Sitka National Historical Park

Sitka National Historical Park preserves sites and cultural resources associated with the Tlingit people and the Russian colonial period on Baranof Island in southeast Alaska. The park protects a forested totem park, shoreline, and interpretive facilities that explain local indigenous and colonial histories.

Outdoor trails lead through the totem pole display and interpretive stops; the visitor centre hosts exhibits on Tlingit culture, Russian contact and archaeological finds. The setting combines cultural interpretation with coastal forest and views over Sitka Sound.

The park was established in the early 20th century to protect Tlingit cultural items and historic sites and has since been managed to support cultural preservation, public education and limited archaeological work. Totem restoration and caretaking are recurring conservation activities.

Located on the outskirts of Sitka, Alaska, the park lies on Baranof Island adjacent to the town’s shoreline and is easily reached from Sitka’s downtown and harbor area.

• Totem conservation: Many of the park's totem poles are relocations or replicas intended to conserve original carvings while preserving cultural context.

What to See #

• Totem Park: Totem Park - an outdoor collection of carved poles, memorials and replicates of community carvings set among forested trails.
• Visitor Center: Visitor center - provides interpretive exhibits on Tlingit history, Russian colonial contact and park stewardship, with orientation and resources for trail access.