Many Sitka visitors come for the great outdoors, but the oldest National Park around isn’t necessarily the biggest. Sitka National Historic Park is just 113 acres, but boasts a rich variety of hiking trails, carving demonstrations, ranger-led walks throughout the spring, and even ethnographic displays. Most famous in the park are the 20 totem poles that punctuate the rainforest as well as the Russian Bishop’s House (though it’s closer to downtown).

The space was first declared a park in 1910, 100 years after the Battle of 1804 which pitted the indigenous Tlingits against the Russians. That battle led to an incredible decimation of the Tlingit, including destruction of their fort. Now, a plaque observes the once-standing fort in the middle of the park.

Plan Your Trip

Swing by the Visitor Center first for maps, to check out a film on the park, or to meet for interpretive walks. Here, you’ll also be able to view Native American and Southeast Alaskan Native carvings and regalia. The center itself was designed to pay homage to a clan house with open floor plans supported by carved posts.

There’s also the cultural center where Tlingit artists work. Watch them carve cedar logs into totems, masks, and much more. You’ll also see how they soak the spruce roots prior to weaving. See original totems up close, especially those that are too delicate for an outside display. What will you discover here?