What it's like
The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is a visitor center run by the United States Forest Service as part of the Tongass National Forest. It is the only Alaska Public Lands Information Center in Southeast Alaska, and it explains how the region's land, wildlife and people fit together.
Inside, more than 20,000 square feet of exhibits cover the ecology and history of the Tongass temperate rainforest, native cultures and land use. A 200-seat theater shows award-winning films. Many people stop here first to get oriented before heading into town or out to the forest.
Good to know
- Ketchikan averages over 160 inches of rain a year, so bring a rain jacket for the walk over and back.
- The theater is a good place to rest and escape the rain, and short films give an easy introduction before you explore.
- The downtown is small and easily walked.
Southeast Alaska Discovery Center
A Forest Service visitor center in downtown Ketchikan, with exhibits on the Tongass rainforest, native cultures and wildlife. A good first stop in town.
Tours that go here
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
Totem Heritage Center
Totem Heritage Center is a museum at 601 Deermount Street that holds one of the world's largest collections of unrestored 19th-century totem poles. Visitors also see Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian art and watch carvers at work.
Tongass National Forest
Tongass National Forest is the large forest that surrounds Ketchikan. Its trails, backcountry roads and waters are open for hiking, cycling, paddling and fishing.
Creek Street
Creek Street is a wooden boardwalk built on stilts above Ketchikan Creek, the most scenic stretch of downtown. Shops, galleries and old brothel buildings line the walk.
Downtown Ketchikan
Downtown Ketchikan is a compact historic district of wooden storefronts, galleries and shops, easy to cover on foot. It is the town's main place to browse on foot.
The same kind of day, elsewhere
Rainforest and jungle
