Just wandering around in Ketchikan What to do?

[Cshell5]

If you were going to just relax and wander around in Ketchikan, what would you do? We don't want to take any "excursions" but would like to go see totem poles(but not a tour). We would like to eat a good meal and shop a bit. We wouldn't mind taking a short hike and just enjoy the day.

Any ideas or suggestions are appreciated? Thanks:)

[sea_u_onboard]

I haven't been to Alaska yet but I've been doing a lot of research on the boards and I've compiled a list. I have selected those items that might be of interest to you.

ü Waterfront - Several mile of waterfront along the narrow city provide a seaplane base, 3 boat harbors, a ferry terminal and several stores on pilling. In summer season the waterfront is a central point of activities in Ketchikan. Kayaking along the waterfront is available.

ü The Tongass Historical Museum: Located in the Centennial Building on Dock Street, highlights the rich culture of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshiam people and the history of settlement in the area. The exhibit "Salmon, Cedar and Gold" offers history of Ketchikan. A totem stands right outside the entrance. Open 8 am to 5 pm daily in summer. A nominal admission fee is charged. Directions: Stay on Stedman Street and veer left at Dock Street

ü The Totem Heritage Center: Located at 601 Deermount Street, houses 33 totem poles and fragments retrieved from deserted Tlingit and Haida Indian villages. This is the largest original totem collection in display in United States. Admission fee $4.00 in summer. Open 8 am to 5 pm daily in summer.

ü Fish Pirate's Daughter: A dancing musical comedy melodrama that portrays Ketchikan's early fishing days. Performance every Friday evening 7 pm to 8:45 pm from July through August. Admission fee

ü Ketchikan Mural: Located on Stedman Street, was created by 21 Native artists in 1978. Named "the Return of the Eagle".

ü Deer Mountain Hatchery: Located in the city park (walking distance from downtown). The hatchery produces annually 100,000 king, 150,000 coho, 30,000 rainbow trout and 6,500 steelhead trout. Information about the life cycle of salmon and observation platform available.

ü Dolly’s House on Creek Street - http://www.dollys-trolleytours.com/dollyshouse.htm

ü Get the book "Inside Passage Walking Tours" by Julianne Chase and do the walking tour of Ketchikan.

[many cruises]

CShell5: We are also planning to walk around in Ketchikan. Here's a web-site where you can order a free travel guide for Ketchikan:

www.visit-ketchikan

 

We ordered it for our use & you can also read it online at that web-site address. It will help you plan where you want to walk to & what you want to see. ;);)

[Budget Queen]

You can pick up a free walking tour map at the dock visitor center and hit all the above. For clairfication The Totem Heritage Museum and Hatchery are across from each other, in the past had combo tickets at a discount. If going there, consider a loop walk back, going through the city park and down Deermont, gives a great look at residential life.

[Eileen G]

We did the walking tour when we were there and it was great. There are two tours. One takes you to all the touristy places- Creek St, Totem pole park the other takes you to where the sea planes dock and the seafood processing plant. We did one in the morning and the other after lunch. You have a very good chance of seeing eagles by the seafood plant. We were there at 3PM watching a few eagles when all of a sudden about 30 eagles started flying in from all over. It was so neat seeing them dive for fish and fly all around. We will be in Ketchikan this May and we will be doing the walking tours again.

[tortugas]

These are all great suggestions... thanks to all who posted!!

[Cshell5]

Thanks again to all:D