Interesting and Easy Stop into the Tongass Historical Museum in Ketchikan

Of the many sights to see in Ketchikan it’s worth setting aside time to visit the Tongass Historical Museum. It’s conveniently located downtown just off the iconic Creek Street and is really easy to visit. I think learning is a big part of travel, and when you’re here in Southeast Alaska there is a TON to learn about, from Tlingit culture to logging and fishing history in Ketchikan.

If you are staying for a few days or just in port for one, be sure to add the Tongass Historical Museum to your plans. We’ve got the full scoop on what you’ll find here and how to include it in your visit. If you have any questions about the Tongass Historical Museum or putting together an awesome trip through Southeast Alaska, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help others create amazing AK memories.

Highlights of the Tongass Historical Museum

Something I’ve noticed about each of the museums and cultural sites we’ve been to in Ketchikan is how thoughtfully put together they are to tell stories. I know that’s often the goal of museums, but Ketchikan’s museums consistently deliver on this, and especially at the Tongass Historical Museum. I’m somebody who takes his time and reads every placard of every exhibit, so having a rainy afternoon and a maze of displays to go through was perfect for me.

The Tongass Historical Museum digs into so many aspects of Ketchikan life, including the modern nautical industries. You’ll find wonderful exhibits of Tlingit art and histories, and you’ve even got a large Fresnel lighthouse lens and its story to immerse you in the past, but a good portion of the museum is dedicated to, or the theme is woven through, the current time. From the fishing industry and life at sea or maintaining ocean-going vessels to learning about the ecosystem right outside, there’s a lot going on in the Tongass Historical museum… and it’s all connected.

When you’re coming to Southeast Alaska, and Ketchikan especially, you’re going to eat, see or hear about salmon constantly. The Tongass Historical Museum has a great film and educational exhibit about salmon, their lifecycle and their value to both the community and the ecosystem of Ketchikan. If you’re in town with kids, take time to watch the film and then when you’re done at the museum head outside to do the Salmon Walk from Creek Street and you’ll be able to watch the salmon in the fish ladder (seasonal). It’s pretty cool to learn about something and then see it in the real world.

Tips for a Visiting the Tongass Historical Museum

Ketchikan is such a fun town, and it’s so easy to roll in, enjoy some Alaskan king crab, check out the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show and call it a day, but I would encourage you to add the Tongass Historical Museum to your visit. It’s very conveniently located just a few minutes walk from the cruise ports and it’s a great way to learn about the town and region. If you have activities booked while you’re in port or if you get to be here for a few days, if you can set aside at least 45 minutes to visit, you’ll be so glad you did. It’s not a huge museum, but it really packs a punch.

When you’re at the Tongass Historical Museum, take the time to read as many of the exhibit placards as you can. I think it’s important to understand the context of the things and people you see when you visit a new town, and Ketchikan is such a mix of historic angles. That lumberjack show I mentioned isn’t just a tourist attraction, but it’s got its roots in the booming lumber industry of the early 1900s. Those totem poles you see in Whale Park and along the water aren’t just historic references to a previous group who lived here, but they are a part of a LIVING and present culture of the Tlingit peoples of Southeast Alaska. When you’re in the museum you’ll get the chance to read all about these amazing stewards of the land and how Tlingit culture is still very much a part of Ketchikan today. Reading as much as you can and really taking in the photographs and exhibits is worth the time!

Also, as a little bonus, the Tongass Historical Museum is a partner with the Totem Heritage Center just up the street. You can buy a combo ticket and save a few dollars. Both are really interesting and worth visiting when you’re in Ketchikan.

Being Prepared for Alaska History

The Tongass Historical Museum isn’t as large as the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, but it’s got a lot of exhibits. They are in rather tight quarters though, so it’s not necessarily a place for photos (snapping pics to remember stuff is recommended though). You don’t need to prepare yourself for a visit, but you’ll find that having a little background knowledge of Ketchikan history is helpful.

For example, one of the exhibits addresses internment of indigenous people in Southeast Alaska. This is an emotional and poignant exhibit that can be both triggering and confusing. For some context, check out this article to understand the background. This will help in terms of understanding and empathy regarding preservation and importance of Tlingit culture today. Also, this article shares the story of a Japanese American family here in Ketchikan who also faced internment during WWII.

Getting to the Tongass Historical Museum

There is a parking lot directly next to the Tongass Historical Museum, and you can also park here for exploring Creek Street. While most visitors come to Ketchikan via cruise ship and don’t have a car, it’s nice that you can park here or get picked up by a hotel shuttle if needed. There is also a bus stop in front of the museum.

Yes! Ketchikan has a bus system for residents and visitors to use. While service isn’t simply every few minutes to get everywhere on the island, you can use the Ketchikan Gateway Borough bus (KGB) Orange loop bus to get around and transfer to a Green bus for the airport or Silver line to Totem Bight State Park or Saxman Native Village. If you don’t get dropped directly at the Tongass Historical Museum, don’t worry, you’ve only got a short walk to get here.

More Things to Do in Ketchikan

Ketchikan is such a cool town and it’s a wonderful place to explore for several days. If you’re only able to stop in for a little bit from a cruise ship, that’s fine too, but you’re going to want to come back and explore on your own in the future. What makes Ketchikan such a great town to visit is the combination of Alaska Native culture and all the elements that come to mind when you think of Alaska: salmon, mining, timber, landscapes. Ketchikan can be a wonderfully active town to visit or you can arrive and spend a few days relaxing.

As you plan your time in Ketchikan, think about how you want to mix up your activities. You can plan tours on the water or to visit different parts of Ketchikan to learn about Tlingit culture or nature. There are some walking tours to dig into the food scene or you can enjoy the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. Do you need a car when you come to town? No, not necessarily and downtown is very walkable, even beyond Creek Street, and there is a bus system that goes to some further away spots. A car is nice though, as that open you up to hiking and traveling around the island freely.

Here are are recommendations for things to do in Ketchikan:

Where to Stay in Ketchikan

If you’re lucky enough to get to spend several days in Ketchikan, there are some fun options for hotels around down town. For visitors with their own cars, you can consider something outside of the immediate downtown area and not need to worry about parking. I will say, there are some cool places to stay just off Creek Street, which puts you right in one of the most iconic Alaskan neighborhoods. You can even stay at the Cape Fox Lodge overlooking downtown and then take the funicular down to the main area. Some hotels in Ketchikan offer shuttle service between the hotel and downtown or the airport ferry terminal, so if you want to enjoy a more quiet stay, you can still easily get about town without a car.