We were in Sitka for a day during an Alaska summer cruise. From downtown , we walked about a quarter of a mile to the Sitka National Historical Park. It was an absolutely gorgeous waterfront walk on a sunny day with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. It seemed like a short walk as time passed quickly when you’re admiring Mother Nature.
The Sitka National Historical Park was an interesting place to visit. It was set in the midst of a residential area and by a magnificient stretch of beaches. This park was the site of the battle between the Alaskan Indians (Tlingit, Aleut/Koniag) and the Russians that changed Alaska’s history in 1804. This battle marked the beginning of the Russian ruling Sitka for many years. It was proclaimed a national monument in honor of the Battle of Sitka in 1910 long before Alaska became a state and thereby becoming its oldest national park.
There were various totem poles set around a grassy area in front of the visitor’s center and along the path leading to the trails. My kids were fascinated with the size and height of the surrounding totem poles. The details were beautiful even though these were replicas of the original ones that once stood here.
A Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center was on the same building as the visitor’s center. There was an interpretive fee for admission into the visitor’s center. We briefly went inside but didn’t go to the exhibits. Restrooms were on the outside premises before entering the center. The side of the building had a fenced-in area where we saw old totem poles on display.
There was an uphill trail that lead to a rainforest and into a river where at certain times you could watch migrating salmon. Since it was a national park, the kids could participate in the Junior Ranger program. We got too busy with what was around the vicinity that we forgot to ask for a booklet. We walked on the little pathway for a quick hike to a river. My daughter and I followed the little trail into the footbridge and it was an easy walk surrounded by huge trees. There were other trails within the park which could be seen here.
There was a beach behind the visitor’s center that had some breathtaking views of the mountains and the surrounding islands along with some tables and picnic benches. It was a perfect place to relax, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy Sitka.
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