Sitka, Alaska FAQs

Airport / Airline Information:

Alaska Airlines flies direct into Sitka International Airport (SIT) from Seattle (SEA). Their website is www.alaskaair.com.

Hotel Information:

118 Lincoln Street, Sitka, AK 99835 (907) 747-3288 fax (907) 747-8499
Recently remodeled hotel located downtown. Private and shared baths. Restaurant. Phone & TV. Free local calls & ice. Coin-operated laundry and after check-out luggage storage available. $80 double occupancy. E-mail: stay@sitkahotel.com

Super 8 Motel

404 Sawmill Creek Road, Sitka, AK 99835 (907) 747-8804 fax (907)747-6101
Downtown location; short distance from airport. Jacuzzi, 24 hr. laundromat, free coffee/toast bar, cable TV w/ESPN, CNN, & movie rental, suite, non-smoking rooms. $117-128

Westmark Shee Atika

330 Seward Street, Sitka, AK 99835 (907) 747-6241 fax (907) 747-5486
Downtown location close to shopping and visitor attractions. Non-smoking. Restaurant and lounge. Room service. Suites available. Private bath, phone, & TV. $98-131.
E-mail: wmsit-gm@hollandamerica.com

If you want to stay somewhere really original there is a Bed and Breakfast that is actually a lighthouse.. (although I don't know how far from town it is .)

Rockwell Lighthouse

Telephone: 907-747-3056, Address: 1309 Halibut Pt Road, Sitka Alaska, 99835. Notes:
This lighthouse was built by Burgess Bauder and is operated as a bed and breakfast. Current Use: Private aid to navigation, bed and breakfast inn.

Local Dive Store Information:

Island Fever Diving and Adventures - 805 HPR #5 (Above Harborside Fitness)
907-747-7871 www.islandfeverdiving.com Brian Gundaker: coconuttele@yahoo.com

Things to do in the Sitka-area:

Sitka is the ancestral home of the Tlingit Indians, captured by the Russians, and sold to the Americans. Therefore, Sitka carries the legacy of each. While this fascinating heritage is well-documented in local museums, Sitka's ancestry isn't found in shelved archives and artifacts. Rather it is all around. Sitka is home to nineteen attractions listed on the National Register of Historic Places, seven of which are National Historic Landmarks.

TOTEM SQUARE

Contains a Russian cannon and three anchors recovered from the Sitka vicinity, probably lost by early British or American explorers. The totem pole displays the double-headed eagle of Sitka's Russian heritage.

SITKA PIONEERS HOME

Built in 1934 on the old Russian Parade Ground, this is a state home for elderly Alaskans. Handicrafts made by the residents are sold in the gift shop located on the first floor. The pioneers welcome visitors. The 13-1/2 foot bronze statue standing in front of the Pioneers Home was made by Alonzo Victor Lewis and was dedicated on Alaska Day 1949. The model was a real pioneer--William "Skagway Bill" Fonda.

BUILDING 29

(The Log Cache) 206 Lincoln Street. Building 29, also known as the Tilson Building, is one of the few structures surviving from the Russian era of Alaska History. Built in 1835, it is listed with the National Historic Landmarks. Spruce logs, sawdust insulation system and heavy squared beams support the structure.

CASTLE HILL

(Baranof Castle Site) An Early stronghold of the Kiksadi clan. Later a succession of Russian buildings were erected on this site. The last one, known as "Baranof's Castle", was erected in 1837. On October 18, 1867, it was the site of the transfer of Alaska to the United States. Today it is managed by Alaska State Parks.

ISABEL MILLER MUSEUM

All elements of Sitka's history converge in one place: The Isabel Miller Museum. Packed with displays, photographs and artifacts from Sitka's Tlingit, Russian and American history, the museum is a worth-while first stop. It provides a perspective for almost everything else the traveler will see during his/her stay. A gift shop which supports the museum includes many exclusives made only for the museum. Open 8:00am - 5:00pm daily (winter hours: 10:00am - 4:00pm Tuesday - Saturday). (907) 747-6455.

RUSSIAN BISHOP'S HOUSE

The oldest intact Russian building in Sitka was built in 1842, by the Russian American Company as a residence for the Bishop of the Orthodox Church. Bishop Innocent (Ivan Veniaminov) was its first resident. The building and grounds are managed by the National Park Service. It has been restored to the 1850's historic period when it functioned as a school, Bishop's residence, and a chapel. Registered as a National Historic Landmark. Open 9:00 am - 1:00 pm; 2:00 - 5:00 pm daily during the summer months. Winter hours vary and reservations are needed. Admission is $3.00 (907) 747-6281

SHELDON JACKSON MUSEUM

Home to one of the oldest native culture collections in Alaska, collected by Dr. Sheldon Jackson, General Agent of Education, between 1880 and 1900. The present building, the first concrete building in Alaska, was erected in 1895. Located just a short walk along Lincoln Street, midway from downtown and Sitka National Historical Park. Gift shop is on location. Open 9:00am - 5:00pm daily In summer of 2001, Native artists demonstration daily. (winter hours: 10:00am - 4:00pm Tuesday - Saturday). Admission is $4.00. (907) 747-8981.

SITKA NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

The 107 acre park preserves and interprets the site of a Tlingit Indian Fort and the battle fought between the Russians and the Tlingits in 1804. A fine collection of Haida & Tlingit totem poles were moved there from the Louisiana Exposition in St. Louis in 1904, and in April, 1996, a totem carved by a local carver was raised. The museum contains an exhibit of Tlingit and Russian artifacts. There is an active Tlingit arts program where the public can watch and talk to Native Indian carvers. Building admittance fee: May to Sept. $3/person, family pass $15, Gold Age, Golden Access, Golden Eagle & National Park passes honored. 12 and under free. A free, self-guided oceanside trail leads past several totems to the site of the Tlingit fort. Open 8:00am - 5:00pm daily (winter hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm Monday - Saturday). (907) 747-6281.

SOUTHEAST ALASKA INDIAN CULTURAL CENTER

The Cultural Center provides a place for local Sitka Tlingits to teach themselves about their own culture, while also helping the Sitka National Historical Park visitors understand the Native people whose history is part of the Park story. Located in Sitka National Historical Park's main building. (building admittance: May to Sept. $3/person, family pass $15, Gold Age, Golden Access, Golden Eagle & National Park passes honored. 12 and under free. (907) 747-8061 Email: seaicc@gci.net

ALASKA RAPTOR CENTER

A pioneering wildlife project, the Raptor Center has for years proven that dedicated volunteer effort and innovative veterinary medicine can make a life-or-death difference on Alaska's raptors (birds of prey). The Center's goal is to release into the wild all rehabilitated birds, however, a few never recover flight and remain housed at the Center's outdoor display. Visitors are welcome at the Raptor Center's expanded facility. May 1-Sept. 30: 8:00am-4:00pm Monday-Friday. Please call to check for weekend hours. Winters Hours: please call to check available hours. $12 for adults, $6 for children. Call (907) 747-8662 For information, please email: programs.alaskaraptor@alaska.com.