Sitka National Historical Park
AK
About Sitka National Historical Park
On an island amid towering spruce and hemlock, Sitka National Historical Park preserves the site of a battle between invading Russian traders and Indigenous Kiks.ádi Tlingit. Totem poles from Tlingit and Haida areas line the park’s scenic coastal trail, and the restored Russian Bishop’s House is a rare reminder of Russia’s colonial legacy in North America.
Things To Do
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Become a Junior Ranger at Sitka National Historical Park
Become a Junior Ranger! Learn about Tlingit culture, the rainforest, Russian American history, and the coastal environment. You'll earn an official badge so that you will not forget how important you are to the National Park Service.
Tour the Russian Bishop's House
The Russian Bishop's House is one of only four surviving examples of Russian colonial architecture in North America. Built in 1843, it served as the residence of Orthodox bishops and clergy for over 120 years. Today, it houses a museum on Russian-American history, and the restored residence of the first bishop to live in the house, Bishop Innocent.
Take the Totem Trail
A historic trail lined with Haida and Tlingit totem poles passes through classic Southeast Alaska temperate rainforest to the site of the Battle of 1804.
Watch An Icon Reborn
Watch an 18-minute film for an overview of the Russian Bishop's House and the history of Saint Innocent's efforts to reconcile Tlingit and Russians.
Watch Voices of Sitka
Watch a 15-minute film for an overview of Tlingit, Russian, and American history in and around the park.
Explore Exhibits on Tlingit Life
Learn about Tlingit culture and way of life through historical and contemporary ceremonial objects. Observe demonstrating artists in the wood, regalia, or metalworking studios or outdoors at the carving shed.
Available Activities
Weather
Sitka experiences a temperate maritime climate, characterized by heavy precipitation and a small temperature range between seasons. Summer temperatures range from high 50s to high 60s F with frequent rain. Winter is rainy and snowy with temperatures from the high teens to the 40s F.
Well prepared visitors will have rain gear and layered clothing at any time of year.
Getting There
Sitka National Historical Park is located in downtown Sitka, Alaska. Sitka is situated on Baranof Island, on the outer coast of Alaska's Inside Passage. No roads connect the city to the mainland; Sitka can be reached only by air or sea.
Visitors can travel to Sitka by scheduled and charter air services, ferry, and cruise ships.
Plan Your Visit
Let Roamze help you plan the perfect trip to Sitka National Historical Park with AI-powered itineraries.
Hours
Park Trails
Park grounds are open for day-use year-round. Pedestrian through-traffic is allowed between Sawmill Creek Road and the visitor center parking lot (over the Indian River footbridge) at any time provided pedestrians do not loiter.
