This was a very clean center. It was landscaped well and the views were amazing…read more It was very convenient to access and the stairs are rustic and inviting. So glad we walked up and saw the area.

As our cruise ship the Norwegian Pearl was leaving Ketchikan, we saw the Coast Guard area and…read moreseveral of their boats.

This was interesting. And the views were pretty. But if you have limited time, this could be…read moreskipped. We rode public transit about ($2/person) but it took us about 30 minutes each way. Spent less than an hour, which is more than enough time. The bus only runs through every hour on the '7' - so don't miss it. Overall, I was underwhelmed given the hype. $5/person entry fee. I would have been really annoyed if I had purchased an excursion package for this for $79 per person.

Date of visit: July 19, 2025…read more This was a stop on an excursion from our cruise and it was very interesting, with a great setting right on the water, making for a great picture backdrop. The park does have a $5 entry fee per person May through September, so you may want to weigh that fact if you don't have a great interest in totem poles! If you do go, make sure you check out the Clan House and notice the storage underneath your feet as literally dozens of people would sleep in this facility at the same time. Coming with a guide may be your best bet as parking is limited and someone who knows the stories adds much more color to the experience.

GREAT LITTLE STROLL! 4.8…read more This has got to be one of the cutest port stops we've visited in recent times! Ketchikan, known as Alaska's "First City," is proud to be home to Creek Street, a charming boardwalk steeped in colorful history. Built over the water and perched along the rocky shores of Ketchikan Creek, Creek Street is lined with historic buildings painted in vibrant colors. The soothing sounds of the flowing water make for a peaceful and picturesque stroll. Creek Street began as a hub for miners seeking gold before evolving into a center for fishing and logging. Perhaps the most "interesting" chapter in its history was its reputation as Ketchikan's red-light district. You can learn all about this fascinating past at Dolly's House Museum. Just steps away from the cruise ship docks, Creek Street is a wonderful place to explore. It is quite touristy, with prices to match, but nonetheless, the area is filled with restaurants, art galleries, gift shops, and museums. Depending on the day, Ketchikan can welcome anywhere from one to six cruise ships (four walk-off berths in downtown and two docks located eight miles north of downtown). Luckily, we had only two ships in port, which meant fewer crowds. Many visitors book excursions, so not everyone is exploring Creek Street at the same time. Earlier in the day, we took a private tour of Ketchikan's sights before returning to Creek Street when the weather was sunny and absolutely gorgeous. I would recommend booking an excursion while in Ketchikan, then exploring Creek Street afterward. A leisurely walk along the boardwalk takes only about 15-20 minutes without stopping. However, if you plan to browse the shops and tour Dolly's House, allow at least an hour to fully enjoy the experience.

This is an amazing tourist destination in Ketchikan. The cute boardwalk allows you to explore the…read morehistory, art, culture, nature of the area. It's extremely photogenic. This area used to be a red light district, but was reborn as a tourist attraction. You can read about its transformation on interpretive panels scattered through the path through. You can also read more about the salmon and other animals that call this place home. The salmon were migrating though when I visited, so the river was full of them, as well as a few seals snagging a large meal! You can spend a lot of time just nature watching here. Don't forget to browse the gift shops and stop by at the museum. There are also small cafes around - while not technically on Creek Street, you should grab a salmon crepe from the Alaska Crepe Co. You won't regret it.

The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is the hub for cruise excursions and getting local…read moreinformation on the town of Ketchikan. From the outside, there are three carved totem poles you will see. They represent Haida, Tlingit and Tsimshian Indian cultures. Inside, there is a museum that has a minimal charge to get a great Alaskan education. The Discovery Center is a short walk from the cruise ship docks, but you can also get there on the free Downtown Shuttle that goes around the waterfront area with a few stops at different landmarks for sightseeing.

The website for Southeast Alaska Discovery Center states that "...this USDA Forest Service managed…read morecenter serves as a gateway to the Tongass National Forest, the largest National Forest in the United States." The museum is located just a street away from where the Ruby Princess was docked. Inside were informative exhibits and artifacts. And, with our America The Beautiful Annual Park Pass, we bypassed the entrance fee. Plus, we got a stamp for our National Parks Passport even though it's not a National Park. Pretty neat visit, especially getting to see totem poles not worn out by the weather.

There is a tiny museum inside the Ketchikan Fire Station. It is open for public. You can also…read morepurchase t-shirts from a vending machine. We enjoyed our visit. They do do tours if you come at the right time. The Ketchikan Fire Station is clean and well organized.

The museum inside this fire station is very interesting, and there are volunteers available to…read moreanswer questions. They also offer tours of the station. The museum snd tours are free, and there is a place to leave tips for the volunteers. The world famous vending machine is in the lobby. It is the only fire station in the world that has a t shirt vending machine. A nice stop if you are in Ketchikan.