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City in Alaska
Photo: Mike Colvin from Manchester, UK, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Petersburg is a small fishing town in the Southeastern region of Alaska.
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The southernmost tidewater glacier in the northern hemisphere. The glacier moves extremely quickly, offering almost continual calving, including underwater calving leading to "shooters" as icebergs rise rapidly to the surface from the hundreds of feet of submerged ice. Hundreds of harbor seals also inhabit the fjord created by the glacier; closer to the face you're likely to see them lolling about on icebergs.
Has local history exhibits.
The Sons of Norway Hall, built in 1912, is on the National Registry for Historic Places. It was built as a social hall for the lodge and community and still is a center of activity today. Right next door is an outdoor park and commemorative memorial for those who made their living in the fishing industry. In the center is a 9-foot bronze sculpture honoring local fisherman, Bojer Wikan.
Eagle and Raven Totem Poles, carved in 2001 by Tommy Joseph and Fred Beltran.
Where the waters of Frederick Sound meets Stephens Passage, you will find some of the best humpback whale viewing in North America. Humpback whales are just one of the many marine mammals to be found in these waters. Take an all day boat cruise to see the whales, the historic Five Finger Lighthouse and the magical Brother Islands. Charter boats are available most says, but reserve ahead.
A boardwalk through the muskeg to Blind Slough, where the salmon are numerous and other wildlife is often visible.
Behind the school there's a boardwalk through the muskeg (extremely soft nutrient poor meadow) that's worth walking. It leads to a longer trail (Hungry Pt. Trail.
Petersburg celebrates its Norwegian heritage by honoring Norwegian Constitution Day, May 17th. The entire community celebrates with food and craft booths throughout downtown, the festival parade, a Scandinavian pageant, Bunad Style Show and Luncheon, Kaffe Hus with Norwegian pastries and goodies made with butter and love, music on the streets, a herring toss, Vikings and Valkyries roaming the streets looking for victims, a walk-run race, ending the 4 days of celebration with a community salmon/halibut/black cod bake at Sandy Beach.
Assorted fried seafood and daily specials in a take-out ambiance, but the real treats are the vacuum packed smoked fish in the cooler. Great breakfast sandwiches too.
Does good halibut and salmon burgers. Summertime only.
Genuine Mexican food. Tacos al pastor are excellent.
Pizza, wings, burgers and other American fare. Ice cream is available.
A sandwich shop with healthier choices.
This summertime restaurant and bar primarily serve local seafood.
Cafe/deli offering homemade baked goods and creative comfort food. Menu changes daily.
The newer hotel. Has a jacuzzi suite available. Has a coffee shop on the first floor.
Continental breakfast. Rental cars.
Named after the flowering hawthorn tree, this apartment easily sleeps four.
Has a view of the Wrangell Narrows and Devil’s Thumb. Open year round.
Has a hot tub in a gazebo, complementary full breakfast, airport pickup/drop off. Open all year.
New books and gifts for all ages and interests. Visit the Alaska Room, featuring Alaskan books and gifts, including field guides, fishing and nautical guides, Alaskan history and fiction, stories and poetry of local authors.Also, maps, cards, and Alaska native art.
Featuring local and regional artists such as Pia Reilly, Beth Flor, Brenda Schwartz, Don Cornelius, Kellii Wood, Grace Wolf, Erin Kandoll, Jean Curry, and many more.
Outdoor clothing, travel and camping gear, workwear and footwear for all types of weather.
Diamantes features quality gifts made in Alaska, including Gold Nugget and fine jewelry, hand-carved silver jewelry, ivory and soapstone sculptures, carved shed antler, the Petersburg blanket and tote bag, Hatley, Solje (Norwegian Jewelry), Alaska tee’s and caps, and Yankee candles.
Alaska Native Art.
By boat
One of the charms of Petersburg is that it doesn't have a deep water port, so it's not accessible by big cruise ships, but some smaller ships stop there.
Petersburg's downtown is compact and very walkable. In town, there is a local taxi and some local shuttle services.
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Petersburg · Regional · PSG
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