Sitka is Alaska's fifth largest city with a current population of 8,800.

Alaska's capital city is Juneau, 95 miles away by air.

Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is 592 air miles away. Seattle is a quick 862 air miles.

Our climate is mild, averaging 34 degrees in January to 61 in July. Our rainfall averages close to 90 inches a year with snowfall at nearly 40 inches a year.

For more information (These links leave our web site.)

Sitka Lutheran: #6 on this downtown map.

Sitka.com 

Sitka Through Four Seasons

Sitka Convention & Visitor's Bureau 

Sitka Economic Development Association

See what today looks like through our Sitka Web cams.

Alaska Raptor Center

Growing from a backyard, volunteer-run operation, the Alaska Raptor Center has become Alaska's foremost bald eagle hospital and educational center, as well as one of the state's premier visitor attractions.

Lutheran Cemetery & Princess Maksoutoff's grave.

Located behind the Pioneer's Home in the Lutheran cemetery, Princess Maksoutoff was the wife of Alaska's last Russian governor, Dimitrii Maksoutoff.

Sitka National Historic Park

The 107 acre park preserves and interprets the site of a Tlingit Indian Fort and an important battle fought between the Russians and the Tlingits in 1804. There is an active Tlingit arts program where the public can watch and talk to Native Indian carvers. A self-guided trail leads past several totems to the site of the Tlingit fort. Open 8:00am - 5:00pm daily, at the end of Lincoln Street.

St. Peter's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church

In 1895 Peter Trimble Rowe was elected Bishop of the Missionary Diocese of Alaska. Since Sitka was the capital of Alaska, it was chosen as the "See City" by Bishop Rowe. In 1899 the first service was held in St. Peter's. In 1901 St. Peter's was chartered as Alaska's Pro Cathedral. Located directly behind the Church is the Bishop's Residence referred to in Sitka as the "See House".

Sheldon Jackson Museum

One of the oldest native culture collections in Alaska, collected by Dr. Sheldon Jackson, General Agent of Education, between 1880 and 1900. In 1984, the state of Alaska purchased the museum from the college and made extensive renovations. Located on the Sheldon Jackson College Campus on Lincoln Street. Open 8:00am - 5:00pm daily in the summer months and 10:00am - 4:00pm Tues. - Sat. in the winter. An admission fee is charged.

Castle Hill

Early stronghold of the Kiksadi clan, a later succession of Russian buildings were erected here. The one known as "Baranof's Castle" was erected in 1837. On October 18, 1867 The Russian American Company transferred title of Alaska to the United States. Located near the end of Lincoln Street, (the end opposite Sitka National Park) visible from the O'Connell Bridge Lightering facility. The site is fully ADA accessible with ramps and walkways around the harbor side.

St. Michael's Cathedral

This living congregation continues to worship and the building houses an important collection of Russian Orthodox art, icons, and church treasures. The Cathedral, built in 1844-48,  was totally destroyed in the January, 1966 fire. Many of the icons and religious objects were salvaged and are in the rebuilt structure. Open when cruise ships are in town. A donation is requested.

Harrigan Centennial Hall, Isabel Miller Museum, New Archangel Dancers (located near the Crescent Harbor Lightering facility.)

Isabel Miller Museum
The Sitka Historical Society sponsors this premier compact and colorful museum located in downtown Harrigan Centennial Hall (New Archangel Dancer's performance home) that preserves Sitka's heritage and is a learning center for the public.

The New Archangel Dancers perform authentic Russian dances  when cruise ships are in town. Inquire for details.

Oldest intact Russian building in Sitka, built in 1842 by the Russian American Company as a residence for the Bishop of the Orthodox Church. Bishop Innocent (Ivan Veniaminov), now St. Innocent, was its first resident. Some of his handiwork can be seen in the museum downstairs and in the restored living quarters upstairs. Building and grounds are now managed by the National Park Service.

The building has been restored to the 1850's historic period, when it functioned as a school, the Bishop's residence, and a chapel. Services are still held occasionally in the chapel.

The house is open 8:30am - 4:30pm in the summer months. Tours are available at 2:30pm, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in the winter months.

Call (907)747-6281 for reservations.

The Community House, opposite Totem Square at the end of Lincoln Street, provides "a place for the gathering of the community and clan families for activities or special occasions." It is used to share Native Culture through dance, storytelling, and other events. Ultimately it is a  forum for teachers, business leaders, community leaders, as well as seasonal visitors. The Community House is used to inspire, revitalize, restore, and preserve, the language, values, and customs of the Tlingit People. Local dance groups perform regularly during the summer months.

(Photo and description from the Sitka Tribal Enterprises web site.)

Sitka Lutheran Church  •  224 Lincoln St.  •  PO Box 598  •  Sitka AK 99835
Office phone: 907.747.3338  Office E-mail  •  Last updated: 04/02/2008

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