Things to do in Ketchikan Alaska include totem parks, museums, historic sites, rainforest trails, and Alaska Native cultural attractions. The waterfront community sits within Southeast Alaska’s Tongass National Forest.
Additionally, Ketchikan has strong Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultural connections. Visitors can combine downtown attractions with nearby forests, wildlife areas, and scenic coastal experiences.
Totem Bight State Historical Park preserves and interprets Southeast Alaska Native culture. Visitors can see restored and recreated totem poles, a clan house, forest trails, and waterfront scenery.
The Totem Heritage Center preserves historic Tlingit and Haida totem poles. Exhibits also explore Northwest Coast Native art, traditions, and cultural history.
The Tongass Historical Museum tells the story of Ketchikan and the surrounding region. Exhibits cover Alaska Native culture, fishing, mining, timber, transportation, and community life.
Creek Street is one of Ketchikan’s best-known historic areas. Visitors can walk the waterfront boardwalk and learn about the district’s colorful past.
Saxman offers another opportunity to experience Southeast Alaska Native art and culture near Ketchikan. Visitors can see an extensive collection of totem poles and traditional carving.
The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center introduces visitors to the Tongass National Forest and Southeast Alaska. Exhibits explore ecosystems, wildlife, Indigenous cultures, and regional communities.
Misty Fjords National Monument protects dramatic wilderness east of Ketchikan. Visitors can experience its cliffs, waterways, forests, and lakes through authorized boat or flight excursions.
Begin downtown with Creek Street and the Tongass Historical Museum. After that, visit the Totem Heritage Center.
Later, explore the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Visitors with more time can travel to Totem Bight State Historical Park.
Finally, add Ward Lake for a rainforest walk. Misty Fjords can become a larger excursion when time and conditions allow.