Sitka National Historical Park Custom Search Alaska's oldest federally designated park was established in 1910 to commemorate the 1804 Battle of Sitka. All that remains of this last major conflict between Europeans and Alaska Natives is the site of the Tlingit Fort and battlefield, located within this scenic 113 acre park in a temperate rain forest. Southeast Alaska totem poles and a temperate rain forest setting combine to provide spectacular scenery along the park's coastal trail. The trail circles back along Indian River to the visitor center. Another loop trail continues across the Indian River footbridge past the Memorial to the Russian Midshipmen who died in the Battle of Sitka. The park's story continues at the Russian Bishop's House, one of three surviving examples of Russian colonial architecture in North America. This original 1843 log structure conveys the legacy of Russian America through exhibits, refurbished Bishop's living quarters and lavish icons in the Chapel of the Annunciation.     CONTACTS Email - SITK_Administration@nps.gov Fax- 907-747-5938 Write to National Park Service 106 Metlakatla Street Sitka, AK 99835 Phone Headquarters - 907-747-6281 TRAVEL BASICS Operating Hours, Seasons Mid-May through September 30: The visitor center is open daily, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Russian Bishop's House is open daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. October through Mid-May: The Visitor Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Russian Bishop's House is open by appointment only. Tours are regularly scheduled on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. and Friday at 2:00 p.m. Getting There PLANE - Sitka is located on Baranof Island on Alaska's southeastern panhandle. Sitka can be reached only by air or sea. Commercial airlines fly directly from Seattle, Juneau and Anchorage. The Park is located at the south end of Lincoln Street, approximately one-fourth mile from downtown Sitka. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - Sitka is also a port of call for ferries on the Alaska Marine Highway System. Weather & Climate Sitka experiences a temperate marine climate, characterized by heavy precipitation and a small temperature range between seasons. Most of the 96.6 inches average annual precipitation in Sitka occurs as rain. Summer temperatures range from high 50's to high 60's F. Winter is rainy and snowy with temperatures from the high teens to the 40's F. Rain gear and layered clothing are recommended year-round. Accessibility The park visitor center is wheelchair accessible and a wheelchair is available for public use. The gravel-based, wood chip-covered trails in the park are accessible with many types of wheelchairs. The historic Russian Bishop's House is not wheelchair accessible. An audiovisual presentation is available to those unable to tour the house. Getting Around The Visitor Center and Russian Bishop's House are located on Lincoln Street about a ten minute walk apart in this essentially urban park. FACILITIES Museums RUSSIAN BISHOP'S HOUSE Phone - 907-747-6281 Location - Located near Sitka's central business district at 501 Lincoln Street. Closures - Closed through winter except by appointments which are scheduled for Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. or Fridays at 2:30 p.m. Special Programs - Special programs are scheduled throughout the summer. Additional information can be found in our expanded web pages or by contacting the park. Exhibits - The Russian Bishop's House is one of four buildings remaining from the Russian colonial period in North America. The historic structure is registered as a National Historic Landmark. Exhibits on the Russian American Company, Russian history and Orthodoxy are displayed on the lower level. Park rangers lead visitors on a tour of the second floor through the beautifully restored bishop's residence and chapel. Two historic buildings, the Priests' Quarters and the Old School, are located on site. Visitor Centers MAIN VISITOR CENTER & SOUTHEAST INDIAN CULTURAL CENTER Phone - 907-747-6281 Location - The Park is located at the south end of Lincoln Street, approximately one- fourth mile from downtown Sitka. Special Programs - Tlingit artists demonstrate their skills in the Southeast Indian Cultural Center. In the summer months, Ranger-led walks on the flora, fauna, history and anthropology of the park, and the community of Sitka are featured. A variety of children's programs are also offered during the summer. The bookstore is open daily from May through September.   Map Detailed Map Contact Info Phone, Email, Address, GPS coordinates Campgrounds Nearby List of Nearby Campgrounds Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Sitka National Historical Park.   Marinas Near Sitka National Historical Park: Fisherman's Quay, Sitka , 0 miles away   Hotels Near Sitka National Historical Park: Alaska Ocean View B&B, Sitka , 0 miles away Super 8 Sitka, Sitka , 0 miles away Shee Atika Totem Square Inn, Sitka , 1 miles away Sitka's Eagle Bay Inn, Sitka , 2 miles away   Trails Near Sitka National Historical Park: Gavan Hill Trail, Sitka Borough , 2 miles away Starrigavan Fish Viewing Trail, Sitka Borough , 3 miles away Mount Verstovia Trail, Sitka Borough , 4 miles away Indian River Trail, Sitka Borough , 4 miles away Redoubt Lake Trail, Sitka Borough , 14 miles away   Ski Areas Near Sitka National Historical Park: Eaglecrest, Alaska , 73 miles away, 1400 foot drop, 3 lifts, 31 runs   Golf Courses Near Sitka National Historical Park: Sea Mountain Golf Course, Sitka , 4 miles away