Juneau Sights

Sights in Juneau

  1. A

    St Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church

    Built in 1894 against the backdrop of Mt Juneau, the onion-domed church is a photographer's delight. Inside are Russian icons, original vestments and religious relics, while adjacent to the church is a small gift shop filled with books, matreshkas (nestling dolls) and other handcrafted items from Russia.

    This church, named for a saint known as the protector of mariners, probably hears more camera clicks than any other building in Juneau. The octagon-shaped structure was built in 1894 and wins the prize for being the oldest Russian Orthodox Church in the southeastern region. There are exhibits of Russian icons within, as well as original vestments and religious relics. Tou…

    reviewed

  2. B

    Marine Park

    Between the cruise ships and Willoughby Ave, Marine Park is an open space where kids practice their skateboard tricks, state workers enjoy a snack lunch and tired tourists occasionally take a nap in the sun.

    Free binoculars let you search Mt Juneau for mountain goats while on the dock is a sculpture of Patsy Ann, the late faithful Bull Terrier who became known as the 'Official Greeter of Juneau' for her tendency to rush down to the docks to meet arriving cruise ships.

    A block inland from the waterfront is South Franklin St, a refurbished historical district where many buildings date from the early 1900s and have since been turned into bars, gift shops and restaurants.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Waterfront Area

    Between the cruise ships and Willoughby Ave, Marine Park is an open space where kids practice their skateboard tricks, state workers enjoy a sack lunch and tired tourists occasionally take a nap in the sun. Free binoculars let you search Mt Juneau for mountain goats while on the dock is a sculpture of Patsy Ann, the late faithful Fido who became known as the 'Official Greeter of Juneau' for her tendency to rush down to the docks to meet arriving cruise ships.

    A block inland from the waterfront is S Franklin St, a refurbished historical district where many buildings date from the early 1900s and have since been turned into bars, gift shops and restaurants.

    reviewed

  4. Alaska-Juneau Mine

    What's in them thar hills? Many visitors passing through the Southeast are fascinated with gold-rush history. Two of the Juneau area's most successful historic mines were the Alaska-Juneau Mine, on the side of Mt Roberts, and the Treadwell Mine, across Gastineau Channel near Douglas. The Alaska-Juneau Mine closed in 1944 after producing more than around US$80 million in gold, then valued at around US$20 to around US$35 an ounce.

    For more information about these mines and what you can see of them today, stop by the Juneau-Douglas City Museum.

    reviewed

  5. Treadwell Mine

    Two of the Juneau area's most successful historic mines were the Alaska-Juneau Mine, on the side of Mt Roberts, and the Treadwell Mine, across Gastineau Channel near Douglas. The Treadwell Mine closed in 1922 after a 1917 cave-in caused the company's financial collapse. During its heyday at the turn of the 20th century, the Treadwell made Douglas the channel's major city, with a population of 15,000.

    For more information about these mines and what you can see of them today, stop by the Juneau-Douglas City Museum.

    reviewed

  6. D

    Alaska State Capitol

    Next to the City Museum is the Alaska State Capitol. Built in 1929-31 as the territorial Federal Building, the capitol looks like an overgrown high school. Stuffed inside are legislative chambers, the governor's office, and offices for the hundreds of staff members who arrive in Juneau for the winter legislative session. Free 30-minute tours are held every half-hour and start from the visitor desk in the lobby; a self-guided tour pamphlet is also available.

    reviewed

  7. Tracy Arm

    This steepsided fjord, 50 miles southeast of Juneau, has a pair of tidewater glaciers and a gallery of icebergs floating down its length. Tracy Arm makes an interesting day trip, far less expensive and perhaps even more satisfying than a visit to Glacier Bay. You're almost guaranteed to see seals inside the arm, and you might spot whales on the way there. The full-day cruises leave from the Juneau waterfront.

    reviewed

  8. E

    State Office Building

    Across from the Juneau-Douglas City Museum is the State Office Building, known locally as the SOB. From the outdoor court on the 8th floor there is a spectacular view of the channel and Douglas Island, while in the lobby is a massive Kimball organ dating back to 1928. Every Friday at noon a performance is given, a good reason to join state workers for a brown-bag lunch.

    reviewed

  9. Twin Lakes Park

    The City of Juneau maintains a wonderful system of parks, offering more than just playscapes. Twin Lakes Park, just past the hospital, is stocked with king salmon and equipped with a fishing pier. There's also a solar-system trail around the lake that provides a realistic idea how far each planet is from the sun.

    reviewed

  10. F

    Wickersham State Historical Site

    Overlooking downtown Juneau is Wickersham State Historical Site which preserves the 1898 home of pioneer judge and statesman James Wickersham. Inside are photographs, books and other memorabilia from the judge's colorful career.

    reviewed

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  12. G

    Macaulay Salmon Hatchery Visitor Center

    The Macaulay Salmon Hatchery Visitor Center has huge seawater aquariums and underwater viewing windows so you can watch thousands of salmon fighting their way upstream to spawn.

    reviewed

  13. H

    Governor's Mansion

    West of the State Office Building (SOB) along 4th Ave is the pillared Governor's Mansion. Built and furnished in 1912 at a cost of around US$440, the mansion is not open to the public.

    reviewed

  14. I

    Adair Kennedy Memorial Park

    Take the kids to Adair Kennedy Memorial Park to scale the 'Boldr,' a 9ft-tall climbing rock with handholds and a layer of rubber chips around the base for any mishaps.

    reviewed

  15. J

    Alaska State Museum

    The Alaska State Museum has artifacts from Alaska's six major indigenous groups, plus a full-size eagles' nest atop a two-story tree.

    reviewed

  16. K

    Last Chance Mining Museum

    The Last Chance Mining Museum is an impressive complex of railroad lines, ore cars and repair sheds

    reviewed

  17. L

    Juneau-Douglas City Museum

    The Juneau-Douglas City Museum highlights the area's gold-mining history.

    reviewed