Sitka National Historical Park Guide : National Parks Navigator

Sitka National Historical Park

What to visit?

Sitka is the traditional home of the Tlingit people for thousands of years. The Russians arrived in 1804 and forcibly established a colony with Sitka (New Archangel) as its Capital. It later became the Capital of American Alaska when the Russians sold the territory to the United States in 1867. The Tlingit maintain a vibrant culture here with a performance center in the style of a traditional community clan house. Offerings include song and dance. Traditional Art abounds in Center and Art gallerires as well as the many a intricately carved totem poles in the National Park penninsula. Russian influence is evident in the onion domed Cathedral of St. Michael and the Russian Bishop's House. Russian dance is performed in town by the New Archangel dancers. Summer music festivals celebrate Jazz as well as other music.

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Sitka is a major fishing port for both commercial and sport fisherman. Excellent charters are available for salmon and halibut fishing. The area is also known for abundant wildlife: bears, bald eagles and whales to name a few.

I got to Sitka on Alaska Day. After I stepped off the ferry I realized I didn't have any cash to pay for a ride to town. So I either had to make the 7 mile trek on foot, or hitchhike. A really nice Tlingit family picked me up. They got me to town just in time for the big parade! Everyone was part of it-- even the retirement home residents made an appearance, pushing their walkers and throwing candy. It was a huge event-- locals gathred, tourists gawked, helicopters roared. The high school marching band played with great gusto. I was standing next to a local high school teacher and some of the performers waved at her. Parents passing by talked to her. Even though Sitka's a lot bigger than my last small town (Skagway), it's still small enough that everybody knows everybody. I heard from a 25-year-old local that people don't really do job interviews in Sitka-- Why would they, when your potential employer already knows all about you?

Where to stay?

Accomodations: The hostel, motel 8, and many other places in downtown. The main Campground is near the ferry terminal in Starrigavan Bay. A second campground is located at Sawmill Creek. No camping in town.

Good to know: Beautiful library right by the water with a fabulous view of mountains!!! "Old Harbor Books" and "The Backdoor Cafe" are my favorite places. Hiking trails in and around downtown Sitka lead to the Mountains.

How to get to the Park?

Access: Via Alaska Marine Highway System and many cruise ships. Once in Sitka you can proceed via the local highways to explore its mainly wooded island of towering spruce and hemlock. Air Alaska provides service to many Alaska and cities in the lower 48 States from Sitka's airport located on nearby Japonski island connected by America's first cable-stayed girder spanned bridge to Sitka. Local public transport buses and rental cars are available.

Sitka National Historical Park Guide : National Parks Navigator