Sitka
National Historical Park

Alaska's oldest federally designated park was established in 1910 to commemorate the Battle of Sitka, which took place in 1804. All that remains of this last major conflict between Europeans and natives of the Northwest Coast is the site of a Kiksadi Fort, located within the confines of this scenic 107 acre park in a temperate rain forest.

The park's story continues at the Russian Bishop's House, one of four surviving examples of Russian colonial architecture in North America. This original 1843 log structure conveys the legacy of Russian America through exhibits, refurbished living quarters and the Chapel of the Annunciation.

A classic combination of Northwest Coast totem poles and temperate rain forest are combined on the scenic coastal trail within Sitka National Historical Park.

VISITATION:

Highest in May through September; lowest in winter.

LOCATION & ADDRESS:

Sitka National Historical Park
106 Metlakatla Street
P O Box 738
Sitka, AK 99835

TELEPHONE:

(907) 747-6281 or fax (907) 747-5938

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

Mid-May through September 30
The visitor center is open daily, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Russian Bishop's House is open daily, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

October through Mid-May
The Visitor Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Russian Bishop's House is open by appointment. Or call for a tour Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. or Friday at 2:00 p.m.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:

There are no admission fees at the Visitor Center however, donations are accepted at each site

At the Russian Bishop's House the Park is participating in the Recreation Fee Demonstration Program. This program allows a significant portion of fees collected at the Park to be spent directly on behalf of the Park. The fee at the Russian Bishop's House is an interpretive fee which will supplement public funding for interpretive tours of the historic building.
The fee is $3.00 per person from May 18 though September 30.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

Summer has frequent rain, temperatures range from high 50's to high 60's F. Winter is rainy and snowy; temperatures from high teens to the 40's F. Rain gear and layered clothing are recommended.

DIRECTIONS:

Sitka is located on Baranof Island in Alaska's Southeastern Panhandle. It can be reached only by commercial airline directly from Seattle, Juneau and Anchorage. Sitka is also a port of call for cruise ships and ferries on the Alaska Marine Highway System. The Park is located at the south end of Lincoln Street, approximately one- fourth mile from downtown Sitka.

TRANSPORTATION:

To Park: Alaska Airlines provides daily service to Sitka Airport. Alaska Marine Highway System (ferries) provide regular service to Sitka; also, summer cruise ships stop regularly at Sitka. In Park: walking/jogging trails only..

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Center/Exhibits:

Two major sites are the main visitor center, which includes the Southeast Indian Cultural Center, and the Russian Bishop's House.

Trails, Roads:

Both sites are located on the same street within a ten minute walk of each other in this essentially urban park.

Programs/Activities:

Regularly scheduled tours, guided walks and educational programs by rangers at major sites in season or by appointment during winter.

Lodging and camping facilities:

There are none in the park. Local lodging and camping facilities.

Food/supplies:

There are none in the park. Local restaurants, grocery stores.

Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:

A bookstore is located in the park visitor center.

Accessibility:

The park visitor center is wheelchair accessible and a wheelchair is available for public use. The gravel-based, wood chip-covered trails in the park are accessible with some types of wheelchairs.

Special Needs:

Parking areas available for buses and cars at park visitor center. Visitor parking is available near Russian Bishop's House.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:

Interpretive talks, exhibits, slide program at the visitor center; native artisans demonstrate traditional arts in the Indian Cultural Center; bird watching, picnicking, plant identification and beach combing; exhibits and ranger tours at the Russian Bishop's House.

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:

Reservations for school groups or other educational groups should be made at least two weeks prior to the visit. Reasonable notice and application for Special Use Permits is required. Commercial photography permits are arranged on an individual basis, according to size of project and impact on the park. For additional information concerning reservations, special use, or filming permits call (907) 747-6281.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Spend a minimum of one hour at the Russian Bishop's House and at least two hours at the other site. May require a half-day to enjoy both sites of Sitka National Historical Park.

SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:

Tlingit artists demonstrate their skills in the Southeast Indian Cultural Center. Ranger-led walks on flora, fauna, history and anthropology of the park and the community of Sitka are featured in the summer. Also, selected "living history" programs feature representative figures from the Russian Colonial Period. Film Festivals are held in summer and winter and guest speakers present programs on varied topics related to the park themes. The bookstore is open daily during the summer.

VISITOR IMPACTS:

Information concerning closing of park is broadcast on local media.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:

Sheldon Jackson Museum, St. Peter's By-The-Sea Episcopal Church, St. Michael's Cathedral, Sitka Lutheran Church, Castle Hill, Building #29 (one of four original Russian Period buildings), Isabel Miller Museum, New Archangel Dancers, Old Sitka, Sitka National Cemetery, Russian Orthodox Cemetery, Finnish-Lutheran Cemetery, Russian Blockhouse, Raptor Rehabilitation Center, Sitka Pioneer's Home, Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall, Southeast Alaska Native Dancers, Japonski Island, Totem Square, Centennial Building, numerous hiking trails.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Write park headquarters, Sitka National Historical Park, 106 Metlakatla, Box 738, Sitka, AK 99835 or call (907) 747-6281.

Last Updated:Thursday, 12-March-98 08:45
http://www.nps.gov/sitk/