Ketchikan is an Alaskan city that faces the Inside Passage, a scenic route used by cruise ships. It’s known for its Native American totem poles and is near Misty Fiords National Monument, a glacier-carved wilderness with waterfalls, salmon spawning streams, and snow-capped mountains. The area is also known for its rich wildlife.

Dolly’s House brothel

One of the most fascinating places to visit in Ketchikan is the brothel, Dolly’s House. It is the former home of Ketchikan’s most famous madam. Born in Idaho, Thelma Dolly Copeland escaped her home at age thirteen and went on to live in Montana, Vancouver, and other cities. By the time she reached Ketchikan, she had built a prosperous business. She changed her name to Dolly Arthurs and bought a house on Creek Street. She operated her brothel there until her death in 1954.

Dolly’s House is a museum and historical site that was a brothel in the early 20th century. The brothels are now closed and the building now houses an education center. It’s free to visit and is worth the trip.

While there are many interesting historical sites in Ketchikan, there is also a vibrant downtown district. The waterfront offers a wide variety of shopping and dining opportunities. The historic boardwalk over Ketchikan Creek is one of the most popular places to visit in Ketchikan. There are totem poles, local art galleries, and a few restaurants. You can also explore the red-light district on Creek Street, which was famous until 1954. You can also visit the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center to learn more about life on the Alaska frontier.

Before the prohibition era, Ketchikan was a thriving town of brothels. In the 1920s, it was the home to more than 20 houses of ill repute. Prostitution was the main industry of the “red light district.” Fortunately, a city ordinance of 1903 banned the brothels in the downtown area and allowed them to operate in the outskirts of town.

Today, Dolly’s House brothel is a museum. It’s the last of the Creek Street brothels that still stands. The interior of the brothel is still preserved just as it was when the brothel operated. You can even see photos of the Madam, piles of magazines, and even a secret room where she stored whiskey.

Dolly’s House brothel is located on Creek Street and was once a place where women could earn money by engaging in sexual acts. The brothel closed down after the prohibition era ended, but the woman who worked there made enough money to buy the house. She made enough money from selling illegal booze to pay the mortgage. She worked until the mid-to-late 1950s. She eventually died at a nursing home in 1975.

Saxman Totem Park

If you’re looking for an adventure in Ketchikan, you’ll want to visit Saxman Totem Park. There, you’ll see the largest collection of totem poles in the world. The park also features the Crazy Wolf Studio, where you can buy souvenirs or learn about the history of totem poles.

The totems on display at Saxman Totem Park are replicas of those once found in the area. This museum and village celebrates the culture of the Tlingit and native Alaskans. Visitors can see some of the most famous totems and learn about their history. You can also take a guided tour of the village and the totem poles.

Totem Bight State Historical Park is another attraction worth visiting. The park features restored and carved totems, as well as a colorful Clan House. The park’s setting is also breathtaking, featuring a rainforest setting and rocky shorelines.

Totem Bight State Historical Park is located 10 miles north of Ketchikan. It features majestic cliffs, a large fjord and quiet bays. A guided tour is the best way to explore this park. The Totem Heritage Center is also located in Ketchikan.

Outside of the city of Ketchikan, Saxman Native Village is a must-see for visitors. The Tlingit people live in the village, and an expert guide will explain the history and culture of this unique community. You can also see the Totem Park, which is one of the largest collections of totems in the world. The guide will translate the incredibly expressive carvings so that you’ll understand the culture of the Tlingit people.

Saxman Totem Park is situated 2.5 miles south of the center. It houses one of the largest collections of totem poles in the world and is one of the most popular places to visit in Ketchikan. You can visit it for free or for a small fee if you take a guided tour. The park also has a carving center and authentic Beaver Clan House. In addition to the totem park, you can also check out the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary, which is home to many wildlife.

The city’s free shuttle bus system is a great way to see the sights of Ketchikan. From the cruise ship terminal, you can catch a free shuttle bus that will take you around the city. You can also hop on the free shuttle bus to visit the Totem Heritage Center and Deer Mountain Tribal Hatchery.

Tongass National Forest

The Tongass National Forest is one of the most incredible places to visit in Ketchikan. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, hiking trails, and other activities. You can explore the forest’s many attractions and learn about its history and climate. The forest also serves as the gateway to Alaska, as it is the first point of entry for people from Canada.

The Tongass National Forest contains 19 wilderness areas, including the Misty Fjords National Monument and the Russell Fjord Wilderness. The area is home to an enormous diversity of plants and animals, as well as mountains, glaciers, fjords, islands, and rivers. You can experience these fascinating natural wonders in addition to visiting traditional Ketchikan attractions.

The Misty Fjords National Monument is located 22 miles outside of Ketchikan. This 2.2 million acre park offers scenic views of the surrounding area. You can enjoy wildlife viewing, photography, fishing, and other activities while your guide explains the natural history of the area. This incredible park is part of the Tongass National Forest, which covers nearly all of southern Alaska.

The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is a unique place to visit in Ketchikan. It blends the history of Ketchikan with informative exhibits about the Tongass National Forest. The center also has an Alaska Adventure Ranger program where visitors can learn about the culture and history of the local area. Another unique place to visit in Ketchikan is the town’s historic waterfront, Creek Street. The historic district is lined with souvenir shops and restaurants.

Totem Bight State Historic Park is another place to visit while in the area. The area was once a major fur trading center during the 19th century, but now it is a state park. For history buffs, this is a must-visit.

The town is also rich with natural beauty. You can enjoy kayaking, hiking, and various outdoor activities.

Rotary Beach

If you are looking for a place to relax, Rotary Beach is one of the best places to go. It is the closest beach to Ketchikan and offers plenty of picnic areas and spectacular views of Nichols Passage. Visitors can also enjoy the tide pools and view the abundance of marine wildlife.

One of the best ways to enjoy the beach in Ketchikan is to take a boat ride out onto the waters. This will give you an opportunity to see the bald eagles and friendly killer whales. You may also want to take some binoculars to view the wildlife.

Another great place to visit in Ketchikan is the Tongass Historical Museum, where you can learn about the history of the area. It features many pieces of historical art and local culture. The permanent collection includes traditional Tlingit totem poles, works by Native artists, and replica clan houses. The museum also tells the story of the local people, their culture, and the changing nature of the logging industry.

The city also boasts several art galleries and museums. You can buy handmade jewellery, wood carving, and sculptures from local artists. This is a great way to purchase unique souvenirs to remember your trip to Ketchikan. You can also buy original works of art at the Scanlon Gallery Arctic Spirit.

There is also a Totem Pole, which is located at the entrance to Creek Street. It was built in 1901 to pay homage to the native chief who welcomed ships to the area. The totem was carved by Israel Shortridge from a huge red cedar tree. It stands 55 feet (16 meters) high.

For those who love the outdoors, the Misty Fjords National Monument is a must-visit for anyone visiting the Ketchikan area. This 2.3 million acre wilderness area is home to a wide variety of wildlife and is part of the Tongass National Forest. Visitors can see eagles, bald eagles, and black bears while here. You can also take a zipline tour of the forest.

The Saxman Native Village is located about 2 miles south of Ketchikan and features intricately carved totems. This museum also features traditional songs and dances. There are 25 totems, which represent the growing cultural heritage of each of the clans. For an even better experience, be sure to take a photo with the totem poles.