Nestled on an island at the mouth of the mighty Stikine River, Wrangell offers visitors a friendly taste of a frontier community in the midst of some of the most unique and pristine wilderness in Alaska. Known as the “Gateway to  the Stikine”, Wrangell offers a step back into time. There is much to immerse yourself in. Walk among petroglyphs and imagine the people who carved them thousands of years ago. Visit chief Shakes Tribal House, Totem Park and the Wrangell Museum  for a glimpse in to the tlingit Native’ way of life. Hike up to Rainbow Fall or stop and pick the abundant wild berries. Traverse the Stikine River Delta by jet boat, fly over majestic snowcapped mountains, rest in natural hot springs, or explore the Tongass National Forest.

In November 2023, Wrangell experienced a devastating and deadly landslide that destroyed 3 properties and 6 people lost their lives. The debris field from the slide was estimated to be 450 ft wide and ran from the top of the mountain, across the Zimovia highway and into the ocean. The small, tight knit, community of Wrangell was devastated but rallied together to help those stranded and those who lost loved ones.

The Stikine River, a designated wilderness area is abundant with the wildlife that lured the Hudson Bay Company to establish a settlement here. During July and August The Anan Bear and Wildlife Observatory is a favorite spot to view brown and black bears feasting on salmon.

Nestled on the northern tip of the island at the mouth of the mighty Stikine River, Wrangell offers a friendly welcome.

Wrangell Convention & Visitors Bureau is in the James and Elsie Nolan Center. Stop in to discover all there is to see and do in Wrangell. From hiking and fishing to river trips, bear viewing and exploring Tlingit
culture. 296 Campbell Drive. 907-874-2829

Travelwrangell.com

In 1834 the Russians erected Fort Dionysius to prevent the Hudson’s Bay Company from fur trading up the Stikine River. When the Russians finally agreed to lease Southeast Alaska to the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1840, Fort Dionysius was renamed Fort Stikine. The name of the settlement was changed to Fort Wrangell when Alaska became a United States territory in 1867. Prospectors of two gold rushes surged through Wrangell en route to the gold fields via the Stikine River, first in 1874 with the Cassiar discovery, and again in 1897 with the Klondike discovery.

Some very notable people passed through Wrangell including the naturalist John Muir and Wyatt Earp who stopped on his way to Nome. He even served as Marshall for 10 days.

Alaska’s first Presbyterian Church and school were established here in 1877. A weekly newspaper, The Wrangell Sentinel, printed its first issue November 2, 1902, and still continues to print today, which makes it the oldest continuous publication in Alaska.

Wrangell, Alaska FAQs

What is Wrangell Alaska known for?

Wrangell, Alaska, is known for several notable features and attractions, including:

  • Fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing in Stikine river
  • Historical sites and artifacts. Chief Shakes Tribal House, a Tlingit clan house, is a prominent attraction that showcases the town’s Native American heritage.
  • Outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the Tongass National Forest
  • Bear Viewing and Anan Creek Wildlife Observatory
  • Stunning natural landscapes, including glaciers, fjords, and the rugged beauty of the Alaskan wilderness
  • Fishing opportunities for salmon and halibut.

How did Wrangell get its name?

Wrangell, Alaska, was named after Baron Ferdinand Petrovich Wrangel, a Russian explorer and naval officer. The town’s name reflects its history as a former Russian settlement during Alaska’s Russian colonial period.

What are some fun facts about Wrangell?

Here are some fun facts about Wrangell, Alaska:

  • Wrangell is one of the oldest towns in Alaska and is often referred to as the “Gateway to the Inside Passage”
  • Wrangell is deeply connected to Tlingit Native American culture, and the Chief Shakes Tribal House, a reconstructed Tlingit clan house, stands as a testament to this heritage.
  • The town is known for its impressive collection of totem poles. Wrangell is home to a high concentration of these artistic and culturally significant monuments.
  • The Stikine River, known for its rugged and pristine beauty, flows near Wrangell.
  • Wrangell is home to Petroglyph Beach State Historic Park, where visitors can view ancient rock carvings, some of which date back over 8,000 years
  • Visitors have the opportunity to spot bears, eagles, seals, and other Alaskan wildlife in their natural habitats.
  • Wrangell is a fishing paradise and a prime location for fishing, with both salmon and halibut fishing

What animals are in Wrangell Alaska?

Some of the animals you might encounter in and around Wrangell include:

  • Black Bears
  • Brown Bears
  • Bald Eagles
  • Seals and Sea Lions
  • Salmon
  • Whales
  • Sea Otters
  • Deer
  • Wolves

What is the Wrangell Alaska cruise ship schedule?

As cruise ship schedules can vary each season, it is best to refer to the official website of the City of Wrangell or contact local tourism authorities for the most up-to-date and reliable information regarding cruise ship visits to Wrangell. 

For the latest schedule, visit: https://akcruise.org/port-schedule/

Can you drive to Wrangell, Alaska?

No, Wrangell is not connected to the mainland road system, so it is not accessible by car. Visitors can reach Wrangell by ferry, cruise ship, or small aircraft.

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