Page 309 - Vacation Country Travel Guide

Sitka
Location: West coast of Baranof Island on Sitka
Sound; approximately a 20-minute flight from
Juneau, 1 hour 20 minutes from Anchorage and
1 hour 50 minutes from Seattle. Sitka is also
a major stop on the Alaska Marine Highway.
Population: 8,558. Visitor Information: Sitka
Convention and Visitors Bureau, 303 Lincoln
Street; Phone: (907) 747-5940; Email: scvb@
sitka.org; Website: www.sitka.org; Sitka
Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 638; Phone:
(907) 747-8604.

Possessing a vivid history and magnificent setting,
Sitka may be Alaska’s most beautiful and historically
interesting city, stretching along the coast of Southeast
Alaska’s Baranof Island. Similar in shape and size to
Mt. Fuji, the magnificent volcano Mt. Edgecombe
dominates the horizon. Jaunty fishing boats crowd
the harbor. The elegant onion dome of St. Michael’s
Cathedral is a striking reminder of the long ago era
when Russia ruled Alaska. Totem poles standing in Shores of Sitka, Alaska
the forest are testimony to a rich Tlingit heritage.
Although Sitka is inaccessible by land, there are Seward at Lake the Center from Sitka National Historical Park.
several scenic drives originating in the town. 12. Emmon’s House – 601 Lincoln Street •Sheldon Jackson Museum: One of the oldest
Sitka’s name comes from the Tlingit word
“Sheetka” meaning on the outside of Shee, the Tlingit 13. Tommy Joseph, Carver – 205 Monastery Street native culture collections in Alaska, collected by
14. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church – 611 Lincoln Street
Dr. Sheldon Jackson, General Agent of Education,
name for Baranof Island, which in turn was named for 15. DeGroff-Vanderbilt House – 709 Lincoln Street between 1880-1900. Alaska’s oldest concrete
Aleksandr Baranov. Today Sitka is a combination of A visit to Sitka isn’t complete without seeing the building, it was erected in 1895, overlooking Crescent
Tlingit, Russian and European culture and outstanding following attractions: Harbor on Lincoln Street. Open daily in summer,
evidence of the past remains in local architecture,
•The Alaska Raptor Center: Established in 1980
museum collections and historical sites. in the backyard of two concerned Sitkans with one Tues-Sat in winter. Call (907) 747-8981.
•Castle Hill (Baranof Castle Site): Originally the
A wide variety of accommodations, including
attractive hotels, comfortable B&Bs, vacation rentals injured bald eagle, in 1991 the Center moved to its site of the early stronghold of the Kiksadi clan, later
present location on 17 acres bordered by the Indian
a succession of Russian buildings were built here, the
and a 23-bed hostel are waiting to serve visitors. River. It currently offers medical treatment to around last one known as “Baranof’s Castle” erected in 1837.
Restaurants and hotels are conveniently located
downtown and out the 14-mile road system. Sea 200 injured bald eagles and other birds each year. On October 18, 1867 it was the site of the transfer of
Alaska to the United States. Baranof’s Castle burned
Those injured too severely to be released into the
Mountain Golf Course and Restaurant, located four wild are used in educational programs or bred in in 1894.
miles north of Sitka on Granite Creek Road, provides captivity to help repopulate the species. Specializing •Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Native Dancers:
an unforgettable 9 holes in a beautiful setting. in educational programs, the Alaska Raptor Center Tlingit dancers perform in full regalia in connection
Sightseeing excursions provide breathtaking
views of the city, seacoast and surrounding islands, offers many programs on site, as well as taking flight with Sitka Tribal Tours during the summer at the
across the country to classrooms from Florida to New
Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Community House, a
snowcapped mountains and a variety of wildlife. A York. The permanent Raptors-in-Residence include modern rendition of the Tlingit Clan house of long
guided sightseeing tour highlighting major points of bald and golden eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. ago. The two large panels at the entrance representing
interest and historical facts is one of the best ways Kids can be part of the Raptor Center Passport the Eagle and Raven Moieties invite all to come
to experience Sitka, particularly if time is limited.
Discover the Tlingit way of life through narrative Program and go on a two-hour tour through the raptor inside to hear the songs of tradition handed down
hospital, stopping at educational stations where a
by generations of a living culture in a half hour
from the Alaskan native perspective about historic and passport will be stamped. Visit the clinic window and performance.
contemporary Sitka, visit multi-cultural and historical learn how the veterinary staff treat the injured patients;
landmarks and enjoy an educational experience of touch eagle and owl feathers and feel the difference
Tlingit language, song and dance. Petersburg
Visitors can leisurely walk along Crescent Harbor between bird and mammal bones at the artifact table; Location: In the center of the Alaskan
via the new SeaWalk path from the Centennial walk through the temperate rain forest and learn about panhandle on Mitkof Island. Population:
medicinal plants and trees and the vegetation that
Building into Sitka National Historical Park and view supports most of Alaska’s wildlife. The Alaska Raptor 3146. Petersburg Visitor Information
many of the town’s attractions. Center is open for tours May-September. Please call Center, Box 649, Petersburg, AK
Wonderful stories about Sitka’s people and places 99833 Phone: (907) 772–4636; Email:
are shared on ‘Historic Art in Sitka’ markers, found for operating hours October-April: (800) 643-9425. visitorinfo@alaskan.com; Website: www.
Located on Sawmill Creek Road between Indian
on private homes, hotels, cathedrals and storefronts. River Road and Jarvis Street. Patrons can also access petersburg.org.
They are also listed on the Historic Walking Tour
Map created by the Sitka Historical Society and
Museum:
1. Sitka Woman’s Club – 300 Harbor Drive
2. Staton’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Lounge –
228 Harbor Drive
3. Sitka Pioneer Home – 120 Katlian Street
4. Sitka Music Store – 203 Lincoln Street
5. Staton Building 29 – 204 Lincoln Street
6. Ben Franklin 5 & 10 – 216 Lincoln Street
7. St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral
8. Wells Fargo Bank – 300 Lincoln Street
9. In Appreciation at the Lutheran Cemetery
The Mills family by Monica Mills
10. May Mills House – 315 Seward Street
11. Swan Lake marker at Westmark Hotel –
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