The Completely Free Cultural Attraction Hiding in This Alaskan State Park Is a Must-Visit
Totem Bight State Historical Park is a must-visit. Located just outside of Ketchikan, this park is free to the public and offers a unique opportunity to explore the state's rich Alaska Native heritage.
If you're looking for a place that perfectly blends culture, history, and the natural beauty of Alaska, Totem Bight State Historical Park is a must-visit. Located just outside of Ketchikan, this park is free to the public and offers a unique opportunity to explore the state's rich Alaska Native heritage.
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Totem Bight State Historical Park has an intriguing backstory. In the 1930s, as many of the original totem poles throughout the region were deteriorating, the U.S. Forest Service started a project to restore or recreate them. Alaska Native carvers, some of whom had learned their craft from previous generations, were commissioned to save this art form, and the results are on display throughout the park today. Now, the park serves as both a cultural preservation site and an outdoor museum where visitors can explore these striking works of art in their original setting.
People and totem poles
One of the park’s main features is the collection of intricately carved totem poles. Each pole has its own story to tell, reflecting the history, legends, and traditions of Alaska Native peoples, particularly the Tlingit and Haida. These towering works of art are not just decorative; they were often used to communicate important stories and events, making them an essential part of the region’s history.
Another highlight of the park is the recreated clan house, a traditional Alaska Native community house built using methods and materials that were available long ago. This large cedar structure offers a glimpse into the communal lifestyle of the people who once called this region home, and it's an impressive reminder of the ingenuity and craftsmanship of Alaska Native cultures.
Entrance to Indian clan house a replica of a Tlingit clan house in Totem Bight State Park, Revillagigedo Island, near Ketchikan, Alexander Archipelago, Southeast Alaska, Inside Passage or Alaska’s Panhandle.
The park itself is stunning, sitting right along the shores of the Tongass Narrows. Visitors are treated to beautiful views of the ocean, and on clear days, you can spot boats and wildlife in the surrounding area. There are also short, well-maintained trails that guide you through the park, making it an easy and fun visit for all ages.
Totem Bight State Historical Park is open throughout the year, though it’s especially popular during the summer when the weather is mild. There are no fees for entry or parking, which makes it a perfect budget-friendly stop if you're exploring Ketchikan or the surrounding area. If you're arriving by cruise ship or staying downtown, the park is only a 10 to 15-minute drive from Ketchikan and it's easily accessible by car or public transportation.
Hours of operation are usually from8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but since it's an outdoor park, you can wander through at your own pace, even after the official hours. There are also informational plaques throughout the park, so you can learn more about the meaning and history behind the totem poles and the cultural significance of the area as you explore.
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Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or someone who just wants to experience something different during your Alaska visit, Totem Bight State Historical Park is a destination worth adding to your list. The combination of natural beauty and cultural history makes it a truly special place, and the fact that it’s completely free to visit is just icing on the cake! I love stopping by this beautiful state park whenever I'm in the area.
Looking for more wonderful things to do in Ketchikan? I love this enchanting hike in Alaska that feels like you’re stepping into a fairy tale! And if you need new boots for your Alaskan hikes, REI is always a local favorite.
Fall is one of my favorite seasons (it’s tied with winter, actually). Watching Alaska transform from summer to winter is a magical time of year. The air is crisp, the leaves are changing, and the nights are getting longer. Yes, please!
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If you’re a fan of fall like me, then you’ll want to bookmark this ultimate guide to fall attractions in Alaska. We’ve scoured the state for the best hiking trails, best pumpkin patches, and best fall festivals to put you in the autumnal spirit.
Grab your coat and let’s hit the road.
Alaska Fall Foliage: Where To Go In Alaska For Fall Foliage
Since Alaska is much further north than the lower 48, it’s one of the first states to see the leaves change. Typically, the leaves change color in Alaska beginning in late August and it continues until early October. Mid-September tends to be peak fall foliage. Here are some of the best places to go in Alaska for fall foliage:
1. Denali National Park and Preserve
Polychrome Pass, Alaska range mountains, Denali National Park, Alaska.
Wow Factor: 6 million acres of Alaskan wilderness to explore
Need To Know: Denali National Park and Preserve isn’t a day trip. You’ll want to spend a few days here to fully explore the area.
Viewing Denali is a bucket list item for many, and fall is one of the best times to view it! The captivating fall colors coat the tundra with an impressive display of reds, oranges, and yellows. Sightseeing tours are very popular, though you may be inspired to go on a more adventurous tour like ziplining or white water rafting.
2. Chugach State Park
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Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Wow Factor: Clocking in at 495,000 acres, it’s the fourth largest state park in the United States.
Need To Know: There is no fee to enter, but there is a $5 parking fee
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Boasting an extensive ocean shoreline complete with glaciers, ice fields, and mountains, there’s truly something for everyone at Chugach State Park. The Hillside Trail System is the park’s most popular area with plenty of trails to explore, including the Flattop Mountain Trail which is one of the most popular hikes in Alaska.
3. Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Peninsula, Alaska.
Location: Seward, Alaska
Wow Factor: Coastal fjords, glaciers, mountains, and diverse wildlife all within about 700,000 acres.
Need To Know: You could spend an entire week here and still not feel like you saw everything.
When the leaves start to change color in Alaska, the Kenai Peninsula transforms into a kaleidoscope of color. The Kenai Canyon, in particular, puts on a fabulous show. Kenai Fjords National Park offers almost 700,000 acres to explore, including fjords, canyons, mountains, glaciers, and more. Make a weekend out of it and spend a few nights in a cabin in Seward to really immerse yourself.
Wow Factor: A picturesque little spot that's only 60 miles away from Anchorage
Need To Know: Parking is $5, $10 to use boat launch
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Willow Creek is a popular spot for salmon and rainbow trout fishing, but you don’t need to be an angler to enjoy this slice of paradise. The 3,500-acre recreational area has 140 campsites and plenty of hiking trails to enjoy.
Need To Know: You'll need to board a boat or a plane from Juneau to get here
Would you rather see the most impressive tidewater glaciers in the world or hike through a lush temperate rainforest? Well, Glacier Bay won’t make you choose—you can do both! Glacier Bay has more than 50 named glaciers, and there are plenty of glacier tours to get the best views. You might even see one calving! Of course, there’s plenty to do on land, too. The park is home to countless wildlife including brown and black bears, mountain goats, moose, eagles, and more.
Best Pumpkin Patches In Alaska
Nothing says fall more than frolicking through a pumpkin patch. Find your perfect pumpkin to celebrate the season at one of these incredible pumpkin patches in Alaska:
6. Williams Reindeer Farm
Location:5561 Bodenburg Loop, Palmer, AK 99645
Wow Factor: The farm hosts fall festival days throughout the season, with a full roster of family-friendly activities.
Need To Know: They sell out of pumpkins every year, so get there early in the season!
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Williams Reindeer Farm has one of the largest pumpkin patches in Alaska, but it’s so much more! This working reindeer farm is home to about 100 reindeer, Rocky Mountain elk, bison, Tibetan yaks, alpacas, and one Moose (Lucy). The fall festival takes place every weekend in October and is always a local favorite. Get your tickets now and start planning your epic day of fall fun.
7. Pyrah’s Pioneer Peak Farm
Location: 4350 Bodenburg Loop, Palmer, AK 99645
Wow Factor: The farm’s Fall Harvest Festival includes the pumpkin patch, hayrides, barnyard animals, and more.
Need To Know: Tickets are $10 per person
Pyrah’s Fall Harvest Festival is always a good time. For select days in the fall, the farm transforms into an all-day fall festival with all of your favorite autumnal activities. Face painting, hay rides, mazes, and more await! Purchase your tickets before you go to ensure your spot.
Best Fall Festivals in Alaska
The two pumpkin patches mentioned earlier can both double as fall festivals, but there are so many wonderful fall festivals in Alaska to enjoy! Whether you’re in Juneau, Anchorage, or all the way up in Fairbanks, make sure you attend one of these fall festivals in Alaska this year:
8. Homer Fall Festival
Location: Homer, Alaska
Wow Factor: This is one of the newer fall festivals, and 2024 marks the 3rd year for it!
Need To Know: The Homer Fall Festival takes place in the last week of October.
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From zombie 5k runs to pumpkin carving contests, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this fall festival. This is one festival you’ll want to pull out all the fine touches on your costume, as prizes will be awarded! There’s even a special award for the best pet costume.
9. Sitka WhaleFest
Location: Sitka, Alaska
Wow Factor: WhaleFest is simultaneously one of the most educational and entertaining festivals in Alaska!
Need To Know: The festival takes place November 1 - November 3, 2024
Every year, Sitka WhaleFest brings world-renowned scientists and marine lovers together to raise awareness and appreciation for these fascinating animals. Experts will lead three days of lectures and whale-watching excursions with live music, food and art vendors, and so much more to enjoy.
10. Alaska Bald Eagle Festival
Location: Haines, Alaska
Wow Factor: This festival attracts thousands of bird watchers from around the world.
Need To Know: Festival dates: November 8 - 10, 2024
After you’ve enjoyed a weekend of whales, make your way over to Haines for a weekend of eagles! Similar to WhaleFest, the Alaska Bald Eagle Festival hosts plenty of avian experts for presentations, exhibits, photography workshops, and more.
Free & Cheap Alaska Fall Activities
I’m a firm believer that you can have a good time without spending a fortune. These days, every penny counts! Here are some free and cheap fall activities in Alaska that won’t break the bank:
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11. Farmers Markets
Location: All over Alaska
Wow Factor: It's always a good idea to support local wherever possible!
If you haven't visited your local farmers market this season, what are you waiting for? They are perfect places to support local businesses. There are dozens and dozens of farmers markets all across Alaska, and each one of them is worthy of a visit.
Wow Factor: It's a fairly easy trail surrounded by lush trees with a waterfall finish!
Need To Know: This can be a pretty popular trail on the weekends. Go early or during the week to escape the crowds
The Thunderbird Fall Trail is a quick and easy way to tackle Alaska’s impressive landscape without having to detour too far into the wilderness. The 1.8-mile trail is accessible for all ages and skill levels and is especially dreamy during the fall.
13. Glenn Highway
Traveling alongside the Glenn Highway, located in the Matanuska Valley, a variety of landscapes can be seen. Travelers will not be disappointed. Many opportunities for scenic pictures made for a wonderful day of travel.The Vista point near King Mountain was a majestic sight as the sun rose across the valley.
Location: Anchorage to Glennallen
Wow Factor: This scenic drive in Alaska covers everything from mountain views to glacier sights!
Need To Know: You don’t need to drive the full 3.5 hours, you can always drive for as long as you’d like, then turn around!
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Scenic road trips are the best way to experience the fall foliage. The Glenn Highway from Anchorage to Glennallen will take you on a 3.5-hour scenic drive that’ll really showcase Alaska’s fall foliage. Be sure to pull over near Chickaloon where you can catch a beautiful view of Kind Mountain! It’s extra awesome when draped in fall colors.
14. Turnagain Arm
The lookout and scenery of Turnagain Arm in Bird Point. Seward Highway.
Location: Just south of Anchorage
Wow Factor: Stunning views with plenty of places to pull over
Need To Know: Keep an eye on the water for beluga whales
Turnagain Arm is one of my favorite scenic drives in Alaska. This drive is stunning year-round, but boy oh boy does she light up in the fall. Those golden birch leaves just sparkle! If you want to experience the views on foot, check out the Turnagain Arm Trail.
Wow Factor: It's a steep trail, but the views of the glacial lakes are worth it!
Need To Know: The 2.2-mile out-and-back trail is notoriously steep
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There’s a lot packed into this 2.2-mile trail. It’s got about 1,000 feet of elevation gain, so you’re going to work for it to reach the top. The views of the glacier lakes and the Mat-Su Valley are one in a million. Even if you miss the peak fall foliage, the views will not disappoint.
What's your favorite part of fall in Alaska? Let us know in the comments below.
If you want an adventure this year, make sure you head out to this secluded hot springs destination in Alaska for a relaxing trip. Located outside of Nome, these unbelievable hot springs are begging to be visited. Serpentine Hot Springs can be found in one of the most remote and stunningly beautiful parts of Alaska. It's truly a bucket-list-worthy spot that deserves a good look.
There are countless hot springs all across the state, but there’s something really special about Serpentine Hot Springs right outside of Nome. It’s in the heart of the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, and the surrounding countryside will take your breath away.
Serpentine Hot Springs have been visited for millennia.
Generations upon generations of people have come to bathe and recognize this as a place of spiritual healing and tradition. It’s a relaxing spot that invigorates all who visit.
The hot springs are pumped into an enclosed bathhouse, to keep out the harsh elements of the colder months.
The springs are open and usable all year long, and you will find visitors even in the dead of winter. No matter the season, you’ll be greeted with the views of the surrounding granite tors, and endless views.
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There’s also a bunkhouse where visitors can spend the night.
There are no reservations. Guests can come on a first-come, first-served basis, and it doesn’t cost anything. The bunkhouse has a main room and two other rooms. It can sleep up to 12 people, and there’s a large kitchen table and a two-burner Coleman stove.
Visitors should note that getting out to these gorgeous hot springs requires some planning — and a bit of an adventure.
The easiest way to get to the springs is to charter a small plane that will drop you off nearby. it’s just a short walk to the bunkhouse from the improvised landing strip.
There are commercial operators that will fly you directly from Nome or Kotzebue.
You can also hike or ride from Nome on your bike or even a snow machine during the wintertime. Helicopters, ATVs and other off-road vehicles are prohibited in the preserve, so you’ll have to fly in or use unmotorized power.
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This place is filled with a little bit of Alaskan magic.
If you’re looking for a beautiful place away from it all, make Serpentine Hot Springs a stop on your list. This breathtaking spot will restore you if you are lucky enough to visit it! Curious to learn more about what makes Serpentine Hot Springs so magical? Take a look at this brief video below, courtesy of the National Park Service. We bet you'll be planning your trip in no time!
To learn more about Serpentine Hot Springs, including the best ways to get there and additional information, be sure to check out the official National Park Service website. Would you stay at the secluded Serpentine Hot Springs in Alaska? Have you ever made this trip before? Let us know in the comments below!
Looking for more places around the state to kick back and relax? Try one of these 10 trails that lead to secluded hot springs in Alaska. And don't forget to stock up on some cozy winter layers before embarking on your adventure!
