Wrangell is a borough in Alaska. In 2020, it will have a population of 2,127, up from 2,369 in 2010. The town is located on the Wrangell River, one of the largest in the state. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, there are many attractions in Wrangell.

Totem Park

Wrangell is a unique town that is located near the mouth of the Stikine River. It has been ruled by four different nations and has a rich history. You can learn more about this history at the Wrangell Museum. The city is also a great place to learn about Alaska Native culture. There are dozens of native totems in the area. One of the most impressive collections is found on Chief Shake’s Island, which is home to a stunning display of totems. Another unique place to visit is Kiksadi Totem Park, located on Front Street.

Another of Wrangell’s top attractions is Petroglyph Beach. This site is about three-quarters of a mile from downtown. You can walk to it or rent an electric bike to take you there. You can also take a guided tour of the area. It is best to visit the petroglyphs at low tide, but be sure to do so safely. There are up to 40 of these ancient stone carvings, which were carved by the ancestors of today’s Lingit tribe.

LeConte Glacier

Located in the heart of the Alaskan Inside Passage, Wrangell is a small fishing town surrounded by the ice-capped LeConte Glacier. The glacier calves regularly and is home to abundant marine life. During the high tourist season, the town’s restaurants are packed with tourists. But during off-season, you can savor delicious local cuisine while taking in the breathtaking view of the ice.

LeConte Glacier was a favorite of John Muir. This thousand-year-old glacier is located in the Stiking/LeConte Wilderness. From here, you can witness the incredible sight of icebergs and ice thunder.

To see more wildlife, you can go on a boat tour. There are several companies offering these tours. You can choose the one that meets your needs the most. Alaska Waters provides a small-group tour to LeConte Glacier. Alaska Charters and Adventures also offers personalised tours to the area. Wildlife you can see during a boat tour includes bears, otters, seals, and many species of birds.

Shakes Island

If you have not yet visited Shakes Island, you are missing out on one of the most culturally significant sites in Wrangell. This is an island that is connected to the mainland at low tide and is located in the center of the Wrangell region. The island is ideal for longhouses, as it is naturally defensible. The island is also home to the Chief Shakes Tribal House.

There are several things to do on Shakes Island. You can spend the afternoon on the island by hiking up to the ice cap or hiking up the hill. Alternatively, you can visit the nearby Wrangell Museum. This museum has a great collection of Alaskan history and features a beautiful building located near shipyards. Another interesting activity is taking a walk around the busy harbor.

Visitors can also view the petroglyphs at Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site, which is about half a mile from the town center. Petroglyphs are rock carvings that date back thousands of years. These carvings are best seen at low tide, and a guide can show you the best spots. You can view up to 40 petroglyphs at this location, which are believed to be made by the ancestors of the modern Lingit people.

McCarthy Creek

McCarthy Creek is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Wrangell. It’s a 3-mile-long lake where 18,000 sockeye salmon migrate up the Copper and Chitina Rivers to spawn. You can also drive to the Kennicott Glacier Lodge and enjoy a free shuttle ride.

You can also hike or climb a glacier. You can use your regular hiking shoes to get onto the glacier, but it’s best to have crampons for safety. When the ice gets slippery, just turn back and return to the visitor center. Otherwise, you can tour the town, which is only a few blocks long, where you can view all the historical buildings. There’s also a museum that tells you about the copper mining history in the area.

For more history, you can visit the McCarthy Museum. It’s located on Kennicott Road. The museum contains interesting artifacts and offers for sale items. It also has a second gallery space in the form of a Caboose car. The museum has varied hours, but it’s well worth a visit if you’re a history buff.

Anan Creek Observatory

If you’re looking for the most amazing view of the Alaskan wilderness, you can’t go wrong with the Anan Creek Observatory. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or an environmentalist, this observatory is a must-see. Located on an island in the harbour, this attraction features original Tlingit totems. The museum is open to the public, and guided tours are available.

During salmon season, you can view bears feeding on salmon in Anan Creek, and there’s even an observation deck with multiple vantage points from which to view the wildlife. Visitors can view bears in their natural habitat at the observatory, but permits are required. There’s also a nature trail and hide on the water level, and a forest service staff is available to explain the location and explain the process.

If you’re interested in nature and science, the Wrangell Museum has exhibits on Native Alaskan culture, nature, military presence, and the gold rush. Over 250 photos and artifacts are featured in the museum’s permanent collection, and there’s a video highlighting the history of the city. The museum also has a gift shop for visitors to browse.

Copper Lake

Visit the Copper Center Visitor Center Complex located about 10 miles south of Glenallen, Alaska. The center houses the main visitor center, park headquarters, and Ahtna Cultural Heritage Center. The visitor center features exhibits and videos about the area. It also offers restrooms and a short hiking trail.

The park offers spectacular scenery and is home to many animal species. You can spot Dall sheep, mountain goats, and caribou. Bison are also found in the park, especially around the Chitna River. It is also possible to take a scenic flight over the park.

If you are renting a car, remember that McCarthy Road is a 59-mile unpaved road. Be careful when driving on the road, as there are a lot of potholes and railroad spikes. If you do not have a 4×4 vehicle, you may end up with a flat tire. Moreover, most rental car companies do not allow their drivers to drive on the road.

Stikine Restaurant

The Stikine Restaurant is located at the Stikine Inn and is one of the best places to eat in Wrangell. It offers full-service dining and the view of the water is incredible. The menu consists of salads, burgers, and hearty soups. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is famous for its juicy burgers, and you can also get your fill of fish and chips here. The fish is caught locally and the batter is infused with local beer.

The Stikine River has been a sacred place for human beings for thousands of years. Its waters are filled with wildlife, and you can go kayaking, canoeing, rafting, or take a guided jetboat tour. The area is also a photographer’s paradise. Here, you can find countless species of migratory birds and bears.

The Stikine River flows through the town, and is one of the fastest rivers in North America. There are also many glaciers and lakes in the area, and the town is rich in wildlife.

Mt Dewey Overlook

Mt Dewey Overlook is located in Wrangell, Alaska, and it is less than half a mile long. It has some steep sections, wooden boardwalks, and stairs, and it can get quite slippery if it’s raining. A great view of Wrangell can be had from the top of this trail.

To learn more about the local history of Wrangell, you may want to head to Shakes Island. This island is connected to the mainland at low tide, and it has petroglyphs that are found both above and below average high tide. If you’d like, you can ask a tour guide to point them out to you. While you’re there, you might also want to see the Whale petroglyph that’s located on the grass near the visitor’s house. The Whale petroglyph is unique to Wrangell and is meant to be preserved for future generations.

If you’re looking for a more intense adventure, consider booking a multi-day fishing excursion. Charter operators can take you on a multi-day fishing trip, and they can even package your catch for shipping back home.