Alaska may have become a state in 1959, but it has a rich history that spans centuries. During your cruise vacation in Alaska, you will see the region’s breathtaking scenery, observe wildlife found no where else in the United States and learn about groups of people who have called Alaska home since before Europeans made their way to the new world.
At CruiseExperts.com, we hope that your Alaskan cruise is more than just a time to kick back and pick up some trinkets to take home. No, you’re not in school anymore, but you can take this opportunity to learn. Many cruise routes make a stop in Juneau, Alaska’s capital. Here, you’ll have a chance not just to eat good food and shop in some interesting stores, but also visit a few interesting historic sites.
Here are a few places that we recommend:
Alaska State Capitol – Built in 1929, the state capitol is definitely not going to be the prettiest structure you encounter during your time in The Last Frontier. Going inside, however, and looking around may be one of the most interesting things that you will do. During one of the free 30-minute tours that you can join, you can peek inside the legislative chambers, governor’s office and the offices of the representatives and their staff. If you would like to spend more time there, pamphlets for self-guided tours are available.
Alaska State Museum – On the first floor of this museum, you will see an exhibit that features artifacts from the state’s major indigenous groups. One of the most popular displays is “Art of Survival,” which shows how the native people of Alaska successfully lived in its harsh climate for centuries with tools like waterproof gut parkas and tomcod fishing rods. The top floor is dedicated to exploring Alaska’s Russian period and the two major gold rushes. The museum’s most popular exhibit – a diorama of a full-sized eagle’s nest in a 20-foot-tall tree – is located here as well.
St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church – You may already know that Alaska was Russian territory before it was sold to the United States in 1867. What’s interesting about St. Nicholas is that it was constructed in 1893, after most of the Russians had left Alaska for the native Tlingit group who live near Juneau. You don’t need to be religious to appreciate St. Nicholas. It has the oldest original onion dome in the state and is set against the backdrop of Mt. Juneau. In the church’s small gift shop you can buy nesting dolls and other handcrafted items from Russia.
Wickersham State Historic Site – James Wickersham was a 19th-century judge and statesman who called the Territory of Alaska home. Wickersham was responsible for developing Alaska’s railroad system, the University of Alaska and Denali National Park. His house, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, was the first large Victorian home built in Juneau. During your visit, you can step back in time and think about the gold rush while you sip tea from Wickersham’s antique china.
Photo courtesy of Wickersham State Historic Park/Alaska State Parks
Alaskan cruises are popular, and reservations can fill quickly. If you’re interested in heading north this summer, now is the time to start making plans. The season is relatively short, running from May through September, so space is limited.
Call a CruiseExperts.com agent today and get started planning your Alaskan cruise for 2014. We can help with all your arrangements and suggest some fun activities. Call 1-888-804-CRUISE (2784) or visit our website at www.CruiseExperts.com.
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