Juneau, Alaska’s state capital, stands out as a city of unparalleled beauty and intriguing contrasts. Nestled amidst towering mountains, glaciers, and the vast Gastineau Channel, Juneau is not just a political center but also a vibrant hub of culture, history, and outdoor adventure. For those wondering, “What Is The Capital Of Alaska?”, the answer is Juneau, a city that defies typical capital city conventions and offers a uniquely Alaskan experience.
Downtown Juneau is a charming blend of old and new, squeezed between the imposing Mount Juneau, Mount Roberts, and the bustling waterfront. Its narrow streets wind past historic buildings from its gold-mining era, modern structures, and quaint homes, creating a captivating atmosphere. The waterfront is alive with activity, from cruise ships and fishing boats to floatplanes taking off and landing, showcasing Juneau’s vital connection to the sea and air. Notably, Juneau is the only state capital in the United States inaccessible by road, adding to its distinctive character and appeal. Reaching Juneau is an adventure in itself, typically requiring a flight or boat journey.
The Rich History of Juneau: From Gold Rush to State Capital
Juneau’s captivating character is deeply rooted in its rich history, predating even the famed Klondike Gold Rush. Gold is indeed woven into the city’s origins. In 1880, a local Tlingit chief guided prospectors Joe Juneau and Richard Harris to Gold Creek, where they famously discovered gold nuggets practically lying on the ground. This discovery sparked the rapid establishment of a townsite, making Juneau the first city founded in Alaska after the United States purchased the territory from Russia. The area subsequently became home to the Treadwell Mine, once the largest hard-rock gold mine in the world, further cementing Juneau’s place in gold rush history. Juneau’s significance grew, and in 1906, it was designated as Alaska’s territorial capital, a title it retained upon Alaska achieving statehood in 1959, officially answering the question of “what is the capital of Alaska” for the newly formed state.
Alt Text: A panoramic aerial view of Juneau, Alaska, showcasing its downtown nestled between mountains and the Gastineau Channel, emphasizing the city’s unique geographic setting as the state capital.
Accessing Juneau: By Sea and Air to Alaska’s Capital
For many visitors, their first encounter with Alaska’s capital, Juneau, is often via a breathtaking cruise ship journey. Juneau is a premier port of call on Alaskan cruise itineraries, offering a stunning introduction to the state. However, while cruises are popular, Juneau is also readily accessible year-round by air, with Alaska Airlines providing multiple daily flights. The Alaska Marine Highway, the state’s ferry system, also serves Juneau in both summer and winter, offering another scenic and practical way to reach the capital city. This unique accessibility, or lack thereof by road, reinforces Juneau’s identity as an Alaskan capital unlike any other.
Alt Text: A large cruise ship docked in Juneau, Alaska, highlighting the city’s popularity as a cruise destination and a key entry point to explore the state capital.
Exploring Juneau: Things to Do in Alaska’s Capital
Juneau, as the capital of Alaska, offers a diverse array of attractions and activities, catering to a wide range of interests. From historical sites and cultural experiences to stunning natural landscapes and thrilling outdoor adventures, Juneau ensures a memorable visit.
Downtown Juneau and Historic South Franklin Street
Downtown Juneau is a vibrant and easily walkable area, a favorite for those eager to explore Alaska’s capital. A short stroll from the cruise ship docks brings you to many key attractions, including the Alaska State Capitol Building, a symbol of “what is the capital of Alaska”, the historic Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, and a selection of museums. The Juneau Convention & Visitors Bureau is also conveniently located downtown, providing visitor information, exhibits, and walking tour maps to help navigate the city.
Just a block from the waterfront lies Historic South Franklin Street, a beautifully restored district where many buildings date back to the early 1900s. These historic structures now house a variety of bars, unique gift shops, and local restaurants, offering a taste of Juneau’s character. Nearby, Marine Park provides a delightful spot to relax and enjoy views, equipped with spotting scopes for observing mountain goats on the slopes of Mount Juneau. Another notable downtown attraction is Tahku, an impressive life-size bronze humpback whale statue appearing to leap from an infinity pool near the Juneau-Douglas Bridge, celebrating the marine wildlife integral to Alaska.
For panoramic views, the Mount Roberts Tramway, accessible from South Franklin Street, offers an exhilarating ride above the city. Gondolas ascend to breathtaking heights, revealing spectacular scenery, Alaska Native culture and art exhibits, and even shopping and dining options at the top. The tramway is particularly popular for providing easy access to hiking trails above the treeline, offering stunning vistas of Alaska’s capital and surrounding wilderness.
Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, constructed in 1893 against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Juneau, is the oldest original and continuously used church in the Inside Passage. Its distinctive onion dome is a landmark, and inside, a small gift shop offers Russian nesting dolls and other handcrafted items, reflecting Alaska’s historical connections.
Alt Text: A picturesque view of Downtown Juneau, Alaska, capturing the charming streets, historic buildings, and waterfront activity that define the heart of Alaska’s state capital.
Outdoor Adventures: Exploring Nature Around Alaska’s Capital
Juneau’s location as the capital of Alaska also places it at the doorstep of incredible natural wonders, offering a wealth of outdoor activities.
Mendenhall Glacier: An Iconic Alaskan Glacier Near the Capital
A short drive from downtown Juneau lies one of Alaska’s most iconic natural attractions: Mendenhall Glacier. This magnificent glacier is part of the vast Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States. Flowing 12 miles from its source, the Juneau Icefield, Mendenhall Glacier presents a 1.5-mile-wide face, a truly awe-inspiring sight near Alaska’s capital.
The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center provides valuable insights into this natural wonder, featuring glaciology exhibits, a large relief map of the Juneau Icefield, an observatory with telescopes, and a theater showing the film “Magnificent Mendenhall.” Outside, platforms offer opportunities for salmon and black bear viewing overlooking Steep Creek. Six hiking trails cater to various skill levels, ranging from a short photo-overlook trail to longer treks leading to viewpoints where you can witness icebergs calving into Mendenhall Lake.
Mendenhall Glacier is just one of 38 major glaciers extending from the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Icefield. Flightseeing tours offer breathtaking aerial views of these glaciers and the expansive icefield. Many helicopter tours include glacier landings, glacier treks, and even unique glacier dog sled rides, providing unforgettable experiences in the Alaskan wilderness surrounding its capital.
Whale Watching and Glacier Cruises: Marine Wildlife Encounters Near Juneau
Whale watching tours are a hugely popular activity in Juneau, providing opportunities to witness the diverse marine life of the region. Steller sea lions, Dall’s porpoise, orcas, and humpback whales are frequently sighted. Humpback whales are particularly abundant, returning each summer to feed in the nutrient-rich waters. Juneau is home to approximately 60 humpbacks that regularly visit the area, so commonly seen that many tour operators offer a guaranteed sighting policy.
Tracy Arm, a stunning fjord located 50 miles southeast of Juneau, is another exceptional destination for glacier cruises. This sheer-sided fjord features twin tidewater glaciers that calve icebergs into its deep waters. A boat cruise into this designated federal wilderness area is a fantastic half-day trip from Juneau. Seal sightings are almost guaranteed within Tracy Arm, and you also have chances to spot humpbacks, orcas, and eagles, making it a prime location to experience Alaska’s wildlife and glacier scenery near its capital.
Hiking and Public Lands: Exploring Alaska’s Wilderness on Foot
For many, hiking is the most rewarding and affordable way to experience the natural beauty surrounding Juneau. Few cities, especially state capitals, offer such extensive hiking trail access as Juneau. Many trails lead to glacier viewpoints or ascend above the treeline, where public-use cabins offer overnight wilderness stays. Popular trails near downtown Juneau include the Perseverance Trail, gradually climbing into a valley and connecting to other trails, and the Mount Roberts Trail, ascending through boreal forest up Mount Roberts to connect with the Mount Roberts Tramway at the summit.
Juneau serves as a gateway to some of the region’s premier parks and public lands. These include Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness Area, and Admiralty Island National Monument, offering even more opportunities for wilderness exploration within reach of Alaska’s capital.
Kayaking: Paddling Adventures in Alaska’s Capital Region
Kayaking opportunities abound in and around Juneau, catering to both day trips and extended sea kayaking expeditions. Mendenhall Lake provides easier kayaking experiences, allowing paddlers to navigate among icebergs in relatively calm waters. The islands of Auke Bay also offer pleasant kayaking routes. Longer trips can range from Taku Inlet for close views of Taku Glacier to the protected waters of Berners Bay, where kayakers can reserve and stay in U.S. Forest Service cabins, offering immersive wilderness experiences near Alaska’s state capital.
Macaulay Salmon Hatchery: Discovering Alaskan Marine Life
The Macaulay Salmon Hatchery is a popular attraction for visitors of all ages, especially families with children. The hatchery features large seawater aquariums filled with local marine life, from tanner crabs to octopus. Interpretive displays explain the salmon life cycle in museum-quality exhibits. An underwater viewing window and a 450-foot fish ladder provide an incredible opportunity to witness thousands of salmon migrating upstream to spawn between July and September.
Alt Text: Scenic views of Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls near Juneau, Alaska, showcasing the stunning natural beauty easily accessible from the state capital.
Winter Activities in Juneau: A Hidden Gem for Winter Sports
Juneau is a hidden gem for winter sports enthusiasts. Just 12 miles from downtown Juneau is Eagle Crest Ski Area, a unique municipally-run downhill ski area. Eagle Crest offers 640 acres of terrain with 31 alpine runs, three double chairlifts, eight kilometers of Nordic trails, and a terrain park. A comfortable day lodge provides rentals, repairs, a cafeteria, and lockers. For optimal snow conditions, visiting Juneau from January through March is recommended, offering winter adventures in Alaska’s capital region.
Alt Text: Two backcountry skiers enjoying fresh powder in the mountains near Juneau, Alaska, illustrating the winter sports opportunities available in the state capital.
Museums and Cultural Centers: Exploring Juneau’s Heritage
Juneau, as the capital of Alaska, is also a center for culture and history, offering several notable museums and cultural centers.
The Alaska State Museum is an outstanding institution housing over 23,000 artifacts, fine art pieces, natural history specimens, and exhibits on Alaska Native arts and culture. Permanent exhibits include the Alaska Native Gallery, Foreign Voyagers Exhibit, and World War II Exhibit, providing comprehensive insights into Alaska’s heritage.
The Juneau-Douglas City Museum focuses on Juneau’s gold mining history, featuring interesting exhibits and a documentary video on the city’s early days. A large relief map provides a sense of the rugged terrain surrounding Alaska’s state capital, while local art and displays about Juneau’s maritime history complement the exhibits.
A scenic half-mile walk along Basin Road from downtown Juneau leads to the Last Chance Mining Museum. This former Alaska-Juneau Gold Mining Company complex is now a museum where visitors can see the remains of the compressor house and examine tools from what was once the world’s largest hard-rock gold mine.
The Sealaska Heritage Institute’s Walter Soboleff Building in downtown Juneau is home to the largest collection of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian art in Alaska. Visitors can explore an authentic clan house, exhibits, and contemporary Alaska Native art installations, including striking red metal artwork on the building’s exterior. The Sealaska Heritage Institute Arts Campus serves as a gathering and educational space for artists, with studios, artwork displays, and an outdoor event area.
Alt Text: The Sealaska Heritage Institute building in Juneau, Alaska, showcasing its distinctive architecture and role as a cultural center dedicated to Alaska Native art and heritage in the state capital.
Juneau Weather: Preparing for Alaska’s Capital Climate
When planning a visit to Juneau, it’s essential to be prepared for varied weather conditions. Summer temperatures are mild, with highs in the mid-60s Fahrenheit (around 18 degrees Celsius), but as Juneau is located in a temperate rainforest, precipitation is frequent. Packing a raincoat and layers is advisable. Like the rest of Alaska, Juneau experiences significant variations in daylight hours, with up to 18 hours of daylight at the summer solstice in June and just a few hours at the winter solstice in December.
Alt Text: A vibrant rainbow arcs over Juneau, Alaska, illustrating the city’s scenic beauty and the frequently changing weather conditions typical of the state capital.
Lodging and Dining in Juneau: Enjoying Alaskan Hospitality
Downtown Juneau offers a range of lodging options, from nationally recognized hotels to locally owned hotels, charming boutique inns, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals, all offering Alaskan hospitality. Booking accommodations in advance is recommended, especially during the peak summer months.
Juneau is a delight for food lovers seeking to experience Alaska’s local cuisine. Downtown Juneau features a wide selection of restaurants and cafes, from fine dining establishments to casual grab-and-go spots, many specializing in fresh, locally sourced seafood. The beverage scene in Juneau is also thriving, with several breweries, including the renowned Alaska Brewing Company, a distillery, craft cocktail lounges, and local coffee roasters. Food and brewery tours provide guided explorations of Juneau’s culinary landscape, offering insights into the area’s culture, history, and cuisine.
For those wanting to delve deeper, exploring resources like “Read the Top 7 Things to Do in Juneau” can further enhance your visit to Alaska’s unique state capital.
