Directions

The Aleutian Islands are difficult to get to, which is part of why they were highly valuable outposts for the military in World War II.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Photo / Lisa Hupp

 

 

Getting to Amaknak & Unalaska Islands

The Aleutian Islands WWII National Historic Area is located on Amaknak Island, which is easily accessed from the nearby island of Unalaska and major community of Dutch Harbor. These islands are located 800 miles west of Anchorage and are best reached by plane or boat.

 

By Ferry

The Alaska Marine Highway is a ferry service that is operated by the state. Dutch Harbor is reached on their South Central & Southwest route. Although there are many departure locations to choose from, people wanting to go to Unalaska from the Alaskan mainland typically access the ferry system from the Homer ferry terminal. Homer is about 220 miles south of Anchorage, and can be reached by vehicle or by air. Visitors wishing to travel to Homer via vehicle will need to use the Seward and Sterling Highways.

By Plane

The Aleutian Islands WWII National Historic Area can be reached by limited commercial or charter air flights from Anchorage. Check the local airport's current list of tenants to see the airlines currently servicing Unalaska. If traveling by plane, make sure to budget extra time for flight delays. Weather in the Aleutians is notoriously unpredictable and flights are often grounded unexpectedly.

Navigating the Local Area

Fortunately, the Aleutian Islands WWII National Historic Area is easy to access from the nearby, connected island of Unalaska and its major community of Dutch Harbor. Dutch Harbor is a small town and navigation is simple. The Visitor Center and Historic Area are located next to the airport. See the maps page for more information.

 

Getting to Other Aleutian Islands

There are many other locations within the Aleutian Island chain to explore and enjoy. Many of these locations are managed as the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge or the Aleutian Islands WWII National Monument.

Commercial flights to the westernmost Aleutian Islands (such as Adak) are limited. Charter planes are commonly hired for trips to more remote locations. Ferries do not service any islands west of Unalaska.