An Alaska Port City Vignette - Sitka
The first thing you notice about Sitka
is this: The town and its environs are absolutely stunning. Wander up Castle Hill, gaze
out upon sparkling
Sitka Sound
and the Pacific
Ocean beyond, and the view of hundreds of large and little islands
literally boggles the mind. Mt.
Edgecombe, a dormant volcanic dead ringer for Japan’s Mt.
Fuji,
is especially compelling. To get yourself sightseeing-oriented upon
arrival and to collect maps and brochures head to the city’s Harrigan Centennial Hall where
you
can visit the Sitka
Historical Museum
and watch the notable New
Archangel Russian Dancers or the equally praiseworthy
Native Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa
Kahidi Dancers. 
St. Michael’s Russian
Orthodox
Cathedral in the town center ranks as the community’s
principal
visitor attraction. Within the onion-domed cathedral visitors view
lovingly executed icons and numerous other religious objects, many
created in Russia more than a century ago. The U.S. Park Service manages Sitka National Historical Park at two locations – the painstakingly restored Russian Bishops House not far from downtown and the USPS Visitor Center at the southeastern end of town. The setting is one of striking totems set along a photogenic forested walking trail. Demonstrations of totem carving and other facets of Native Art are ongoing at the Southeast Alaska Native Cultural Center within the Visitor Center. Sheldon Jackson Museum is another treasure trove of Alaska Native art, culture, tools, boats, utensils, and other items of Indian, Eskimo, and Athabascan life. And even if you’re not a birder, don’t fail to visit Sitka’s renowned Raptor Center northeast of town where injured eagles receive healing, tender care.
The internationally acclaimed Sitka Summer Music Festival, an annual June celebration of chamber music, attracts world-famous artists and devotees. More Sitka information from www.sitka.org.
Copyright© 2008-2009 Mike Miller All Rights Reserved
Alaskan travel writer Mike Miller lives in Juneau where his current passion is publishing an information-packed website about Alaska cruising and ferry travel: http://www.AlaskaCruisingReport.com. Miller has authored a number of books (Fodors, Sierra Club Books, Globe Pequot, and others), and contributes to The Milepost, TravelAge West (for travel agents) and frequently writes for major newspapers and magazines.