Sitka

Sitka is nestled on mountainous Baranof Island and protected by a myriad of small-forested islands. Looming in the distance, Sitka's Mt. Fuji look-alike volcano, dormant Mount Edgecumbe, magnificently rises 3,200 feet. Ancient Sitka hosted the Tlingit natives, with their living culture still practiced today. Sitka was the capital of Russian-America until its transfer to the U.S. in 1867, on top of historical Sitka's Castle Hill. This multicultural city, combined with the abundance of spectacular scenery and Alaskan hospitality, makes Sitka by the Sea a natural place to visit!

Sitka National Historical Park is Alaska's oldest federally designated park established in 1910, to commemorate the 1804 Russian and Tlingit Battle. The indoor and outdoor collection of totem poles are fine representations of traditional Native art. Housed in the park, the Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center is an exceptional art studio for visitors to observe Tlingit artists performing their native craft.

St. Michael's Cathedral is a picturesque focal point in Sitka, topped by its magnificent onion-shaped domes and accented by gold crosses. It was the first Russian church built in America (1844-48), destroyed by fire in 1966, rebuilt and today displays precious icons and religious artifacts saved by a human-chain from the burning fire.

Sheldon Jackson Museum is the first concrete building of Alaska and hosts one of the largest collections of Alaskan Native artifacts in the state. The museum gives visitors a perspective on Native culture and life in the "Great Land" of Alaska.

The New Archangel Dancers delight audiences with their lively folk dances of Russia to help preserve Sitka's Russian heritage. These authentic brightly costumed ladies volunteer to perform for visitors throughout the summer and special performances.

The Russian Bishop's House is the oldest intact Russian building in Sitka (1842) built by the Russian American Company as a residence for the Bishop of the Orthodox Church. This building's legacy of Russian American history hosts exhibits, refurbished Bishop's living quarters and the Chapel of the Annunciation with lavish icons.

Isabel Miller Museum surprises visitors with a wide variety of Sitka's history in many displays, photographs and artifacts! A great first stop to learn about Sitka's Tlingit, Russian and American history.

Sheet'ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Dancers perform ancient songs passed down from generations in their traditional vibrant regalia at their traditional style Tlingit Clan house. Narration and interpretation explains this living culture and leaves a long lasting impression on visitors.

The Alaska Raptor Center is Sitka's outstanding rehabilitation and educational campus for the nation's symbol, the bald eagle as well as other raptors. The new flight-training center provides critical flight conditioning space for bald eagles with a public viewing corridor that keeps contact undetected by these birds.

Sitka Sound's pristine waters are abundant with watchable wildlife! Giant humpbacks, frolicking sea otters, soaring eagles, wide-eyed harbor seals and boisterous sea lions are just a few of the wildlife that are frequently viewed during boating excurions. Another exciting birding opportunity is Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, "St. Lazaria Island," home to thousands of nesting birds in the summer, including the ornate tufted puffin and its cousin, the rhinoceros auklet.

Population: 8,835

Location: Sitka is located on the outer west coast of Baranof Island, situated in Southeast Alaska's Inside Passage.

Access: Daily jet service from Seattle (2 hours), Anchorage (2 hours via Juneau) and southeastern communities; Alaska Marine Highway state ferry, floatplane service, all classes of cruise vessels. No mainland road access.

Accommodations: Six hotels/motels (275 rooms), approx. 48 bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals, one youth hostel, many fishing lodges. 3 public and 1 private campgrounds (2 specifically are RV only). 33 coffee or snack shops and restaurants, many located in the downtown area.