Juneau has something for everyone. While nature enthusiasts can bask in the beauty of several glaciers, adventurists can try their hand at one of the many thrilling outdoor activities offered over here. Apart from that, Juneau is also home to a number of world class museums, scenic mountains, stylish art galleries, beautifully landscaped gardens, brimming lakes, striking churches and much more. It is also one of the most popular stops for cruise ships. Here are some popular tourist attractions that one must absolutely visit in Juneau:
Mendenhall Glacier
Situated just 12 miles from Downtown Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most scenic beauties in Alaska. This 13 mile long glacier is easily accessible and is supplied by the Juneau Ice Field. Make way for the visitors’ center, where you can capture an enchanting 180 degree view of the glacier.
A few of the walking trails provide some of the best views and can also bring you close to the cascading falls and the salmon streams. Be prepared to interact with a number of wildlife like beavers, bald eagles, waterfowl, black bears and more. Also, do not forget to take a stroll through the rainforest covered in moss and across the Mendenhall Lake to the beautiful Nugget Falls. Tourists can also take up rafting and kayaking on the lake over here.
Visitor Center Address: 6000 Glacier Spur Road, Juneau, AK 99801, United States
Phone: 1 907 789 0097
Timings: 8:00 am to 7:30 pm (Daily, May to September), 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (Friday to Sunday, October to April)
Website:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/tongass/
Tracy Arm Fjord
Located just 72 kilometers southeast of Juneau, Tracy Arm Fjord is one of the most famous ice covered glacial fjords with a stunning scenery, waterfalls and glaciers cutting into small chunks of ice bergs. This fjord is located at the heart of Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness, which is home to several species of wildlife including black bears, moose, brown bears, deer and more. It is also home to the extraordinary twin Sawyer glaciers, which are situated at the head of fjord and are easily visible due to their enchanting blue colored ice. You can easily visit the Tracy Arm Fjord by taking a guided cruise. However, if your cruise ship does not cover the fjord, then you can also take a boat tour from the city, which is usually for an entire day.
Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure
Spread over 50 acres, Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure is one of the most unique botanical and rainforest gardens of Alaska. However, this place is not your typical garden, it is a beautiful rainforest that has been maintained in its natural state. Several tours are offered over here, each of which takes you around the rainforest explaining it in-depth the working of its fantastic eco-system and assorted animal and plant life. Many special vehicles also take you to various boardwalks and viewpoints where you can get exceptional panoramic views of Juneau, Gastineau Channel, Chilkat Mountains and Mendenhall Valley.
Address: 7600 Glacier Hwy, Juneau, AK 99801, United States
Phone: 1 907 790 3377
Timings: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm (Daily)
Website:
http://www.glaciergardens.com/
Mount Roberts Tramway
Opened in the year 1996, Mount Roberts Tramway is the sole aerial tramway in the entire southeast Alaska. The Tramway rises up to an elevation of almost 2000 feet, where visitors can indulge in a variety of activities including walking on a trail that gives you a splendid view of the Gastineau Channel or, if you are lucky, for a look at the bald eagles. It is also one of the most vertical tramways on the planet and was also awarded the Governor’s Award. Mount Roberts Tramway operates only between the months of May and September.
Address: 490 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801, United States
Phone: 1 888 461 8726
Website:
http://mountrobertstramway.com/
Macaulay Salmon Hatchery
The Macaulay Salmon Hatchery gives you an insight into the lifecycle of salmon via a number of tide pool touch tanks and saltwater aquariums. The 60 minute tour covers the various stages of salmon hatching. The hatchery is home to pink coho, chum and king salmon. Since it is a working operation, visitors can get up and close with millions of baby salmon. Macaulay Salmon Hatchery is definitely a must-visit in the city of Juneau. Visitors need to take prior appointment if they are visiting between October and April.
Address: 2697 Channel Dr, Juneau, AK 99801, United States
Phone: 1 907 463 5114
Timings: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm (Monday to Friday), 10:00 am to 05:00 pm (Saturday and Sunday), May to September
Website:
http://www.dipac.net/New%20VC%20Website/visit.html
Last Chance Mining Museum
Built on the site of the former Alaska Juneau Gold Mining Company, which operated between the period of 1912 and 1944, Last Chance Mining Museum is a famous mining museum that is managed by the Gastineau Channel Historical Society. The location of the museum is truly rustic and is complete with uneven ground, old equipment and corroding buildings. The museum is also home to the world’s largest air compressor and an electric engine. In the year 1993, the museum was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Call the museum before visiting, as it is closed during winter months.
Address: 1001 Basin Rd, Juneau, AK 99801, United States
Phone: 1 907 586 5338
Timings: 09:30 am to 12:30 pm, 03:30 pm to 06:30 pm (Monday to Sunday)
The Juneau-Douglas City Museum
Located right next to the State Capitol, The Juneau-Douglas City Museum focuses on the gold mining industry, Tlingit culture and the history of Juneau. The museum is located at the former location of Juneau Memorial Library and is built in Classical Revival architecture. Spread over two levels, Juneau-Douglas City Museum is home to exhibits that include skiing, gold mining, outdoor recreation, hydropower, politics, fishing and history of Juneau. In the year 2006, it was listed under the National Register of Historic Places. Also, do visit the beautiful white St. Nicholas Orthodox Church located nearby.
Address: 114 W 4th St, Juneau, AK 99801, United States
Phone: 1 907 586 3572
Timings: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm (Monday to Friday), 10:00 am to 04:30 pm (Saturday), Sunday Closed
Website:
http://www.juneau.org/
A Complete Map Guide of Best Tourist Spots in Juneau
