warmest time of the year at Sitka National Historical Park arrives with high temperatures in the 60's. For the period of the dark hours of summer temperatures dip down into the 50's. The cold days of the winter come with highs in the 30's, and night lows in the 20's for Sitka National
Historical Park. Why not explore Crescent Bay also since you're here, and going for a hike along the Gavan Hill Trail will let you absorb the natural beauty of this vicinity. Sitka National Historical Park has striking nature scenery for your viewing happiness.
This place,
Sitka National Historical Park, it simply has so much outdoors cool stuff. A fine close by hotel is FRANK AND GLORIAS PLACE, and at Sitka National Historical Park you can see Castle Hill. Lots of people from Sitka come to Sitka National Historical Park, and Alaska Ocean View B&B
is a perfect place to get some rest. Sitka National Historical Park gets lots of water; the wettest month of the year is generally October, that's the one that rains the most; the driest month of the year is June.
Fun endeavors are plentiful; there's always something to suit
everyone.
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. There is a $3.00 user fee. 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. FEES/PERMITS
Activity Fee
INDIVIDUAL **
$3.00 for Day
Interpretive fee for tours and exhibits in the Russian Bishop's House. **No fee for
children under 12 years old
Local Passport
FAMILY PASS
$10.00 for Annual
An annual family pass for tours and exhibits in the Russian Bishop's House.
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.
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