Trip Idea

One Day in Sitka National Historical Park

Sitka National Historical Park

Sign with formline art posts and a beach at low tide
Duration Full Day
Topic(s) Architecture and Building, Arts, Native American Heritage, Religion and Spirituality, Colonization and Settlement,
Activities Museum Exhibits, Guided Tours, Craft Demonstrations, Hiking
Type Kid Friendly, Educational, Inspirational, Group Friendly
Parks Sitka National Historical Park

If you only have one full day to spend in the park, this itinerary will give you a broad overview. Familiarize yourself with the three major significances behind the creation of Sitka National Historical Park: Russian colonization in North America, conflict between Tlingit and Russians leading to the Battle of 1804, and perpetuating traditions in Alaska Native art and culture. Stops on this trip are all within a mile of Centennial Hall in downtown Sitka.

  • Sitka National Historical Park

    Tour the Russian Bishop's House
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Museum Exhibits
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Russian Bishop's House
    • Duration: 20–60 Minutes
    • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    Two-story historic building with yellow walls and red metal roof.

    The Russian Bishop's House is one of only four surviving examples of Russian colonial architecture in North America. Built in 1843, it served as the residence of Orthodox bishops and clergy for over 120 years. Today, it houses a museum on Russian-American history, and the restored residence of the first bishop to live in the house, Bishop Innocent.

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  • Sitka National Historical Park

    Explore Exhibits on Tlingit Life
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Museum Exhibits
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Sitka National Historical Park Visitor Center
    • Duration: 1–4 Hours
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    Calm water with a low, white building flanked by totem poles in the background

    Learn about Tlingit culture and way of life through historical and contemporary ceremonial objects. Observe demonstrating artists in the wood, regalia, or metalworking studios or outdoors at the carving shed.

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  • Sitka National Historical Park

    Meet a Demonstrating Artist
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Craft Demonstrations
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Sitka National Historical Park Visitor Center
    • Duration: 15–60 Minutes
    • Season: Summer
    • Time of Day: Day
    A copper bracelet with stylized engraving

    Artists demonstrate traditional Tlingit and Haida forms of carving, weaving, beading, and metalworking. Many of the things they create have ceremonial uses.

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  • Sitka National Historical Park

    Take the Totem Trail
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: Yes with Restrictions
    • Location: Sitka National Historical Park Totem Trail
    • Duration: 30–90 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    A man and woman walk by trees and a totem pole on a gravel path

    A historic trail lined with Haida and Tlingit totem poles passes through classic Southeast Alaska temperate rainforest to the site of the Battle of 1804.

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  • Sitka National Historical Park

    Join a Ranger-led Program
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Guided Tours
    • Pets: Yes with Restrictions
    • Location: Sitka National Historical Park
    • Duration: 15–60 Minutes
    • Season: Summer
    • Time of Day: Day
    A park ranger speaking with visitors on a forest trail

    Ranger-led programs are a great way to learn more about the park and history of Southeast Alaska.

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Last updated: July 29, 2021