Last updated: January 11, 2024
Place
Gustavus, Alaska
Quick Facts
Amenities
7 listed
Beach/Water Access, Cellular Signal, Dock/Pier, Ferry - Passenger, Ferry - Vehicle, Information, Supplies - General
Gustavus is considered the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park and is located 48 air miles west of Alaska's State Capitol, Juneau, in Southeast Alaska. Approximately 10 miles on a paved road will take you from Gustavus' airport to the Glacier Bay park headquarters in Bartlett Cove.
In the summer months, jet service is available between Juneau and Gustavus, with smaller planes flying to Gustavus daily, year-round. A ferry terminal offers periodic ferry trips to Hoonah and Juneau.
Lodging in Gustavus
Various lodging options are available in Gustavus. For more info see the Gustavus Visitor Association website.
How to get to Gustavus?
Alaska Seaplanes provides year-round air service between Gustavus, Juneau, and the Southeast Alaska region.
Alaska Airlines provides seasonal flights to Gustavus in the summer months.
The Alaska Marine Highway system connects many Southeast Alaska communities via a ferry system. Take the scenic route on the ferry, or bring a vehicle with you to Gustavus!
Gustavus spreads across a large plain created by receding glaciers and is completely surrounded by the distant mountains and icefields of Glacier Bay National Park on three sides and the ocean on the fourth.
As the glaciers that covered the area 200 years ago have receded, the land in Gustavus has risen quickly –over an inch each year -- and longtime residents have witnessed phenomenal changes. Land that once was within the tidal zone is now high and dry. Where grasses once predominated, spruce trees now tower. Early settlers called the town Strawberry Point.
Historically, the area was used by the Tlingit people for seasonal harvesting and smoking of salmon. The first successful homestead patent was issued in 1923, although settlers were present here as early as 1917. According to historical records, through "hope and hard work," several families successfully homesteaded here. The U.S. Postal Service renamed the town in 1925, when the first Post Office was established here.
Today, the community of Gustavus spreads across the rising flatlands, with the hub of the spokes at Four Corners. A unique community of interesting people, Gustavus offers a full range of accommodations and plenty of adventures for travelers.The surrounding mountains make a wonderful backdrop to the surprisingly flat terrain. With a year round population of approximately 450 people, Gustavus is a small Alaskan town surrounded by breathtaking scenery and extensive wilderness.
*Location Note: The lat/long location chosen for this point is the Gustavus airport. However, you may arrive at the Gustavus dock/ferry terminal if traveling by the ferry.