Sitka National Historical Park
Designation: National Historical Park
Location: Alaska
📘 Park Overview
On an island amid towering spruce and hemlock, Sitka National Historical Park preserves the site of a battle between invading Russian traders and Indigenous Kiks.ádi Tlingit. Totem poles from Tlingit and Haida areas line the park’s scenic coastal trail, and the restored Russian Bishop’s House is a rare reminder of Russia’s colonial legacy in North America.
🌤 Weather Information
Sitka experiences a temperate maritime climate, characterized by heavy precipitation and a small temperature range between seasons. Summer temperatures range from high 50s to high 60s F with frequent rain. Winter is rainy and snowy with temperatures from the high teens to the 40s F. Well prepared visitors will have rain gear and layered clothing at any time of year.
🚗 Directions
Sitka National Historical Park is located in downtown Sitka, Alaska. Sitka is situated on Baranof Island, on the outer coast of Alaska's Inside Passage. No roads connect the city to the mainland; Sitka can be reached only by air or sea. Visitors can travel to Sitka by scheduled and charter air services, ferry, and cruise ships.
Images
Sunset from Cinnamon Dockham and the Centennial Pole.
Credit: NPS Photo
Tour the Russian Bishop's House to see Russian American architecture and lifestyle restored.
Credit: NPS Photo/ Weston Kessler
The Visitor Center contains exhibits, a 15 minute park video, and Tlingit and Haida art.
Credit: NPS photo
Salmon run in the Indian River from mid-July until late September.
Credit: NPS Photo/Weston Kessler
One of the last remaining examples of Russian American architecture.
Credit: NPS Photo
See the Park's 18 Totem Poles with a walk along the Totem Trail.
Credit: NPS Photo/Weston Kessler
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Saturday, Nov 8
Moderate rain
High: 41.7°F | Low: 30.9°F
Humidity: 85%
Wind: 10.3 mph
Rain Chance: 85%
UV Index: 0
Sunrise: 07:29 AM
Sunset: 04:01 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (91%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 36.3°F
Cloud Cover: 85%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Sunday, Nov 9
Heavy rain
High: 40.8°F | Low: 37.4°F
Humidity: 91%
Wind: 19.5 mph
Rain Chance: 87%
UV Index: 0
Sunrise: 07:31 AM
Sunset: 03:59 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (83%)
Visibility: 4 mi
Dew Point: 37.3°F
Cloud Cover: 87%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Monday, Nov 10
Heavy rain
High: 42.8°F | Low: 32.8°F
Humidity: 91%
Wind: 13.9 mph
Rain Chance: 89%
UV Index: 0
Sunrise: 07:34 AM
Sunset: 03:57 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (73%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 37.4°F
Cloud Cover: 89%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
Battle Talk
30 minute long ranger program sharing local Tlingit history and conflicts between Tlingit and Russian American Forces.
Location: Fort site along totem trail
Date: Jun 9, 2025 12:00am to Jun 9, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Totem Talk
15-minute-long ranger program exploring totem poles along with Tlingit and Haida cultural expression
Location: carving shed located behind the park visitor center
Date: Jun 9, 2025 12:00am to Jun 9, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Biographies of Historic Sitka Totem Pole Carvers
Sitka National Historical Park hosts a free talk on Wednesday, August 6th at 7 PM at the Visitor Center by Dr. Emily Moore, Professor of Art History and Curator of North American Art at Colorado State University. Originally from Ketchikan and author of Proud Raven, Panting Wolf: Carving Alaska's New Deal Totem Parks, Dr. Moore will discuss her most recent work, which highlights the biographies of the historic totem pole carvers who have contributed to the park.
Location: Visitor Center Theater
Date: Aug 6, 2025 12:00am to Aug 6, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
106 Metlakatla Street
Sitka, AK 99835
🏤 Mailing Address:
103 Monastery St.
Sitka, AK 99835
📞 Voice Phone: 9077470110
📞 Fax Phone: 9077475938
✉️ Email: SITK_Information_Requests@nps.gov