Kodiak, Alaska, sits on the northeast shore of Kodiak Island in the Gulf of Alaska, about 250 miles south of Anchorage. Known as the Emerald Isle, it blends Alutiiq and Russian history with a working fishing harbor. The nearby refuge hosts some of the densest brown bear populations in the world. This guide covers the best things to do in Kodiak Alaska, from museums to a World War II fort. Because visitors reach the island only by plane or ferry, most plan a stay of several days.
The Alutiiq Museum & Archaeological Repository at 215 Mission Road is an Alutiiq-run museum and culture center. Exhibits explore more than 7,000 years of Alutiiq heritage, from ancient tools to contemporary art. In addition, the Alutiiq Ancestors’ Memorial at Kashevaroff Street and Mill Bay Road honors ancestors returned through repatriation. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. It closes on Sundays and Mondays. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and military, and free for children under 18. A second store and Native Welcome Center at Kodiak Marketplace is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Kodiak History Museum, formerly the Baranov Museum, fills the Russian-American Company Magazin at 101 E. Marine Way. Built in 1808, this National Historic Landmark is the oldest Russian-built structure in Alaska. Exhibits trace Alutiiq life, Russian America, and the island’s fishing and crabbing history. The museum is open Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday from noon to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It closes Sunday through Tuesday. Admission is $10 for ages 13 and up, and children 12 and under are free.
Holy Resurrection Cathedral at 385 Kashevaroff Avenue is the most recognized building in downtown Kodiak. The parish dates to 1794, and the present wood-frame church was built in 1945 after an earlier building burned. The cathedral holds the relics of St. Herman of Alaska. It is an active parish, with Divine Liturgy on Sunday at 9 a.m., Akathist to St. Herman on Thursday at 6 p.m., and Vigil on Saturday at 6 p.m. In addition, the church welcomes visitors on cruise-ship days and runs a small bookstore. Check the parish’s website before you go.
The Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center at 402 Center Avenue is the downtown gateway to a 1.9-million-acre refuge. The refuge is only reachable by boat or floatplane. Inside, the exhibit hall displays the complete skeleton of a 36-foot gray whale, and a 12-minute film plays on demand. In addition, kids can earn a Junior Ranger patch. The center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12 to 4 p.m. and closes on Sundays, Mondays, and federal holidays. Because staffing can change hours, call (907) 308-3966 before you visit.
Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park at 1400 Abercrombie Drive sits on Miller Point, about five miles from downtown Kodiak. The 182-acre park preserves World War II coastal defense gun emplacements and ammunition bunkers, and it is a National Historic Landmark. About seven miles of trails wind through spruce forest, wildflower meadows, and cliff-top overlooks where visitors may spot whales. In addition, a self-guided historic tour and trout fishing at Lake Gertrude add to the visit. A $5 day-use fee applies per vehicle. The Kodiak Military History Museum fills a restored ammunition bunker and keeps seasonal hours: weekends in May and September, and Fridays through Mondays from June through August. Because the park is bear country, follow bear safety rules.
Kodiak’s calendar centers on three big events. WhaleFest celebrates migrating whales in April. The Crab Festival fills Memorial Day weekend with races, rides, and food. The Kodiak State Fair & Rodeo takes place in late summer. Dates change each year, so check Visit Kodiak’s calendar before you plan a trip.
These things to do in Kodiak Alaska blend Alutiiq and Russian history, wildlife, and World War II heritage. Start with the Alutiiq Museum and the Kodiak History Museum downtown, then visit Holy Resurrection Cathedral. After that, stop at the refuge visitor center and hike Fort Abercrombie. Because hours and seasons change, check each website before you go.