The collections on display will tell the stories of Alaskan mining, fishing, logging, and politics, as well as introduce various artifacts from Alaskas Russian occupation and Alaska. Travelers endure another day of airport agony. One airline has by far Click here to book a gold mining tour from Juneau. Take a tour of breathtaking Fish Creek Valley at Eaglecrest on an adventure like no other. Open from 7:00 am-5:00 pm Monday-Friday, you can explore it in person or virtually. Map It: 3000 Fish Creek Rd, Juneau, AK 99801, United States | Phone: +1 907 790 2000 | Website | Hours: 9 am 4 pm Wednesday Sunday, Closed Monday & Tuesday. There are no roads to Juneau. For budget travelers there is the city bus option, but that's not one . 12 Best Things to Do in Juneau During an Alaska Cruise By Linda Garrison Updated on 10/10/21 TripSavvy / Linda Garrison Juneau is one of the most scenic state capitals in the U.S., and cruise ships sailing along Southeast Alaska's Inside Passage almost always include it as a port of call. Map 1. Braving the tundra is worth it for the life-changing experiences it provides. Mount Roberts Trail. Flightseeing is a fantastic activity to splurge on in Alaska; it gives you a real sense of scale for just how big this state is. Work off the calories by exploring Juneau by wheel with a Cycle Alaska bike tour. There are many different tours you can take from large boats to intimate boats of just a few passengers. Located 22 miles north of downtown Juneau this shrine welcomes people of all faiths and from all of the world and has done for 80 years. There are plenty of amazing views and photo opportunities whether you want to hike the glacier or not. As an academic I can attest that it is the premier academic museum effort in Juneau, possibly all of Alaska. We send expert travel tips & guides that save you money, stress & FOMO: TravelLemming.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. At this brewery you can take a free tour and learn all about the brewery, the beers and the founders. Heres our one-day in Juneau, Itinerary to help you pick the best ones! It is recommended that you do some preparation for Alaska history and experience more profoundly when . Start your research by checking out Alaska Heli-Mush, True Alaskan Tours (operated by the same parent company as Alaskan Dream Cruises! Shop, Eat, and Drink in Juneaus Historic Downtown, While the Red Dog is the closest and only replica of a gold rush era saloon that exists today, there are several other bars, new brewing and distillery tasting rooms, and an up and coming, 6. Your email address will not be published. Alaska State Capitol Building. Look past the strange cruise company shops and youll see buildings that date back to Juneaus origins as a turn-of-the-century town born around the Klondike Gold Rush. The Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls One of the most popular places to visit in Juneau is the Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls. On Glacier Highway in Juneau you will find Eagle Beach. Find your next running challenge with one of our many summer races or get out and walk the hills with the locals on a berry walk. Cruise into Tracy Arm for a Day of Bears, Whales, and Glaciers, 17. X Juneau Juneau About Juneau ( Tlingit : Dznti K'iheni) Alaska's state capital is also one of its most beautiful cities and one of the most visited communities in the state. Historic Downtown Mendenhall Glacier and Visitor Center Juneau Icefield Flightseeing, Trekking or Dogsledding Humpback Whale Watching Salmon or Halibut Sportfishing Outdoor Activities Juneau Museums More ambitious or staying longer than a day? It has also been home to people of all different cultures, many which still call it home. 9. Each room in Alaskas Capital Inn Bed and Breakfast offers free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen cable TV, along with bath robes and slippers for guest comfort and soundproofing for privacy. 20 IDEAL Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska in 2023 - Cruise Hive Nestled in the stunning natural beauty of Southeast Alaska, Juneau is a veritable feast for the senses. The garden landscape includes flowering trees, bushes, and local foliage among the flowers. Juneau, Alaska | Information for Cruise & Independent | ALASKA.ORG We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Juneau, AK | Things to Do, Recreation, & Travel Information TOP 20 Things to Do in Juneau (Perfect for First Timers!) A ride up the Mount Roberts Tram is a great way to see downtown Juneau from the top of one of its surrounding mountains without having to hike. Notably, many famous visitors have graced the house over time. You came all the way to Alaska, you gotta see a glacier right? There is also a discovery room where you can climb-aboard replica of an early sailing ship and offering activities for both children and adults. Today, you can find Alaskan Brewing Company beers nationwide and they have a huge range of beers to choose from. Pair this with the opportunity to see tons of glaciers, and youll probably tick off two items on your Alaska bucket list with one activity! Juneaus Downtown shopping district has kept many of the facades that make you feel like youre walking into an 1898 Gold Rush mining town. Things to do in Juneau Juneau Tours Mendenhall Glacier Are you interested in? Great as a group of people or for families wanting to enjoy some time doing an alternative activity out of the city. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Enjoy Music During the Alaska Folk Festival, 19. My friend Nicki has a good guide on hiking to the Mendenhall ice caves and I strongly recommend checking with the rangers at the visitor center before setting out, so you know what conditions to expect. During your hike, soak in all the information available from experienced guides and learn about the history of this place. There's a visitor's center, cafe, gift shop, museum and restaurant to enjoy. So lets dive in! Wander through Historic Downtown Juneau, guide on hiking to the Mendenhall ice caves. Further reading:15 Best Things to Do in Alaska. (Rich McClear/KCAW) Sitka hosted more than 13,000 cruise . 6 Epic Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska | U.S. News Travel Alaska ballot measure filed to set term limits for state legislators While it might seem like this fall is glacially fed, it actually runs year-round due to snowmelt from the Juneau icefield that sits in the valleys above Junaeu. If seeing the glacier from the other shore of a lake isnt close enough for you, you might consider taking a helicopter tour which will land you on the glacier itself! The tramway is operated by the Goldbelt Corporation, one of Juneaus Alaska Native corporations, and offers fantastic views on the five-minute ride that ascends 1,800 feet from sea level to see level. (Their clever expression not mine! When you book a hotel or tour that we link to, we may earn a commission. From the tourist-heavy areas near the cruise terminal to the quiet streets lined with historic homes, Juneau has a small but walkable downtown area with a nice grid pattern so its pretty hard to get lost. Several tour companies run various types of whale watching boats from a local harbor ( click here to price out a tour ). Youll even find a restaurant and souvenir shopping at the top too. Sunday, July 2, 2023 12:00am. All offer great options for this multi-bucket-list experience. Another popular activity at Mendenhall especially if youre booking a cruise excursion in Juneau is to get on the water of Mendenhall Lake by canoe or kayak, or to raft from the lake down Mendenhall River toward the Gastineau Channel. Take time to truly appreciate the beauty of Alaska! Read more in my Privacy Policy. The visitor center has a theater which shows a 15-minute film on Mendenhall Glacier, a book shop, and exhibits on wildlife, history, and glacial and geological changes. Today the flume has been covered with treated wood, making this boardwalk trail perfect for all ages and abilities. Exploring the Alaska State Museum is a great thing to do on a rainy day or anytime for those who want to learn more about Juneau and Alaska's past. At the top of your ride youll get out at an overlook for a view of Juneau down below. There are a couple cabins with drive-up access, however, most of the cabins require a hike through the forest on well-marked trails. Here are the best things to do in Juneau, more than you can fit into a single trip. Buy a pan or bring your own and you may just find some specs of gold to call your own. It then discusses the territorial history of Alaska as well as more contemporary topics including tourism, the oil sector, and other topics. There are displays of jewellry, photos on metal and traditional paintings. Whether youre in town for just a few hours with a cruise ship, or youre visiting for longer, youll be at no loss for things to do in Juneau at any time of year, especially if youre outdoorsy. Located in the heart of Juneau, the Silverbow Inn Hotel & Suites provides guests with a host of comfortable amenities. By 595michaelo. (Or buy a bundle of city guides and save!). Fairbanks. The Alaska Historical Museums collection opened to the public in Juneaus Arctic Brotherhood Building in 1920. Get up close to nature on a Segway and experience the sights, smells, and sounds of the Alpine meadows. With a population of 728,903, this building serves as an important seat of state government. Depending on the tour, you may see the Mendenhall Glacier, beaches, and fields of flowers. Level Up Your Travel Skills With Our Newsletter. Thats three bucket list items ticked off on one tour! Learn about Juneau and Alaskan History at the Museums, 5. You can also check out the local events on the community calendar here! If I have a chance, I will get to Juneau for sure. You can choose your favourites or follow our 24-hour Juneau schedule to make the most of your one day in this gorgeous spot. If youre a foodie, youll want to take the Juneau Food Tour, run by a local food blogger. What did you like about this post? In addition to the two hiking trails I already mentioned, there are several other trails. Each April Juneau hosts the week long Alaska Folk Festival. 18 Top Things to Do in Alaska - U.S. News Travel 8. To visit the Alaska State Capitol, you have two options. Juneau is a great place to start or end your Alaska cruise (small ships, all the way! She is known for her quotes and writings that all that mattered in life was not our great deeds, but our great love. The shorter 1.2 miles only has about 1,700 feet of elevation, so its challenging but manageable; if you go the full distance, be prepared for over 3,600 feet of elevation change each way. With the Mt Roberts Tramway only 800 m away, the hotel features a garden, private parking, a shared lounge, and a terrace. Engross Yourself in Alaskan Native Culture During the Bi-Annual Celebration, 11. Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier - Viator Most operators will guarantee you see whales during your trip, they are that confident that the whales are there. You can see them flip, breach and hunt for food using the bubble technique of blowing bubbles to bring fish to the surface of the water. The Grand Marshals this year are Alan Young, Pete Carran, Wade Bryson, and Ernestine Saankalxt Hayes. By robbyne2014. Learn about the destination, nature and wildlife whilst exploring the interactive exhibits. Con. 23 Best Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska By VacationIdea Staff on May 30, 2023 - Updated Courtesy of Second Story Images - Fotolia.com A popular cruise ship port and top destination for adventure travelers, Juneau, Alaska, boasts over 250 miles of hiking trails along with beaches, romantic sunsets, glaciers, and streams full of salmon. 1. Musicians from all over come to listen, play, dance, and teach. Learn About the Salmon Industry at Douglas Island Pink And Chum (DIPAC) Hatchery, 13. The available outdoor activities accommodate all levels of traveler. The Mount Roberts Tramway takes guests up 1,800 . If trying Alaskan king crab is on your bucket list, youll want to visit Tracys Crab Shack. Today, however, youll find souvenir shops and eateries that cater to the summer cruise ship tourists. I dont usually call out specific food or drink establishments in my things to do lists, but I couldnt skip over Alaskas most famous craft brewery which is located right in the heart of downtown Juneau. Show more. . 13 Most Unforgettable Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska: Tours, Excursions by. Despite the crowds, you wont want to skip it. 234. If you are planning on venturing out rent a car. Localssaid this was one of the nicest days of the year in Juneau, with a very sunny upper 50s feeling like 70s .especially as we were dressed for a very cold stay in the snow topped glacier. Youll want to bring a good raincoat, as youll be visiting a rainforest, but if youre dressed for the weather, youll have a fantastic time exploring all the many awesome things to do in Juneau, Alaska! Level Contributor 14 posts 15 reviews 5 helpful votes 1. So yes, there are plenty of natural attractions to keep yourself busy in Juneau. The 23 Best Things to Do in Juneau (According to an Alaskan!) The tram ride is worth it for the views, and you can also enjoy the trail and visitor center here. Ready for All the Best Things to Do in Juneau? The division of state government that handles food stamps has made progress in . There are few opportunities besides Celebration to fully immerse yourself in so many tribal cultures all at once. Pickup offered Mobile ticket Offered in: English Explore our promoted experiences Juneau, Alaska Segway Alaska - Coastal Rainforest Trek 83 from $159.95 Juneau, Alaska Probably one of the most popular reasons tourists visit Juneau is to visit the Mendenhall Glacier. For many, this may be the closest you will ever be able to get to the face of a glacier. Visiting the oldest city in Alaska means learning about the gold rush days, seeing many creatures you would not see anywhere else and natural beauty which can be compared to few other places on earth. You may also like this post of mine:15 Best Small Towns to Visit in Alaska. Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway 7. 15 Best Things to Do in Juneau (Alaska) by a Local (2023), U.S. Department of Agriculture / Wikimedia, Forest Service Alaska Region, USDA / Flickr, 15 Best Things to Do in Winston-Salem (NC). 17 UNIQUE Things to Do in Juneau [in 2023] - The Broke Backpacker As Juneau is situated in the Tongass Rain Forest, youll be biking on tree-lined roads. Visit the Mendenhall Glacier Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau, Alaska Map It: Juneau, AK 99801, United States The Mendenhall Glacier is the most popular place to visit in Juneau. They offer routes throughout the area, including over the Juneau Icefield and some even have glacier landings as an add-on option. There are many different short trails to take from here and you can explore on your own or take a guide. Liquid Alaska Tours and Alaska Travel Adventures are two operators to check out if this sounds interesting to you. Every morning, a hot breakfast is available, with options like crab eggs benedict, Alaskan sourdough pancakes, and smoked bacon, as well as granola, juice, tea, and muffins. The Mendenhall Glacier is the most popular place to visit in Juneau. Again youll find all levels of adventure available. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Juneau - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Both hiking trails along the shore will end at the Visitor Center. As the capital of the US State of Alaska, you may expect Juneau to be a metropolis of a city. I recommend to spend a few hours here. Backups are easing at U.S. airports thanks to a break in the weather, but travelers are still seeing large numbers of flight delays. Juneau is full of opportunities that will satisfy all types of travelers. This 5.4-mile out-and-back trail gains about 3,100 feet in elevation to reach the summit of Mount Jumbo, also called Mount Bradley. Wisconsin: July 1-15. There were several displays by many artists. While you might not think a place that has to have a lot of food shipped in would have a great food scene, Alaskans have learned to fish, hunt, and forage, and turn these local resources into amazing dishes. What to Do in Juneau in 2 Days? Travel Guide and Tips Every suite has a bedroom with a flat-screen TV, a living room with a sofa bed, a work desk, and a DVD player. Salmon were running and we were blessed with a black bear fishing in the creek. Inside youll find a small shop full of locally made goods, a short video, and displays about natural rebound after a glacier leaves and some of the wildlife you may see during your visit. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Each cabin has an outhouse out back for your convenience, and a propane stove is available for heat. Thanks for your very helpful info on Juneau and the surrounding area. THE 10 BEST Indoor Things to Do in Juneau (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor Planning a trip to the capital of the Last Frontier? A mix of old and new, the main hub is the waterfront where youll see cruise ships, fishing boats and the occasional sea plane bringing visitors to this unique destination. Required fields are marked *. Get my 57-page ebook for just $9.99! The planes will then pick you up and return you to town, making this an incredible daytrip from Juneau. Thank you for your post. Juneaus down town is filled with plenty of things to see and do. How to Make the Most of One Day in Juneau, Alaska Valerie & Valise Cruising through Alaska's Inside Passage, or planning your own trip? Map It: 432 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801, United States | Phone: +1 907 790 2722 | Website | Hours: 12 pm 8 pm daily. 15 Best Things to Do in Juneau (Alaska) by a Local (2023) The three-mile East Glacier Loop trail is available for the more active travelers. Join the ultimate Alaskan adventure that takes you up close and personal with the Mendenhall Glacier. Exhibits are set into sections which showcase displays of fine art, topics including mining, fishing, forestry and tourism, and not to mention the Russian-American period, and World War Two. Rather than shelves stocked with gold rush supplies, however, today the shops carry Alaskan books, art, Native crafts, jewelry, and other souvenirs. At the summit, guests can take part in a variety of activities, from dining, shopping, and watching a short cultural film, to admiring the artwork, viewing an American Bald Eagle, and traversing short trails through the surrounding forest. While staying at the Silverbow Inn Hotel & Suites, guests can enjoy various outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and cycling. Whether youre looking for outdoor activity, culture, food, or an all-round adventure, Ive got you covered with this list of the 21 best things to do in Juneau. There are no roads connecting the city to the rest of the state or North America you can only arrive here by plane or boat! The road winds through the rainforest while your driver points out the local flora and explains how the landscape changes due to the climate. News. Native culture. There isnt a lot better than spending a calm day drifting on the open water trailing a line behind you. Juneau has a history of boom to bust industries starting with its beginning as a lawless gold mining town. There are two National Park Service-approved concessioners offering flights over Glacier Bay: Alaska Seaplanes and Ward Air. She was working in PR, restaurants, daycares, one yoga clothing store. Map It: 23035 Glacier Hwy, Juneau, AK 99801, United States | Phone: +1 907 789 0139 | Website. However, Juneau is the capital, and theres a nice building to prove it plus the governors fancy mansion nearby if you want to walk and see that too. This trail is 4.6 miles out-and-back and has about 1,350 feet in elevation change over its course. For a more moderate hike that departs from the same general area as Mount Roberts and Mount Juneau, the Perseverance Trail is a good candidate. Flightsee or Trek on the Juneau Icefield: This massive accumulation of ice and snow that stretches 85 miles north to south, and 45 miles east to westan area larger than the state of Rhode Island. ), as theres so much to do that its worth adding at least one day to explore, if not more.