comes to the arts, Ketchikan has you covered!
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If you feel adventurous during your visit to the Ketchikan area, the Wind and Water Dive Center and the Ketchikan Ocean Racing Circuit can help. The dive center rents equipment for undersea exploration while the racing circuit holds classes on competitive racing several times a year. |
Ketchikan hiking is fantastic. The Ketchikan Outdoor Recreation and Trails Coalition maintains miles of trails that traverse the area, from the seashore to high mountaintops.
The U.S. Forest Service maintains numerous remote cabins within 75 miles of Ketchikan located along the shores of the inside passages, lakes, or on the banks of nearby streams. The cabins are rustic with plywood bunks, oil or wood stoves and outhouses. Some of the cabins are only accessible via floatplane. Contact the Forest Service to reserve one. |
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If you want to catch a baseball game, or
play a little basketball, that's here too. There are tons
of sports leagues and recreational groups, such as the youth
Dribblers League and the Ketchikan, Alaska Youth Football
League. For the adults there is basketball and softball. The
Gateway Recreation Center, established in the early 1990's,
furnishes several different athletic outlets. Activities include
basketball, soccer, roller-skating, racquetball, handball,
aerobics, martial arts, and even fitness equipment. During
winter months, snowshoes and alpines skis may be rented here.
A full-size competition swimming pool can be found here, along
with saunas and a warm-down pool. Don't know how to swim?
No problem. Master swimmers give lessons on technique, fitness
and endurance. If you are a bowler, the Ketchikan Entertainment
Center has sixteen lanes. |
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The Ketchikan area boasts many water-based tours by ferry or private charter. You can also get an up-close and personal view of the area’s waterways by setting out in a kayak, canoe or bike. The Ketchikan area features several locations where you can rent a car. If you plan to arrive in Ketchikan in your own boat, check in advance for mooring with the local visitors’ bureau. |
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