Sitka National Historical Park - Ranger-led Programs (U.S. National Park Service)

A park ranger leads a group of visitors along the park trail.

NPS Photo

A park ranger leads visitors on a guided walk through the temperate rainforest. Ranger-led programs are a great way to learn more about the park and Southeast Alaska.

What do slugs, totem poles, and Russian history have in common? They are all topics of interpretive programs at Sitka National Historical Park. Park rangers and volunteers present interpretive programs on the park's natural and cultural history. Ranger-led programs are offered daily between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day.

Programs vary weekly, so check at the visitor center for a current schedule when you arrive, or see the news releases before you come to the park. The following are some of our regularly scheduled programs:

Battle Walk: Sitka National Historical Park was created to preserve the site of the Battle of 1804. Fought between the Tlingits and Russians, the Battle was pivotal in determining the history of the Alaska region. Join a ranger-led walk to the battle grounds and former fort site to learn about this important event.

Carved History Walk: Learn the stories and legends of the totem poles in the park. Park rangers will lead visitors on a guided walk through the park that focuses on the totem poles and the Native cultures of the Pacific Northwest. You can also take a virtual tour of the totem poles in the park.

Russian Bishop's House Tour: The Russian Bishop's House represents a little known chapter in American history. One of only four Russian period buildings left in North America, the Russian Bishop's House stands as a lasting legacy of the time when the Tsar ruled Alaska. Come to the Russian Bishop's House for a guided tour of the restored second floor living quarters and chapel. Self-guided exhibits further explain the lifestyle of the bishop. A $4.00 interpretive fee is collected. You can also take a virtual tour of the Russian Bishop's House.

Naturalist Programs: Sitka National Historical Park offers visitors a chance to experience the natural world. You can walk in a temperate rain forest under towering trees, observe migrating salmon, explore the intertidal zone, and study wildlife. Park rangers present a variety of naturalist programs to assist visitors in their understanding of the park's natural environment.

Special Programs may be arranged in advance for educational groups visiting the park.

A self-guided Junior Ranger Program is available for children. You can pick up an activity booklet at the Visitor Center. Complete the activities for your age to earn a Junior Ranger Badge.