Petersburg, midway between Ketchikan and Juneau, is at the northern end of the famed 21-mile-long Wrangell Narrows, a narrow but beautiful channel.
Alaska Marine Highway and Alaska Airlines connect Petersburg with Seattle  and other Alaskan communities.

This community, unlike many Alaskan towns, was never a tent-and-log-cabin  boom town. “Peter’s Burg” was carefully plotted by its Scandinavian founder Peter Buschmann, who started a salmon cannery and sawmill here in  1897.

The town of Petersburg was incorporated in 1910. Fishing and tourism are the mainstays of Petersburg’s approximate 3,100 residents. One of Alaska’s largest fishing fleets supplies salmon, halibut, shrimp and crab to the several fish processing and cold storage plants scattered along the waterfront.

Petersburg is a photographers dream as it is one of the prettiest towns on the shores of the Pacific.

Main Street parallels the waterfront with its canneries; wharves and fuel docks perched on pilings driven deep into the ocean floor. At the south end of Main Street, Sing Lee Alley winds between several old buildings including the Sons of Norway Hall. Nearby, a plank road skirts the warehouses and homes along the bank of Hammer Slough.

Eagle Roost Park at the north end of 1st Street this park has viewing platforms to observe eagles roosting in nearby trees. A short trail leads down to the beach to explore tidal pools.
Outlook Park offers great views of Frederick Sound where you might catch a glimpse of passing icebergs and marine life. The uniquely designed covered shelter is reminiscent of Norwegian longboats. Follow Nordic Drive north until it becomes Sandy beach Rd. Follow the road one mile further to Sandy Beach Recreation. Visitors will find picnic shelters with fireplaces and tables, restrooms, trails, play area and a volleyball court. Search for petroglyphs and remnants of prehistoric fish traps on the beach.

Clausen Memorial Museum, 203 Fram Street. Established in 1968, the Clausen Museum is dedicated to preserving the history and telling the story of those who have lived and worked in Petersburg and the surrounding area.

U.S. Forest Service, Petersburg Ranger District 907-772-3871, 12 North Nordic Drive in downtown Petersburg.

Emergency only 911: State Troopers 772-3100; Petersburg Medical Center 772-4291.

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Best Places to Stay in Petersburg

Waterfront B&B

Come relax and enjoy all their amenities and a delicious home cooked breakfast. There are five rooms, private baths, shared kitchen, private entrance, hot tub, non-smoking. Next to the ferry terminal. Relax in the sitting room or large deck overlooking Wrangell Narrows.  

Tides Inn

The Tides in has 48 rooms with baths, TV, conference room and offer a continental breakfast. Located on First and Dolphin.

The Trees RV Park

The Trees RV Park & General Store. Nestled in the rainforest of Southeast Alaska, located 1/4 mile from world-class King Salmon, Steelhead and Coho fishing. They offer full service sites, laundry facilities, clean restrooms, hot showers and a well-stocked general store.

 

Best Things to Do in Petersburg

Sons of Norway Hall

Sons of Norway Hall built in 1912, this building is on the National Registry for Historic Places. Originally built for social gatherings, it is still a hub of community activity. Norwegian folk dancers perform regularly during the summer months.

LeConte Glacier

The Leconte Glacier is just 15 miles away by boat and is North America’s southern-most tidewater glacier. Tucked at the end of a 12 mile long fjord, local tours will get you up close to this natural wonder.

Clausen Memorial Museum

Clausen Memorial Museum. Enjoy a trip into the past as you explore the logging and fishing history of the local area. Learn to rig a long line, set a fish trap and clean a salmon. Discover cannery equipment, a Tlingit canoe and the world’s largest mounted King Salmon. 

Norwegian Festival

Held each year on the third weekend of May, celebrates Norway’s Independence Day. This is a colorful event with old-country costumes, dances, singing and eating traditional foods.

 

Getting Around in Petersburg

Alaska Marine Highway

The Alaska Marine Highway provides year-round ferry transportation throughout Southeast Alaska. The ferries provide residents and visitors with an opportunity to experience the scenery, wildlife, and warm hospitality of a variety of ports between Bellingham, Washington and Southwest Alaska. Regularly scheduled ferries between Petersburg, Juneau and Ketchikan.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines provides daily jet service from Seattle, Washington to many Alaska cities including Petersburg.

 

Petersburg, Alaska FAQs

What is the History of Petersburg, Alaska?

Petersburg, Alaska, has a captivating history linked to its Norwegian heritage. It was founded in 1897 by Norwegian immigrant Peter Buschmann, who is also it’s namesake. The town’s fishing industry grew rapidly, attracting more settlers and creating the vibrant community seen today.

Where are the Best Wildlife Sightings Around Petersburg?

Petersburg offers fantastic wildlife sighting opportunities. It is common  to spot humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and various seabirds in the water. A day tour to LeConte Glacier provides an excellent chance to spot many of these marine creatures.

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