Wrangell is a small borough in Alaska, counting a little over 2,000 residents. The town has a rich history as the only one to have been ruled by four nations over time: Tlingit, England, Russia, and the United States. Today, visitors can get a glimpse of Wrangell’s unique history in places like the Wrangell Museum or the Chief Shakes Island. Wrangell is quite a spectacle for outdoor lovers, as it boasts an impressive wildlife habitat and magnificent landscape. Some of the most spectacular natural sights are offered by Stikine River, winding through wild valleys, LeConte Glacier that’s easily reached by jet boat, and the Anan Creek Wildlife Observatory, home to black and brown bears and one of the greatest pink salmon runs in the state. Read on as we explore the best things to do in Wrangell, Alaska, a place often underrated.
1. Catch a glimpse of the town's unique history at Wrangell Museum
History buff or not, the Wrangell Museum in Wrangell, Alaska, should be one of your first stops, as it depicts the fascinating history of the area. The town’s colorful past is reflected through the museum’s collections of artifacts, including four carved Tlingit house posts, a collection of Tlingit masks, and over 3,000 photographs that document the region’s history from the gold rush to the present day.
Wrangell Museum
Address: 296 Campbell Dr, Wrangell, AK 99929
Website: Wrangell Museum
2. Witness the abundant wildlife at Anan Wildlife Observatory Site
Open only in July and August, the Anan Wildlife Observatory Site is a region of rich history and spectacular wildlife. Probably the most iconic aspect to Anan Wildlife Observatory Site is the abundance of pink salmon that drew non-native people to Anan Creek back in the day. Today, the fish attracts black and brown bears, bald eagles, and harbor seals in large numbers. It’s quite an experience that people from all over the world come to witness.
Anan Wildlife Observatory Site
Website: Anan Wildlife Observatory Site
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily in July & August)
Price: 10 USD
3. Hike Mt Dewey Trail for spectacular views
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Hiking the Mt Dewey Trail is one of the favorite things to do for outdoor enthusiasts coming to explore Wrangell. The hiking trail is a short 0.25-mile climb uphill (0.4 kilometers) that’s easily accessible for anyone. The short climb is undoubtedly worth it, as it goes through the woods and ends on a platform that offers an incredible overview of the town of Wrangell and Zimovia Straits.
Mt Dewey Trail
Address: 3rd St, Wrangell, AK 99929
Website: Mt Dewey Trail
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
4. Immerse yourself in Alaska's history at Chief Shakes Longhouse
Posted by Wrangell Cooperative Association on Thursday, 1 October 2015
Chief Shakes Longhouse is a historical landmark that tells the colorful stories of Alaska’s history through a collection of Native Alaskan artifacts. The collection includes both original and recreated items and is depicted in construction that resembles a 1940’s Tlingit community house. The Tribal House, located on Shakes Island, has been restored and it reopened its doors in 2013.
Chief Shakes Longhouse
Address: Shakes St, Wrangell, AK 99929
Website: Chief Shakes Longhouse
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
5. Explore the diverse wildlife of Stikine Flats Wildlife Viewing Area
Located in the Stikine-LeConte Wilderness, at the mouth of the Stikine River, the Stikine Flats is one of the vastest wetlands in the United States. The region is home to habitats of migrating birds and marine mammals, and the landscape is out of this world – imagine spruce forests, grass flats, willow brush, and riverside cottonwood. In the springtime, the area is so lively, with migrating ducks, geese, bald eagles, sea lions, and seals populating the wetland. The best time to visit is in spring and summer seasons, but fall has its charm too.
6. Tour the historic Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site
Located approximately a mile (1.6 kilometers) outside of Wrangell, Petroglyph Beach is home to the largest concentration of petroglyphs in Southeast Alaska. It has a history of 8,000 years and has become a Historic State Park since the year 2000. The site now features a deck, a boardwalk, and offers its visitors spectacular views of the Petroglyph Beach, the Zimovia Straits, and the Stikine River. Visitors can admire the dark gray and highly fractured rocks on display; there are over 40 petroglyphs on the beach.
Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site
Address: Grave St, Wrangell, AK 99929
Website: Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
7. Camp in the middle of nature at Shoemaker Park
With a landscape as spectacular as Wrangell’s, it would be a pity not to make the most of it. One way to enjoy it is by spending a night or more at Shoemaker Park. Here, you can choose from different accommodation options, as they have an RV park that can accommodate 25 RVs and a tent campground with enough space for 6 tents. The park also features picnic tables, a fire pit, and public restrooms. The region is perfect for exploring, as it boasts lots of hiking trails and spectacular sightseeing opportunities.
Shoemaker Park
Address: Shoemaker Bay Recreation Area, 4.5 Zimovia Highway, Wrangell, AK 99929
8. Play golf at Muskeg Meadows Golf Course
Playing golf at Muskeg Meadows Golf Course is quite the experience, and shouldn’t be missed while visiting Wrangell, Alaska. The nine-hole course is nestled in a rainforest, boasting ocean views on one side, and show-capped mountain peaks on the other. People come here for the golf but are in awe at the sight of wildlife and the stunning vistas. During summer, there is a different tournament taking place here almost every weekend, and they’re usually open to anyone, no matter the skill level.
Muskeg Meadows Golf Course
Address: Ishiyama Dr, Wrangell, AK 99929
Website:Muskeg Meadows Golf Course
9. Go on a sea kayaking adventure with Breakaway Adventures LLC
If you’re into watersports, Wrangell is an excellent place to explore your passion and take it to the next level. Head over to Breakaway Adventures, and get your water gear; they rent skiffs, canoes, and kayaks. If kayaking is your thing, you can choose between a single or double kayak, stay on the Wrangell waterfront, or take it on the Stikine River waters. The rental will also include paddles, throw bags, and life vests, so that you stay safe.
Breakaway Adventures LLC
Address: 104 Front St, Wrangell, AK 99929
Website: Breakaway Adventures LLC
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
Price: From 40 USD
10. Enjoy the dining experience at Stikine Inn & Restaurant
Stikine Inn is an excellent choice for those looking for lodging and dining in Wrangell. With a waterfront location and cozy rooms, the inn is perfect for a comfortable stay. They have single and double rooms, as well as suits, all well-appointed, and with breathtaking ocean, mountain, or sea views. Their on-site restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all carefully prepared by a world-class chef. They serve anything from fish and chips, burgers, and wraps to soups, salads, and desserts.
Stikine Inn & Restaurant
Address: 107 Stikine Ave, Wrangell, AK 99929
Website: Stikine Inn & Restaurant
11. Try ocean canoeing with Alaska Waters Inc.
The River is calling, and we must go! Visit the most beautiful part of the planet with Alaska Waters: http://alaskawaters.com
Posted by Alaska Waters, Inc. on Tuesday, 2 April 2019
Whether you’re looking for land or water adventures, Alaska Waters Inc. is your go-to tour operator. Wrangell’s wildlife and the spectacular landscape are best admired from the region’s waters, so make sure you book one of Alaska Water’s tours and go on an adventure in the vast LeConte Glacier fjord by jet boat, experience stand-up paddleboarding, or perfect your canoeing skills. If you have something particular in mind, the eco-tour company also offers custom charters, tailored to the client’s needs. Either way, it’s bound to be an unforgettable experience.
Alaska Waters Inc.
Address: 107 Stikine Ave, Wrangell, AK 99929
Website: Alaska Waters Inc.
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
12. Enjoy a cocktail and a pizza at Marine Bar
Posted by Marine Bar on Wednesday, 25 January 2012
After all the water adventure and exploring, stop by at Hungry Beaver Pizza and Marine Bar to recharge your batteries. Just as the name suggests, they have great pizza, a variety of cocktails, and a great location near the Inner Harbor. Travelers and locals alike come here for the great atmosphere, the drinks, and the pizza on the menu.
Marine Bar
Address: 640 Shakes St, Wrangell, AK 99929
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 12:50am; Sun: 10am - 11pm
13. Go on a bear-sighting trip with Alaska Vistas
One of the most spectacular things to witness in Wrangell is the brown bears coming on the river shores to catch pink salmon. With Alaska Vistas, you get to experience Wrangell’s wildlife, glaciers, and spectacular landscape from up close. They provide a variety of tours and trips in Southeast Alaska, their adventure and travel opportunities including bear viewing at the Anan Wildlife Observatory, and along the Stikine River, marveling in front of LeConte Bay and Glacier, as well as marine life watching. The latter will include spotting sea lions, whales, sea otters, and seals.
Alaska Vistas
Website: Alaska Vistas
14. Book a tour with Alaska Charters & Adventures
Book your tour with Alaska Charters and Adventures, and get ready to discover wild Alaska. The company offers personalized, small-group tours and trips for a more personal, up-close experience. You’ll get the opportunity to go on a hike through Alaska’s pristine forests, catch wild salmon on a fishing charter, try glamping in a magnificent setting, go whale watching, or book a birding tour to gaze at one of the most incredibly diverse avian habitats on the planet. Each tour will include a trained professional guide so that you get the most out of the experience.
Alaska Charters & Adventures
Address: 5 Front St, Wrangell, AK 99929
Website: Alaska Charters & Adventures
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
15. Take a walk down history lane at Chief Shakes Island
Good Morning from Planet Alaska. *Naanya.aayi Mudshark House, aka Chief Shakes House on Shakes Island, Wrangell, Alaska.
Posted by Planet Alaska on Saturday, 16 May 2015
Located in Wrangell, Alaska, Shakes Island harbors the Chief Shakes Historic Site, an impressive collection of Southeast Alaska Native artifacts. Every year, over 10,000 visitors come to the island to get a better glimpse of the region’s history, check out the replica of an ancient Tlingit tribal house, and marvel at the surrounding landscape. Take some time to relax and take in the beauty of this place, sit down on a bench, watch the bald eagles fly over the sky, and enjoy the views of the town from Shakes Island.
Experience a piece of Alaskan history in Wrangell
Wrangell, Alaska, is where rich history and untouched wilderness collide. It’s where people come to spot whales, bald eagles, and brown bears, go on water and land adventures, discover the ancient history, and take in stunning scenery. Check out our comprehensive list of the best things to do in Wrangell, Alaska, and prepare to be enchanted.
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