Petersburg, Alaska Attractions

Exploring the town on foot is a great way to sample the local culture. Wander along the boardwalks of Hammer Slough then head toward Sing Lee Alley's specialty shops and cafes. Nearby is Bojer Wikan Fisherman's Memorial Park, where there is a monument dedicated to those lost at sea and a replica of a Norwegian Viking ship.

Three miles southeast of the town is Sandy Beach Park. Besides being a great place to discover tide pools and watch birds, it is also the site of ancient native Alaskan petroglyphs and remnants of prehistoric fish traps. These traps, best seen during low tide, forced salmon into channels where they would become trapped once the waters rose.

Petersburg's central location in the heart of southeast Alaska's Inside Passage provides spectacular flightseeing tours over the many glaciers located just outside of the remote Alaskan town. Kupreanof Flying Service has been offering glacier tours in the beautiful Alaska Wilderness setting for many years. Butch's local knowledge and experience provides an authentic insight of the people, their culture and the spirit of Petersburg. Harbor seals choose LeConte's protected water and abundant icebergs as a breeding, birthing and rearing area. Remember not to disturb these little ones. Abandonment of a young pup by its mother is a common occurrence, particularly if they are disturbed by hunting or other activities by humans.

Petersburg is situated on Frederick Sound, a place where you'll find some of the best humpback whale viewing in North America. Kaleidoscope Cruises is a local charter that offers 8-hour whale watching trips mid-May through September. The boat even has specially equipped underwater microphones so passengers can listen to the whales. Important Information: Tours take place between May 15 and September 30.

Most towns in Southeast Alaska hold a Salmon Derby in the summer. The Petersburg Memorial Day Salmon Derby is a big one. Four days of family fun and fishing and hundreds of prizes.

Come and witness the Petersburg's old-time Independence Day celebration with food booths under the big tent, arts and crafts booths along Nordic Drive, a great parade, carnival games, races, street games (like the 2 x 6 boot stomp) and contests and of course, a wonderful fireworks display at 11:00pm when the sky is dusky but never dark!

The Rainforest Festival is a non-profit event in Petersburg Alaska whose goal is to bring participants closer to the natural world through education, exploration and the arts. The festival was founded by numerous individuals and organizations in Petersburg with the common goal of learning more about our rainforest and the ocean that surrounds it. Funding for the event comes from grants, donations of time and space from local and governmental organizations, and sales of their event merchandise.

Next door to the ArtShare, in the High School Commons is the annual Rain Country Quilt Show and Auction. Beautiful quilts made by local quilters are displayed and there is a vote for the People's Choice. In the adjacent library is the Small Quilt Auction with proceeds going to support local charities.

The Friday after Thanksgiving. The lighting of the 70' Community Christmas Tree is celebrated with a walk down Nordic Drive (Main Street) with Santa by hundreds of people, large and small carrying lightstix or candles. A local citizen is honored to "Light the Tree" with a magical wave of their hand and the High School Band and Chorus perform Christmas carols. Complimentary hot cider is available. Each year the tree is provided by the Public Works crew and the lighting of the tree and the decoration of the downtown power poles is done by the Petersburg Power and Light crew.

To end the year with a bang and begin the new with oohs and ahhs, an intrepid group of volunteer but certified Pyrotechnicians shoot off fireworks at the ball field above town. Their dedication in the inclement winter weather is appreciated by everyone and is part of the fun of living on a small island with 3099 of your friends.

The Polar Dip is one way to usher in the New Year for a few intrepid and hardy folks each year.