Hoonah AlaskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hoonah, Alaska.
1. Icy Strait Point
ALASKA'S PREMIER PORT DESTINATION
Icy Strait Point is a restored 1912 salmon cannery and museum that serves as the main port destination in Hoonah. Visitors can enjoy over 30 exciting tours, nature trails, and even a beach during their visit. This destination offers the full Alaska tourism experience while maintaining its authentic and locally-driven character.
2. Icy Strait Brewing
LOCAL CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
Icy Strait Brewing is a local brewery situated in the remote Tlingit community of Hoonah on Chichagof Island. They focus on bringing quality beer to both locals and visitors alike, using local ingredients. The brewery offers a taste of Alaska's growing craft beer scene in an authentic setting.
3. Yaakw Kahidi Cultural Center
TLINGIT HERITAGE EXPERIENCE
The Yaakw Kahidi Cultural Center is a welcoming and personable venue showcasing Tlingit culture and heritage. Visitors can meet with tribal elders who share stories about their history and connection to the land. The growing cultural center provides an authentic glimpse into the traditions of Alaska's largest Tlingit village.
4. Huna Tribal House
INDIGENOUS CULTURAL LANDMARK
Huna Tribal House offers visitors an immersive tribal experience in the heart of Hoonah. Guests can participate in scenic tours followed by cultural demonstrations that showcase Tlingit traditions. The tribal house serves as an important point of connection between visitors and the indigenous heritage of the region.
5. The Harbor Plaza
WATERFRONT GATHERING SPACE
The Harbor Plaza is a central point of interest in Hoonah managed by the Hoonah Tribal Association. This waterfront space offers visitors stunning views of the harbor and surrounding landscape. The plaza serves as both a community gathering place and a welcoming area for tourists exploring the town.
6. Icy Strait Point Shopping
LOCAL CRAFTS AND SOUVENIRS
Icy Strait Point Shopping offers 12 different shops located in the historic cannery building just steps away from the cruise dock. Visitors can browse through a variety of Alaska-made goods, native artwork, and unique souvenirs. The shopping area provides a stress-free retail experience unlike what's found in most Alaskan towns.
7. Hoonah Whale Watching Tours
MARINE WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS
Hoonah Whale Watching Tours offers visitors the chance to observe magnificent marine mammals in their natural habitat. The tours take advantage of Icy Strait's abundant wildlife, where visitors can spot whales, sea lions, and other marine creatures. Expert guides provide educational commentary about the local ecosystem and wildlife behaviors.
8. Hoonah Kayaking Adventures
COASTAL PADDLING EXPERIENCES
Hoonah Kayaking Adventures offers guided paddling excursions along the pristine coastline of Chichagof Island. Visitors can explore secluded coves and witness wildlife from a unique water-level perspective. The kayaking tours cater to all experience levels and provide an intimate connection with the natural beauty of the Inside Passage.
9. Hoonah Fishing Charters
ALASKAN ANGLING EXPEDITIONS
Hoonah Fishing Charters provides visitors with opportunities to fish the productive waters of Icy Strait. Anglers can target salmon, halibut, and other Alaskan fish species with the guidance of experienced local captains. The fishing excursions showcase why this region is renowned for its abundant marine resources.
10. ZipRider at Icy Strait Point
THRILLING AERIAL ADVENTURE
The ZipRider at Icy Strait Point offers an exhilarating aerial adventure over the lush Alaskan landscape. This zipline attraction gives thrill-seekers a unique perspective of the surrounding forests, mountains, and coastline. The ride combines adventure with breathtaking views of one of Alaska's most beautiful destinations.
11. Hoonah Nature Trails
WILDERNESS WALKING PATHS
Hoonah Nature Trails provide visitors with accessible paths through the region's spectacular temperate rainforest. Hikers can experience the well-preserved natural environment while potentially spotting eagles, bears, and other wildlife. The trail system offers options for various skill levels while showcasing the ecological diversity of Chichagof Island.
12. Hoonah Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE DISPLAYS
The Hoonah Historical Museum preserves and displays artifacts and stories from the town's rich past. Exhibits showcase the community's fishing industry history, Tlingit culture, and development as Alaska's largest Tlingit village. Visitors gain insight into how this remote community has maintained its traditions while adapting to changing times.
13. The Cookhouse Restaurant
HISTORIC CANNERY DINING
The Cookhouse Restaurant offers dining in a restored building that once fed cannery workers in the early 1900s. Guests can enjoy fresh seafood and Alaskan specialties while taking in views of the surrounding waters. The restaurant combines historical ambiance with locally-sourced cuisine for an authentic Alaskan dining experience.
14. Chipper Fish
FRESH LOCAL SEAFOOD
Chipper Fish is a local eatery specializing in fresh-caught seafood from the waters around Hoonah. The restaurant offers casual dining with signature dishes featuring halibut, salmon, and other Alaskan specialties. Visitors appreciate the authentic taste of Alaska prepared by people who understand the local fishing traditions.
15. Eagle Viewing at Icy Strait
MAJESTIC BIRD WATCHING
Eagle Viewing at Icy Strait provides opportunities to observe America's national bird in its natural habitat. Visitors can spot bald eagles perched in tall trees or soaring overhead throughout the area. The abundance of these majestic birds makes this one of the premier eagle-watching locations in Southeast Alaska.