Wheelchair-Friendly Adventures in Ketchikan!

Totem Heritage Center

Why Visit?

Embark on a culturally rich and accessible adventure at Ketchikan"s Totem Heritage Center, a sanctuary for some of the most significant Native Alaskan totem poles retrieved from nearby abandoned villages. Here"s your guide to a fulfilling visit tailored for mobility scooter and wheelchair users.

Getting There

Fly into Ketchikan International Airport and take a short ferry ride across the Tongass Narrows to downtown. The Totem Heritage Center is easily accessible by local taxi or via a rented accessible van. Located at 601 Deermount Street, it’s under a 10-minute drive from the city center.

At the Center

Start your tour at the entrance, where ramps ensure smooth access for all visitors. Inside, spacious layouts between exhibits allow free and comfortable movement. Detailed signage is low enough for easy reading, ensuring everyone can enjoy learning about the rich heritage.

Exhibits and Activities

Uncover the fascinating history of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples through the beautifully preserved 19th-century totem poles. Each totem tells a unique story, depicted through intricate carvings. Engage with interactive displays that explain the symbolism behind the figures and the totem pole restoration processes.

Don"t miss the Center’s workshop area, visible through large glass windows, where you can witness artists meticulously restoring ancient totems. Occasionally, the center offers accessible workshops and storytelling sessions, providing a deeper connection with native culture.

Additional Tips

- Restrooms are wheelchair accessible.

- Benches are available throughout for those who might want a rest.

- Consider visiting during off-peak hours for a more leisurely experience.

Conclusion

A visit to the Totem Heritage Center is not just a tour; it"s a journey into the heart of Alaska"s indigenous roots, made thoughtful and accessible for those with mobility challenges.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Port of Ketchikan

Why Visit?

Wheelchair-Friendly Tour of the Port of Ketchican

Morning

Start your day at the bustling Port of Ketchikan, easily accessible via cruise ship or a short taxi ride from Ketchikan International Airport. Begin at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, where you can grab maps designed specifically for travelers with mobility needs.

First stop: the famed Creek Street, Ketchikan"s historic boardwalk. The area is well-equipped with ramps and smooth pathways, making it a pleasure to explore. Visit Dolly’s House Museum, once the residence of Ketchikan’s most notorious madam, Dolly Arthur. The museum entrance and first floor are wheelchair accessible, offering a glimpse into the town’s colorful past.

Noon

Lunch at Sweet Mermaids, which offers wheelchair-friendly tables right by the waterfront. Enjoy fresh local seafood while watching floatplanes land and take off.

Afternoon

Post-lunch, head to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. It"s a short roll away and offers accessible entrances and exhibits. Learn about the local Tlingit culture and the lush rainforest ecosystem of the region.

Evening

Conclude your day with a scenic stroll along the Married Man"s Trail, just behind Creek Street. The trail provides a smooth and flat pathway, perfect for a sunset ride. Enjoy the serene views of Ketchikan Creek and the surrounding forest.

Interesting Fact: Ketchikan is known as the ‘Salmon Capital of the World’ and it’s not uncommon to see salmon leaping upstream in Ketchikan Creek during spawning season!

This wheelchair-friendly itinerary lets you enjoy the best of Ketchikan’s cultural and natural beauty, all with ease and comfort.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Tongass National Forest

Why Visit?

Explore the lush, verdant expanses of Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States, with an accessible adventure tailored for wheelchair and mobile scooter users.

Day 1: Arrival in Ketchikan

Fly into Ketchikan, the gateway to the Tongass National Forest. Upon arrival, check into one of the many wheelchair-accessible hotels in the city. Spend your afternoon acclimatizing and enjoy a casual stroll along the Creek Street boardwalk, where wooden pathways and ramps ensure everyone can enjoy the quaint shops and vibrant local art.

Day 2: Totem Bight State Historical Park

Start your morning with a short, accessible taxi ride to Totem Bight State Historical Park. The park offers a flat, graveled loop trail less than a mile long, where you can admire intricately carved totem poles and a traditional clan house, all set against the backdrop of the forest and ocean. Guides are available for tours that explain the rich cultural history of the indigenous Tlingit and Haida tribes.

Day 3: Mendenhall Glacier

Take a ferry or a short flight to Juneau, where the accessible Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center provides an impressive view of the 13-mile-long glacier. Wheelchair-accessible shuttles from Juneau are available, and the Photo Point Trail and the Moraine Ecology Trail at the visitor center are both wheelchair-friendly, offering stunning glacier views and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Day 4: Rainforest Discovery

Back in Ketchican, join an accessible excursion through the rainforest. The Rainbird Trail, accessible via a short drive, has been adapted with boardwalks and packed paths, allowing you to immerse in the serene, green canopy and breathe in the fresh, mossy air of the Tongass.

Departure

Conclude your tour with souvenirs from local artisan shops in Ketchikan, ensuring you take a piece of Alaska’s natural beauty and cultural richness home with you.

Each step of your journey through Tongass National Forest brings to life the dynamic ecosystems and cultures thriving in America’s northernmost rainforest.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Saxman Native Village

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating journey to Saxman Native Village, nestled just 2.5 miles south of Ketchikan, Alaska. This unique tour offers an accessible and enriching experience into the heart of Tlingit culture.

Getting There: Start your adventure by catching a wheelchair-accessible taxi or bus from Ketchikan. The drive offers scenic views of the lush Alaskan landscape, setting the tone for an immersive cultural experience.

Welcome to Saxman Native Village: Upon arrival, the village is well-equipped for accessibility, with paved pathways and ramps ensuring smooth mobility throughout. Begin at the Saxman Totem Park, the highlight of the village. Here, marvel at one of the largest gatherings of totems in the world. Each totem tells a story, steeped in history and folklore, with carvings that beautifully illustrate Tlingit legends and traditions.

Carving Shed: Next, visit the onsite Carving Shed where skilled artisans craft these magnificent totems. The shed is accessible, allowing you to watch artists at work, chipping and painting these towering logs. It’s a live demonstration of an art form passed down through generations.

Tlingit Clan House: Roll into the Clan House, a communal hub designed with large doors and ample space for mobility devices. Inside, experience a traditional Tlingit dance performance. The rhythmic drum beats and colorful regalia of the dancers offer a vibrant glimpse into the soul of the Tlingit community.

Souvenir Shop: Conclude your tour at the Village Store. It’s accessible and offers authentic souvenirs—from handcrafted jewelry to small totem replicas—perfect mementos of your cultural exploration.

Practical Tip: Plan your visit between May and September, as the village is more active and the weather more favorable for travel. Moreover, always check ahead with the attractions for any updates on accessibility to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.

Saxman Native Village promises a rich tapestry of culture and art, all accessible and welcoming to those on wheels, making it a memorable escape into the indigenous heritage of Alaska.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Inside Passage

Why Visit?

Embark on a breathtaking journey through the Inside Passage, a spectacular coastal route renowned for its stunning seascapes and wildlife. This wheelchair-accessible adventure promises ease and comfort, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all.

Day 1: Arrival in Juneau

Fly into Juneau International Airport, which is equipped with accessible facilities. Check into one of Juneau’s wheelchair-friendly hotels like the Frontier Suites, offering roll-in showers and grab bars. Begin your journey with a visit to the Alaska State Museum, where you can dive into local history and culture. The museum offers accessible entrances and exhibits.

Day 2: Tracy Arm Fjord

Join a wheelchair-accessible boat tour from Juneau to Tracy Arm, a fjord famous for its dramatic cliffs and pristine glaciers. The vessels typically equipped with accessible restrooms and viewing decks ensure you don"t miss out on the awe-inspiring sights of South Sawyer Glacier or the playful seals.

Day 3: Ketchikan Exploration

Board an accessible seaplane to Ketchikan, known as the "Salmon Capital of the World". Explore Creek Street, once a red-light district, now an accessible boardwalk teeming with art galleries and shops. Don’t miss the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, where you can learn about the region"s natural environment through accessible exhibits.

Day 4: Misty Fjords National Monument

Experience the majestic Misty Fjords National Monument via a floatplane tour offering wheelchair accessibility. This natural wonder, featuring deep fjords and lush rainforests, provides an audio guide that complements the visual splendor.

Day 5: Return to Juneau

Return to Juneau via accessible ferry or plane. Spend your final day relaxing at the Juneau waterfront, easily navigable by wheelchair, and perhaps catch sight of a humpback whale in the Gastineau Channel.

Throughout your tour, the Inside Passage"s friendly locals and well-equipped facilities ensure a smooth and inclusive adventure, making each moment comfortably memorable.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.