AK History and Alaska Native Culture at the Alaska State Museum, Juneau

I don’t know how many people plan on going to museums when they come to Alaska, but the Alaska State Museum in Juneau is a great addition to your time here. It’s not directly downtown near the cruise port so it’s not too busy and it’s absolutely worth the walk or Uber from downtown. If you’re not sure what to do when you get off the cruise ship but know you want to see the town AND learn a little something about Alaska, this is your chance to combine the two!

Juneau is the capital of Alaska, so rightly the State Museum is full of exhibits and artifacts that do a great job telling the story of Alaska, from the indigenous peoples to the Gold Rush and fishing industry. Get ready to make time in your schedule while you’re in Juneau, because the Alaska State Museum is worth your afternoon. If you need additional suggestions for things to do, be sure to check out more Juneau recommendations or leave us a comment and we’ll share more.

Highlights of the Alaska State Museum

Much like the Anchorage Museum, the Alaska State Museum does a very good job of juxtaposing centuries of Alaska Native culture alongside modern history. Between indigenous video exhibitions and historic art and artifacts you’re able to get a clear picture of the past and current state of the many Nations that call Alaska home.

I think the written placards in the Alaska State Museum do a good job of telling the stories of Western expansion and the plight of the Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian and other Alaska Native Peoples. While it’s not a loud admission or deep apology of how each of the Alaska Native nations was treated and “reformed” it does a good job at gentle information and cultural appreciation. I always feel like there should be more information about US government practices relating to the many impacted indigenous nations around the USA.

Tip: if you have time, pay a visit to the Sealaska Heritage Institute in Juneau for more Southeast Alaska Native culture and art. And if you’re heading to Anchorage, check out the Alaska Native Heritage Center too!

Kids at the Alaska State Museum

The Alaska State Museum shares a building (it’s beautiful) with the public library. This might seem kind of strange, but it’s awesome for being able to pull resources and staff for educational and public events at the museum/library. We had a great visit to the museum that was then capped off with daytime sun-gazing with telescopes, craft projects and a local science talk. It’s fun to visit the Alaska State Museum with kids because they’ve got such engaging displays and events. And there’s a delicious food truck across the street which is a bonus for when you’re done.

Tips for Visiting the Alaska State Museum

Allow yourself up to two hours for visiting the Alaska State Museum. If there are events you may need longer, but I think 90 minutes is ideal. There are so many different exhibit sections that you could spend longer, but I think most people are good with an hour and a half. If you’re visiting with kids, it may be less time, but there is a small kids area which may really captivate younger kiddos.

Parking for the Alaska State Museum

There is some street parking both in front of and around the Alaska State Museum. If you go around back there is more parking in a lot. Pay attention to where you choose to park, as there are several business with their own designated parking. Another parking note when you’re visiting Juneau is to be aware of parking for Tribal Elders and leaders; if that’s not you, that parking spot is not for you.

If you’re staying in downtown Juneau, it’s an easy walk over the the Alaska State Museum. You can walk through the town, over the hill past Cope Park and down, or along the waterfront. Plan a fifteen minute walk from the historic downtown area.