Ketchikan Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour of Creek Street

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1

  Stroll along this iconic boardwalk suspended over Ketchikan Creek, where colorful buildings preserve the legacy of a bustling former red-light district. Today, these charming wooden structures house vibrant art galleries, eclectic shops, and museums that offer a fascinating glimpse into the town's colorful past.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• (Pass by)

  Step into the rich heritage of the Tlingit people at this expansive village park, home to the world's largest collection of standing totem poles. Visitors can wander among these towering wooden masterpieces and often observe skilled native carvers at work in the clan house, bringing ancient legends to life.

  Admission ticket free
• 2
  Totem Heritage Center

  This remarkable museum safeguards a priceless collection of original, unrestored 19th-century totem poles retrieved from abandoned coastal villages. Discover the raw, weathered beauty of these ancestral monuments while learning about the enduring traditions of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• Dolly's House Museum (Pass by)

  Step back into the rugged Gold Rush era inside the former home of Dolly Arthur, Ketchikan's most famous madam. Perfectly preserved with its original vintage furnishings and secret liquor stashes, this quirky museum offers a delightfully scandalous look into the town's infamous history.

  Admission ticket free
• 3
  Salmon Ladder

  Marvel at one of nature's most impressive migrations at this artificial waterfall, built to help salmon navigate upstream through challenging rapids. If you visit during the late summer months, you'll be treated to the incredible spectacle of determined fish leaping straight out of the water to reach their spawning grounds.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 4
  Chief Johnson Totem Pole

  Towering 55 feet above the center of town, this striking monument tells the Tlingit legend of the trickster Raven and the Fog Woman. Topped with a mythical golden eagle, this intricately carved pillar holds the distinction of being the most photographed totem pole in all of Alaska.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 5
  Ketchikan creek and falls

  Just a short walk from downtown, this powerful cascade provides a stunning natural backdrop to the historic buildings of Creek Street. It's the perfect scenic spot to snap a photo and watch the dramatic struggle of wild salmon surging through the whitewater during their annual summer run.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• Tongass Historical Museum (Pass by)

  Dive deep into Ketchikan’s vibrant evolution from a First Nations fishing camp to the bustling Salmon Capital of the World. Through dynamic exhibits on local logging, maritime history, and Native heritage, this intimate museum perfectly captures the resilient spirit of Southeast Alaska.

  Admission ticket free
• 6

  Follow this scenic, tree-shaded boardwalk that originally served as a discreet escape route for men secretly visiting the brothels of Creek Street. Today, the secluded forest path offers a beautiful nature walk connecting downtown to up-close views of the creek's vibrant salmon runs.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 7

  Ride the funicular or hike up to this elevated vantage point to enjoy sweeping, panoramic views of downtown Ketchikan and the busy harbor. It's a peaceful forested retreat right in the heart of town, offering a picturesque spot to relax while watching floatplanes glide across the water.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 8
  Ketchikan Cruise Ship Docks

  Soak in the energetic atmosphere of a true Alaskan working waterfront, where massive cruise ships dock alongside rugged commercial fishing boats. Be sure to snap a picture under the iconic Welcome to Ketchikan archway before exploring the nearby shops and fresh seafood vendors.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 9
  Thomas Basin

  Experience authentic maritime culture at this bustling historic boat basin, packed with a colorful fleet of commercial trollers and private yachts. It's an idyllic location for a leisurely stroll to watch the fishermen haul in their daily catch and spot playful seals navigating the marina.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 10
  Whale Park

  Tucked away in the middle of downtown, this charming pocket park provides a quiet oasis surrounded by vibrant seasonal blooms and historic monuments. Take a moment to admire the intricately designed floral clock before stepping over to view the famous Chief Johnson Totem Pole located right next door.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 11

  Embark on an easy, scenic walking route that winds along the edge of Ketchikan Creek, guiding you through lush rainforest and over historic wooden bridges. It's one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to explore the city's natural beauty, offering prime vantage points for spotting wildlife and spawning fish.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 12

  Stroll down this historic thoroughfare to admire the quaint architecture of classic storefronts, City Hall, and the iconic local fire station. It serves as the gateway to Ketchikan's civic heart, offering a charming mix of small-town Alaskan character, local eateries, and distinctive cultural landmarks.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Works entirely offline once downloaded—no cell service required
• GPS-triggered audio plays automatically based on your location
• Flexible - Buy once, use any day/time—access never expires
• Get the Drives & Detours app download the tour ahead of time

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