Totem poles from Tlingit and Haida areas line the park’s scenic coastal trail, and the restored Russian Bishop’s House is a rare reminder of Russia’s colonial legacy in North America.
Photo: NPS Photo
Sitka National Historical Park
On an island amid towering spruce and hemlock, Sitka National Historical Park preserves the site of a battle between invading Russian traders and Indigenous Kiks.ádi Tlingit.
- LocationSitka, AK
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursDaily, 6:00AM - 10:00PM
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Weather now48°F Sunny
- Alerts No active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Animals
- Architecture and Building
- Arts
- Birds
- Churches
- Climate Change
- Coasts, Islands and Atolls
- Colonization and Settlement
22 more topics
- Commerce
- Explorers and Expeditions
- Fish
- Forests and Woodlands
- Geology
- Indian and Frontier Wars
- Indigenous and Native Warrior
- Military
- Mountains
- Native American Heritage
- Natural Sounds
- Oceans
- Rainforest
- Reconstruction
- Religion and Spirituality
- River and Riparian
- Scenic Views
- Trade
- Trails
- Wars and Conflicts
- Women's History
- World War II
Things to Do
17 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Become a Junior Ranger at Sitka National Historical Park
Become a Junior Ranger! Learn about Tlingit culture, the rainforest, Russian American history, and the coastal environment. You'll earn an official badge so that you will not forget how important you…
Learn more about Become a Junior Ranger at Sitka National Historical Park on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Explore at Low Tide
The intertidal zone is full of variety, and when the tide is out there are tidepools and wide flats to explore.
Learn more about Explore at Low Tide on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Explore Exhibits on Tlingit Life
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…
Learn more about Explore Exhibits on Tlingit Life on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Find Sitka's Bedrock
Find evidence of Sitka's distant past in outcrops of bedrock. These large pieces of graywacke are sedimentary rocks formed beneath the ocean, lifted up by tectonic forces, and weathered by ice and…
Learn more about Find Sitka's Bedrock on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Fishing in Sitka
Fishing is a popular tradition in Sitka. Fish responsibly, follow regulations, and have a license when necessary. Be aware that bears share fishing grounds in the park and know what to do to keep…
Learn more about Fishing in Sitka on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Get Close to the Forest Floor
When you bend down low and examine the forest floor you find a lot of variety, and even some drama! Low-growing plants, fungi, moss, lichens, insects, banana slugs, cones, and more go about their…
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Go Berrying
As berries ripen, they dot Sitka's greenery with bright reds, luminous oranges, and muted blues and grays. Enjoy their colors and shapes as you walk through the park. If you choose to taste some, be…
Learn more about Go Berrying on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Go Birding
The estuary, shores and forests of Sitka NHP are excellent places to watch birds that are migrating through in the spring and fall. We also boast a fabulous array of birds that are hardy enough to…
Learn more about Go Birding on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 8 of 17
Load moreAll 16 activities in the park
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- Hiking
- Wildlife Watching
- Fishing
- Guided Tours
- Birdwatching
- Junior Ranger Program
- Museum Exhibits
- Picnicking
- Arts and Culture
- Citizen Science
- Craft Demonstrations
- Food
Show 4 more activities
Facilities & Services
Find visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Visitor Centers
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Russian Bishop's House
Visitor Center
One of only four Russian period buildings left in North America. Explore exhibits about Russian America and the role of the Russian Orthodox Church. Free tours are…
501 Lincoln Street, Sitka, AK Directions
Details
One of only four Russian period buildings left in North America. Explore exhibits about Russian America and the role of the Russian Orthodox Church. Free tours are offered May to September. Hours of operation vary depending on staff availability.
Other Visitor Services
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Visitor Center
Facility
Explore exhibits about traditional Tlingít life and see drums, robes, and other ceremonial objects. A 12-minute film, "The Voices of Sitka," weaves together the stories…
106 Metlakatla Street., Sitka, AK (907) 318-2170 Directions
Details
Explore exhibits about traditional Tlingít life and see drums, robes, and other ceremonial objects. A 12-minute film, "The Voices of Sitka," weaves together the stories of Sitkans, past and present. The nearby Totem Trail displays Northwest Coast totem poles and leads to the site of the Battle of 1804.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Daily, 6:00AM - 10:00PM · Park Trails
Hours details
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Park TrailsDaily, 6:00AM - 10:00PM
Park grounds are open for day-use year-round. Pedestrian through-traffic is allowed between Sawmill Creek Road and the visitor center parking lot (over the Indian River footbridge) at any time provided pedestrians do not loiter.
Monday 6:00AM - 10:00PM Tuesday 6:00AM - 10:00PM Wednesday 6:00AM - 10:00PM Thursday 6:00AM - 10:00PM Friday 6:00AM - 10:00PM Saturday 6:00AM - 10:00PM Sunday 6:00AM - 10:00PM
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
106 Metlakatla StreetSitka, AK 99835
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
48°F
Sunny · feels like 45°
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Today
51° 38°
Sunny68% rain
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Tomorrow
51° 35°
Overcast14% rain -
Wednesday
52° 35°
Overcast15% rain
Updated 5 hr ago
What to expect by season
Sitka experiences a temperate maritime climate, characterized by heavy precipitation and a small temperature range between seasons. Summer temperatures range from high 50s to high 60s F with frequent rain. Winter is rainy and snowy with temperatures from the high teens to the 40s F. Well prepared visitors will have rain gear and layered clothing at any time of year.
Photos
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The Visitor Center contains exhibits, a 15 minute park video, and Tlingit and Haida art. — NPS photo -
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Getting There
Sitka, AK 99835
Sitka National Historical Park is located in downtown Sitka, Alaska. Sitka is situated on Baranof Island, on the outer coast of Alaska's Inside Passage.
Full directions
No roads connect the city to the mainland; Sitka can be reached only by air or sea. Visitors can travel to Sitka by scheduled and charter air services, ferry, and cruise ships.
Mailing address: 103 Monastery St., Sitka, AK 99835
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