Tongass Kayak Adventures offers guided orca and boat trips to LeConte Glacier; visit www.tongasskayak.com. Location: Central Southeast Alaska, the region is also known as the Inside Passage, Alaska's Panhandle, and the Alexander Archipelago. The population was 3,043 at the 2020 census, up from 2,948 in 2010. Write Petersburg Visitor Information Center, Box 649, Petersburg, AK 99833; phone 907-772-4636; www.petersburg.org. Check with the Visitor Information Center for details; phone 907-772-4636 or visit www.petersburg.org. There are plenty of flight and cruise tours of this glacier and you can see the beautiful natural formations with little to no effort. Petersburg, Alaska, is one of the most beautiful hidden gems of Southeast Alaska. It is located approximately 100 miles north of Ketchikan and 120 miles south of Juneau. The History and Demographics of Petersburg, Alaska. It is the home of the world-famous Little Norway Festival, which celebrates Norways Independence Day and actually lasts longer than the festivals held in Oslo! Were we not? This question was always in my mind, even though my grandparents said that, you know, we were here. Its also a great opportunity to see The Devils Thumb, the infamous mountain whose unique geography has made its north face completely unclimbable, even to the greatest mountain climbers of our age. Continue on Sandy Beach Road 1.4 miles toOutlook Park. Petersburg, Alaska - Alaska Guide Located right in the heart of downtown, you can watch videos about the local marine life, as well as experience the famous interactive whale exhibit. Petersburg is located in Southeast Alaska on the northern tip of Mitkof Island at the northern end of Wrangell Narrows, midway between Juneau and Ketchikan. Without the link to St. Petersburg, the Hermitage Amsterdam was adrift, without an identity or art to exhibit. Various records show the community was named and incorporated in 1910 by Norwegian Peter Buschmann, who arrived in the late 19th century. NW of Wrangell, Alex. A few miles from downtown is beautiful Sandy Beach, which is not related to Sandy Beach in Juneau or any of the other dozens of places with that name in the world. Tlingit hunters and fishermen used the area surrounding Petersburg at least 2,000 years ago, and at low tide you can walk among the remains of their ancient fish traps and petroglyphs near town. The Narrows is famous for its 65 lighted navigational markers, especially in the Green Rocks area where it seems you can reach out and touch the small channel islands. Petersburg is inhabited largely by Scandinavians whose chief occupations are fishing, canning, lumbering and fur farming. Prominent in the town today is the Scandinavian culture, with a heavy emphasis on Norwegian, followed by Swedish and other Nordic lifestyles. The town lies south of the capital of Juneau, but like most most southeast Alaska towns, can only be accessed by air or sea. In the months after the Hermitage Amsterdam cut ties, Dutch museums stepped in to help it stay afloat, temporarily loaning some of their star works in gestures of solidarity. Copyright 2018 Petersburg Chamber of Commerce PO Box 649 Petersburg, Alaska 99833 Tel: 907 772 4636. Weve got a lot of sites around here that go in tandem with the oral history of the tribes in this area, she said, and we can share our stories together to build that bigger picture.. If you want to explore Mitkof Island on your own, there are bicycle and car rentals available downtown. It is the continents southernmost active tidewater glacier and the fastest flowing glacier in the world. Telephone: 907-772-3967. 7 Things to Do in Petersburg, AK | Travel Alaska Petersburg is known as "Alaska's Little Norway," and the town takes it's heritage seriously. It's a small, vibrant town with about 3,100 permanent residents, located in the heart of the Tongass National Forest. The town frew up around a salmon cannery and a sawmill built in 1897-99 by Peter Buschmann, after whom it was named. After that, individuals and families from various backgrounds have flocked to Petersburg and lived there since. It was completed in 1967, during the Alaska centennial. It was 2022, not 2020. Persons per household, 2017-2021. Stop in at the Visitor Center for a map of this area. The HArt Museums new branding was developed by Studio Berry Slok, from Amsterdam. The nearest public campground is Ohmer Creek USFS Campground (unmaintained), atMilepost 21.4Mitkof Highway, with 10 sites (RVs to 35 feet). The town and surrounding area are filled with a lot of fun activities. Highways: The 34-mile Mitkof Highway; 21-mile Three Lakes Loop Road; and Sandy Beach Road. The social hall still serves as the center for Petersburg's Norwegian culture. Mitkof Island is wedge-shaped, approximately 24 miles long and 15 miles wide at the widest part, with an area of about 200 square miles. From all the destruction over the years and vandalism, its gonna be cleanup for a little bit, she said. Cascade Creek, Coho Creek, Colorado Creek, Delta Creek, Falls Creek, Fivemile Creek, Petersburg Creek, Taain Creek, Twelvemile Creek, Twin Creek. Polynesian voyagers left Juneau last week to embark on a four-year journey. Home port to over 500 commercial fishing boats. These parks allow visitors to enjoy many of the natural wonders of the city and catch sightings of wildlife. Petersburg Airport (PSG): Alaska Airlines provides two daily flights per day, and various float plane and air charters also serve the area. Keep an eye out for sculptures and totems in the area and visit downtown shops to find made-in-Alaska artwork. Petersburg, AK 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor the beautiful coast mountain range with its glaciers, bays, and rivers. Lost your password? But before that, KFSK's Hannah Flor sat in as tribal members practiced a welcome song. Computer and Internet Use. Website: www.alaskapassages.com. The public library is located at the corner of South 2nd and Haugen Drive. Crab, halibut and rockfish are also plentiful just a short boat ride from town. Its a small, vibrant town with about 3,100 permanent residents, located in the heart of the Tongass National Forest. If you dont have time for the tour, you can buy some loose pieces in the gift shop. Thank you! Everything we do and see we try to share with you here. Petersburg is known as Alaskas Little Norway, and the town takes its heritage seriously. The historic Sons of Norway Hall downtown is over 100 years old and offers tours filled with dancing and the finest Norwegian cuisine in America. Petersburg has a post office and 13 churches. Thats quite a lot of area. The Trees RV Park atMilepost 10.2Mitkof Highway offers a dump station: $25 for drive-up or $20 for guests of the Park. When I was younger, I would read articles in the newspaper with letters to the editor and whatnot: Tlingits werent here, Norwegians were first, said Brenda Norheim, a tribal member who is part of the Petersburg Indian Association, explaining some of the experiences she had as a youngster. Hotel courtesy van and taxi service available. . In the meantime, Schmidt says theyre trying to get word out about their plan for the Igloo in part to dissuade any additional trespassing, theft and vandalism while they rehabilitate the property. At the time of its retirement in 2000, it was the oldest fishing vessel in the fishing fleet of Southeast Alaska, and the only known wooden fishing vessel in the entire state still in active service. Members and children under 12 are free. Hiking, Eagles, Whale watching and Fishing are some of the highlights of Petersburg activities. What is Petersburg Alaska Known For? Take the trail past the troll bridge for a seaside walk through the woods. The American billionaire Thomas Kaplan will also provide a major loan of Dutch masters paintings to the HArt Museum for an exhibition in 2025. Homer to Petersburg - one way to travel via car ferry - Rome2rio Petersburg is located on the north end of Mitkof Island in the center of the Inside Passage of Southeast Alaska. Unforgettable Things to do in Petersburg Alaska The visitor center is open limited hours on other days for cruise ship dockings. The high, rugged mountains of the Alaska Coast Range, known for its spectacular fjords, icefields and tidewater glaciers, are on the mainland, just a few miles east of Petersburg across Frederick Sound. accessible forest trails and streams in the heart of the Tongass National Forest. There you will be able to hop on a boat and see Humpback and Orca whales in the wild. Local creations can be found at the city's galleries, museums, and at the library. Type above and press Enter to search. Watch for Sitka black-tailed deer along the road system, especially in June and July when does bring their fawns to feed on lush roadside plants. Then, according to the Alaska Historical Society, Buschmann arrived in the late 1800s and homesteaded there, building a cannery, sawmill and dock by the turn of the century, before having the town incorporated about a decade later. There are also several campsites available nearby, although as with the rest of the Tongass National Forest, you should be wary of bear activity, of which there is almost always some. The financial arrangements have not yet been settled, Birnie said, but the collaboration agreements had already been signed. Our Town | Petersburg, Alaska THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Petersburg - Tripadvisor Probably just keep it lit up so when you walk in the middle, you can look up and see up all the floors, see the genius behind the framework, she said. Transient vessels check with harbormaster; VHF Channel 16/9; phone 907-772-4688. Best known for its local art, you can find creations everywhere ranging from sculptures and totems to murals and designs in the sidewalks. Seaport Gallery & Gifts features Alaskan artwork and unique gift items. For more information or to set your privacy preferences please read our privacy policy. And thered be these little articles going back and forth. Quick Facts | Petersburg Alaska Spectacular view of the mainland from LeConte Glacier Overlook. Nina Siegal has been writing about European art, culture and history forThe Timesfrom Amsterdamsince 2012. Duncan Canal, Keene Channel, Petersburg Bar Range, Wrangell Narrows. All rights reserved. It is modeled after a traditional Norwegian stave church and has views of Humpbacks, Orcas, Sea Lions and Icebergs. Petersburg Alaska Community Page - Alaska Marine Highway System ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) Alaska boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Over 20 years, Ive had a chance to do archaeological surveys around central Southeast Alaska. But when you walk inside, its a masterpiece.. One of the best known attractions is the Narrows Viewing Platform in Eagle Roost Park, which is located only walking distance from downtown. Copyright 2023 KTUU. In addition to the glaciers, the whale tours are a must see. It is not a long walk to downtown from the ferry terminal, unless you arrive late at night and its raining or you have a lot of luggage. The glacier often calves, creating icefalls from its face into the bay. About a third of the shows were linked to Russian culture and history, such as exhibitions about the Hermitages founder Catherine the Great and Jewels! Visitor Information: The Petersburg Visitor Information Center is located in a historic ranger station at 1st and Fram streets. I know a talk about them a lot, but a fishing charter is definitely worth it. Auto repair, towing, gas and diesel at the corner of 2nd and Haugen. This park is located at the junction with Haugen Drive, which takes you 1.7 miles back to downtown Petersburg. Ferry:Alaska Marine Highway ferries dock at the ferry terminal atMilepost 0.8Mitkof Highway. Salmon migration and spawning may be observed July through September at Falls Creek bridge and fish ladder, seeMilepost 10.7Mitkof Highway. Petersburg, Alaska Case Study | North Star Place Branding Not many visit it during the annual tourist season and even those who do. According to the 2020 census, the population was 3,398. The Wrangell Narrows meets Frederick Sound near Petersburg at the north tip of Mitkof Island. The town lies south of the capital of Juneau, but like most most southeast Alaska towns, can only be accessed by air or sea. The Hermitage Amsterdam was established as an independent nonprofit in 2009, with the right to use the Hermitage name and unlimited rights to borrow works from the Russian collection. Petersburg residents enjoy a variety of outdoor sports activities. Whether you fly or take a boat to town, Petersburg cant wait to welcome you on your next Alaskan independent travel adventure! We offer year round tours and seek to provide helpful information on all things Alaska outdoors related. June 26, 2023 Updated 4:21 p.m. We dont own it, but we are leasing it from the Fisher family, with plans to own it.. It has many artifacts left by the early Tlingit settlers from Kupreanof Island who used the area now known as Petersburg as a summer fishing ground. Here are some of the things that Petersburg is best known for. It had to reinvent itself quickly, or simply close its doors. The Southeast Alaska Tourism Council is a cooperative marketing organization whose members represent the convention and visitors bureaus of Alaskas Inside Passage. The 5-block-long downtown commercial area on Main Street (Nordic Drive) and old town Sing Lee Alley has a grocery store; 2 coffee shops, hardware store, marine and fishing supply stores; drugstore; bookstore, a travel agency (Viking Travel, Inc.); banks (Wells Fargo and First Bank Alaska); 2 liquor stores, 2 bars; fresh/frozen fish market that offers shipping; gift shops, art gallery; and clothing stores specializing in both Alaska and Norwegian items. In February, the Hermitage Amsterdam opened Rembrandt and his Contemporaries: History Paintings from The Leiden Collection, which is still on view. Map Operators Explore There are 3 ways to get from Seattle to Petersburg by plane, car ferry or train Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. The F/V Charles W, also known as Annie J Larsen, is a historic fishing schooner anchored in Petersburg, Alaska. Best Tidepools On The Oregon Coast Your Complete Guide, Alaska & The Inside Passage 7 Things You Should Know, Humpy Salmon A Complete Guide To Alaskas Smallest Salmon, Guide To The Devils Punchbowl Hike (Get Inside At Low Tide), Little Crater Lake in Oregon (Visitors Guide & Photo Gallery), What Makes Up The Pacific Northwest? Clausen Memorial Museum, 203 Fram Street, has displays on the Petersburg area logging and fishing histories, Norwegian heritage, Tlingit and Haida artifacts, a world-record 126.5-lb. Petersburg is halfway between Juneau, 190 km (120 mi) to the north, and Ketchikan, 180 km (110 mi) to the south. Remember when I called Petersburg the crown jewel of Mitkof Island? Outlook has a small parking area, shelter and 2 spotting scopes. We have the last chapter, but we need to celebrate what was before that, which I think we can do a better job of.. Taxi:Island Cab, phone 907-518-1279; City Cab, phone 907-772-2489. Petersburg is known as the "Little Norway" of Alaska. Visitors welcome Monday through Friday from 8a.m.to 4p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8a.m.to 2p.m. Salmon, steelhead, cut-throat and Dolly Varden fishing at Falls Creek, Blind Slough and Blind River Rapids. This Fascinating Town Is Called Alaska's Little Norway And You'll Want Touches of the authentic Norwegian art form known as rosemaling (found throughout the architecture in Petersburg) add . He said he was enthusiastic about the museums choice to partner with the Smithsonian, the Pompidou and the British Museum. Petersburg National Battlefield (U.S. National Park Service) Lost your password? The nearby LeConte is the southernmost tidewater glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. Petersburg Borough is a borough in the U.S. state of Alaska. They also offer a selection of original paintings, prints, and posters as well as bone and soapstone sculptures, pottery, and custom matting and framing. Norheim, who is Tlingit and Norwegian, said she believes everyone can work together harmoniously to tell all of the stories of the local land and share them proudly. Eagle Roost Park is aptly named because of the many bald eagles that make their homes in the nearby trees. The airport is located 1 mile from the Federal Building on Haugen Drive. Helicopters, small aircraft and boats may be chartered in Petersburg (or Wrangell) to see LeConte Glacier. 1,211. The Pompidou has agreed to work with HArt on five exhibitions over five years, starting in 2024 with a show of Wassily Kandinsky works from the French museums collection. (Photo by Thomas Copeland/KFSK) Throngs of people line the docks and ramp of Petersburg's South Harbor as the crew of the Hklea tie up. Devils Thumb is a prominent landmark, visible on a clear from most of Petersburg. The Glitter of the Russian Court.. From the architecture to the names of the streets, the town is brimming with culture all over. Petersburg is a jumping-off point for serious climbers of Devils Thumbs 9000 foot sheer rock face. Salmon is a really important part of the diet, she said, emphasizing the food staple of the past and present. The Smithsonian and the British Museum will work with HArt Museum curators to mount three exhibitions each in the next six years, Birnie said, adding that the full schedule for the coming years would be released in the fall. Reservations 1-800-642-0066. Nearby, at the corner of Nordic and Haugen, are 2 healing totem poles, one commemorating the Eagle Clan and the other, the Raven Clan. If youd like some great views without a boat road, Outlook Park is an amazing location to see some of the great sights near the island. The poles were carved by Sitka carver Tommy Joseph. You can visit the Sons of Norway Hall which was built in 1912 and is a National Historic site that still serves as a center for Norwegian culture. Petersburg, Alaska - Wikipedia What many of the most easily-accessible records dont show is extensive information about the Indigenous tribes that called the area home thousands of years before that. Big Bowlder, Big Saltery Island, Blind Island, Blowdown Island, Burnt Island, Bush Top Island, Christmas Island, Cloverleaf Island, Emily Island, Green Rocks, Grief Island, Jewell Island, Keene Island, Little Saltery Island, McDonald Islands, Mitkof Island, Pearl Island, Prolewy Rocks, Ruth Island, Sasby Island, Sukoi Islets, Woody Island. Contact Petersburg Parks & Recreation (www.petersburgrec.com) for details on the community fitness center with weight room, racquetball court, fitness court, activity/cardio room, 6-lane pool with lap swim, masters swim, water aerobics, therapeutic walking and open swim times, and pool with waterslide. The Parks Highway Igloo's being renovated to sell booze Cultures in the town of Petersburg, also known as Set K Kwan, coalesce in shared history, Indigenous tribes oral histories are being supported by new empirical evidence, including archaeological sites spread across the region, Environmental authorities caution residents of oil spill at University Lake Park, Legendary bush pilots daughter, wife, reflect on his life, visit the Petersburg Librarys website to check out the Voices of Set K Kwan podcast. Join our email crew and get 10% off our PNW hoodies & shirts!We'll also include you in sporadic emails, travel guides, and updates about the area! The Siege of Petersburg: The Longest Military Event of the Civil War. There is a cabin at the end of the trail where you can spend the night if you dont want to rush and make it a day hike. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Fishing and pleasure boats dominate the waters around Petersburg. Two old storage plants, five canneries, and a sawmill are maintained here as well as an experimental fur farm under the diretion of the University of Alaska. A Norwegian immigrant by the name of Peter Buschmann founded Petersburg in 1897 and his influence can still be felt to this day. Visiting Petersburg, Alaska - Fun Facts - Alaska's Inside Passage Across from Sandy Beach Park, the Raven Trail features about a mile of wheelchair-accessible path heading up towards Ravens Roost Cabin. Talk of Alaska: Broadband in Rural Alaska - Alaska Public Media The Bella Vista Mine has pieces of Almandine garnet which are a dark red color and can be as wide as one inch in diameter. At the top of the mile-long trail is a beautiful view of Frederick Sound, with benches to sit on. The museum store offers local and regional handicrafts, books and gifts. In addition to the glacier and charter fishing, there are several other boat tours available in town. There is also a viewing platform that gives some amazing views of the Wrangell Narrows, the 35-mile winding channel that separates Petersburg from nearby Kupreanof Island. ContactViking Travel, Inc., phone 907-772-3818. Sorted by Most Common to Least Common Viewings, Snow Goose, Black Turnstone, Black-legged Kittiwake, Common Redpoll, Sandhill Crane, Surf Scoter, Canada Goose, Barrow's Goldeneye, White-winged Crossbill, Mallard, Herring Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Golden-crowned Sparrow, White-winged Scoter, Common Gull, Pine Siskin, Pacific Loon, Red-necked Phalarope, Red Crossbill, Violet-green Swallow, Dark-eyed Junco, Long-tailed Duck, Common Raven, Bonaparte's Gull, Bufflehead, Horned Grebe, Vaux's Swift, Pelagic Cormorant, Belted Kingfisher, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Cedar Waxwing, Greater White-fronted Goose, Least Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Long-billed Dowitcher, Greater Yellowlegs, Red-throated Loon, Barn Swallow, Bohemian Waxwing, Lincoln's Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Trumpeter Swan, Blue-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Redhead, Common Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Red-necked Grebe, Black Oystercatcher, Surfbird, Common Murre, Cassin's Auklet, Iceland Gull, Arctic Tern, Common Loon, Cattle Egret, Bald Eagle, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Cliff Swallow, Pacific Wren, Common Starling, American Robin, House Sparrow, Buff-bellied Pipit, Snow Bunting, Orange-crowned Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Wood Duck, Gadwall, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, King Eider, Harlequin Duck, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, Band-tailed Pigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, American Coot, Semipalmated Plover, Killdeer, Rock Sandpiper, Western Sandpiper, Wilson's Snipe, Spotted Sandpiper, Solitary Sandpiper, Wandering Tattler, Parasitic Jaeger, Pigeon Guillemot, Marbled Murrelet, Ancient Murrelet, Rhinoceros Auklet, Ring-billed Gull, California Gull, Glaucous Gull, Yellow-billed Loon, Sooty Shearwater, Double-crested Cormorant, American White Pelican, Great Blue Heron, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Northern Goshawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Western Screech-Owl, Snowy Owl, Northern Pygmy-owl, Short-eared Owl, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Western Wood-Pewee, Great Crested Flycatcher, Northern Shrike, Steller's Jay, Black-billed Magpie, American Crow, Horned Lark, Tree Swallow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Townsend's Solitaire, Varied Thrush, Swainson's Thrush, Hermit Thrush, Brambling, Bullfinch, American Goldfinch, Rustic Bunting, Chipping sparrow, American Tree Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Harris's Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Brewer's Blackbird, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, Townsend's Warbler, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak, Rock Pigeon. Petersburg Alaska is a fishing town on the west coast of Alaska Petersburg Alaska The Little Norway of Alaska The quaint little town of Petersburg is an Alaska town that still makes its living from the sea and is not a port of call for large cruise ships. With tides that can range from a high of 21 feet to a low of -4 feet in one day, the water rushes through the Wrangell Narrows adding to the navigational challenges. Remember me Point Agassiz, Point Agassiz Peninsula, Point Humbug, Anchor Point, Bayou Point, Beacon Point, Blind Point, Blunt Point, Danger Point, False Island Point, Finger Point, Frederick Point, Green Point, Hood Point, Island Point, Lindenberg Peninsula, Mountain Point, North Point, Prolewy Point, Rock Point, Spruce Point, Spurt Point, Turn Point, Point Vandeput, Vexation Point, Wood Point. Speaking of fridgit water, you may want to go see one of the reasons for the cold. Fishermans Memorial Park,next to the Sons of Norway Hall, commemorates those townspeople lost at sea. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. The Little Norway Festival | Petersburg, Alaska Petersburg is a small town and a large commercial fishing hub in a stunning location on Mitkof Island in Southeast Alaska. Petersburg is inhabited largely by Scandinavians whose chief occupations are fishing, canning, lumbering and fur farming. Petersburg is situated across Frederick Sound with an amazing glacier wall and alpine peaks like the Devils Thumb which provides a skyline of jagged snowy summits. It was actually a clever joke about the citys garnet mine. . Petersburg is what many people know it as, she said, but for us Indigenous people, its called Set K Kwan.. Were going to be like a museum for museums, said Birnie. One of the best reasons to travel to Petersburg is to enjoy the outdoor tours that it offers. The town frew up around a salmon cannery and a sawmill built in 1897-99 by Peter Buschmann, after whom it was named. To reach Parks and Recreation, phone 907-772-3392.