Kodiak is Alaska’s Emerald Island, and rich with natural and historical significance. Fort Abercrombie Historical State Park houses the ruins of a World War II coastal defense installation. The park is full of endless opportunities for family-friendly outdoor adventure from the surf-pounded cliffs, deep spruce forests, wildflower meadows and a scenic lake. But this place is also the best spot for tidepool exploration in Alaska. Wait until the perfect time and check out the low-tide where you can find sea plants and animals that thrive in the tidepools. The park is a wonderful place to spend the day seeing all there is to see, especially the shoreline at low tide.

Fort Abercrombie Historical State Park
1400 Abercrombie Drive
Kodiak, Alaska 99615

Fort Abercrombie is in a strategic location 3 miles north of the town of Kodiak on Kodiak Island. You can take a water taxi to the park from the dock if you are entering Kodiak by sea, either by cruise ship or one of the other boat services.
Andrew Petersen | Flickr
The park has a $5 admission fee for the day, a small price for access to 182 acres of wild lands, coastal waters, cliffs, WWII ruins and lively tidepools.
Allan Bergman | Flickr
Circle around Lake Gertrude, full of trout for casual fishing, and explore the miles of trails through moss covered forests.
Andrew Petersen | Flickr
Pets are permitted in the park, so bring your dogs for the miles of gorgeous trails. A dog may be a little too disruptive to the ecosystem of the tide pool.
kennakenai | Flickr
Tent camping is allowed in the park if you want to wake up early and hit the morning low tide hours. Let the crash of the waves lull you to sleep.
J. Stephen Conn | Flickr

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The WWII history of the area is well explained on the posted signs along the paths. Being on the Pacific Rim, Alaska had a threatened U.S. border to protect and brave soldiers defended the Fort.
J. Stephen Conn | Flickr
There is a small museum in the park, staffed by volunteers, with extensive information about the history of the area.
Andrew Petersen | Flickr
There is an incredible array of marine invertebrates making their homes in the space between low tide and high tide.
kennakenai | Flickr
A special permit is required to take animals for aquariums or research projects, so leave the sea creatures where you found them.
Leilani Elderts | Flickr
Spend a wonderful day tromping through the tidepools on the shore near Ft. Abercrombie. Learn about the ocean life in one of Alaska's intertidal zones.
Andrew Petersen | Flickr

More information on Fort Abercrombie Historical State Park here.

While you are in Kodiak, stay at The Island Lodge In Alaska That Will Make You Feel A Thousand Miles Away From It All. And you will definitely want to check out The 12 Best Places To Visit In Alaska In 2018.

Have you been to Fort Abercrombie Historical State Park? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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