Island Heritage Discovery
Moderate Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
What you will visit:
Chief Shakes Tribal House
The Chief Shakes Tribal House, located on Shakes Island in Wrangell's Reliance Harbor, is a reconstructed Tlingit clan house representing the Naanyaa.aayi Clan. Restored in 2013, it showcases traditional craftsmanship by master carvers and apprentices, who used authentic techniques to recreate its planks and posts. Inside, you'll find replicas of original house posts-the oldest known examples-preserved at the Wrangell Museum. Nearby, watch the carving shed's artists replicate historical totem poles.
Wrangell Museum
The Wrangell Museum offers a deep dive into Wrangell's history, from its native American roots to gold rushes, fishing, and forestry. Highlights include original 1700s Tlingit house posts, a rare spruce canoe, and intricate spruce root and cedar bark baskets. Exhibits explore Wrangell's diverse influences-Russian, British, Chinese, and Japanese-through artifacts and photos. Learn how the town evolved from a bustling supply center during the Stikine and Klondike gold rushes to today's vibrant community. Don't miss the gift shop featuring books, cards, and locally sourced Wrangell garnets.
Petroglyph Beach
Petroglyph Beach, a state park since 2000, features southeastern Alaska's largest collection of ancient petroglyphs. Located just over a mile from town, it showcases at least 40 carvings, some over 8,000 years old. A boardwalk leads to an observation deck overlooking the Stikine River and Zimovia Strait. Replica petroglyphs allow you to make souvenir rubbings, while direct beach access invites exploration of the originals-viewed with care to aid preservation. Your guide will explain the site's significance and assist in creating your personalized rubbing to take home.
What you will see along the way:
As you drive through Wrangell, you'll pass several historical landmarks reflecting the town's rich cultural heritage. Highlights include Kik-setti Totem Park, featuring beautifully carved totems, and three of Wrangell's historic churches-Catholic, Presbyterian, and Episcopal-each with deep community roots. You'll also see the original sites of Fort Wrangell and Fort Dionysius, key military posts from Wrangell's early days as a strategic trading and defense hub. These stops offer a glimpse into the town's layered history and diverse influences.
Points of interest
Kiks.ádi Totem Park
Wrangell Museum
Chief Shakes Tribal House
Petroglyph Beach
Schedule
Special Notes
This tour does include some walking from the shuttle to the sights. Guests who are unable to do the walking are welcome to stay on the shuttle but will miss a significant portion of the interpretation. Guests are given the option of traversing a beach with uneven rocks and driftwood or remaining on the observation platform. Guests are only on the shuttle traveling between the sites about 25 minutes of the entire 2.5 hours. Most of the interpretation is given at the sites. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. The tour vehicles are unable to accommodate wheelchairs.
Exceptional Value
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Moderate Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
What you will visit:
Chief Shakes Tribal House
The Chief Shakes Tribal House, located on Shakes Island in Wrangell's Reliance Harbor, is a reconstructed Tlingit clan house representing the Naanyaa.aayi Clan. Restored in 2013, it showcases traditional craftsmanship by master carvers and apprentices, who used authentic techniques to recreate its planks and posts. Inside, you'll find replicas of original house posts-the oldest known examples-preserved at the Wrangell Museum. Nearby, watch the carving shed's artists replicate historical totem poles.
Wrangell Museum
The Wrangell Museum offers a deep dive into Wrangell's history, from its native American roots to gold rushes, fishing, and forestry. Highlights include original 1700s Tlingit house posts, a rare spruce canoe, and intricate spruce root and cedar bark baskets. Exhibits explore Wrangell's diverse influences-Russian, British, Chinese, and Japanese-through artifacts and photos. Learn how the town evolved from a bustling supply center during the Stikine and Klondike gold rushes to today's vibrant community. Don't miss the gift shop featuring books, cards, and locally sourced Wrangell garnets.
Petroglyph Beach
Petroglyph Beach, a state park since 2000, features southeastern Alaska's largest collection of ancient petroglyphs. Located just over a mile from town, it showcases at least 40 carvings, some over 8,000 years old. A boardwalk leads to an observation deck overlooking the Stikine River and Zimovia Strait. Replica petroglyphs allow you to make souvenir rubbings, while direct beach access invites exploration of the originals-viewed with care to aid preservation. Your guide will explain the site's significance and assist in creating your personalized rubbing to take home.
What you will see along the way:
As you drive through Wrangell, you'll pass several historical landmarks reflecting the town's rich cultural heritage. Highlights include Kik-setti Totem Park, featuring beautifully carved totems, and three of Wrangell's historic churches-Catholic, Presbyterian, and Episcopal-each with deep community roots. You'll also see the original sites of Fort Wrangell and Fort Dionysius, key military posts from Wrangell's early days as a strategic trading and defense hub. These stops offer a glimpse into the town's layered history and diverse influences.
Points of interest
Kiks.ádi Totem Park
Wrangell Museum
Chief Shakes Tribal House
Petroglyph Beach
Schedule
Special Notes
This tour does include some walking from the shuttle to the sights. Guests who are unable to do the walking are welcome to stay on the shuttle but will miss a significant portion of the interpretation. Guests are given the option of traversing a beach with uneven rocks and driftwood or remaining on the observation platform. Guests are only on the shuttle traveling between the sites about 25 minutes of the entire 2.5 hours. Most of the interpretation is given at the sites. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. The tour vehicles are unable to accommodate wheelchairs.