Petersburg 2022 - Little Norway. Big Adventure - Petersburg Pilot
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Petersburg
Little Norway. Big Adventure.
2022
Viking Visitor Guide & Vacation Planner
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Photo by Joseph Andy Dyson, 2022
P.O. Box 542, Petersburg, Alaska 99833
www.yachtalaska.com
Phone: 1-888-772-8588
Local and International: 1-907-772-4700
Page 1 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide
Table of Contents
Velkommen to “Alaska’s Little Norway”....................... 2 Where to picnic................................................................ 28
Getting to Petersburg .....................................................2 Hikes off the island: Kupreanof Island ......................29-30
Weather: Rainy days, mild temperatures ..................... 3 Hikes & attractions off the Island: Thomas Bay area.. 31-32
Petersburg facts and stats .......................................... 4-5 Where to camp .......................................................... 33-35
Petersburg Little Norway ................................................5 RVs are welcome here ................................................... 33
Community events .......................................................... 6 Bears ................................................................................ 36
50 things to do in Petersburg .................................. 7-10 Staying safe while out on the water .............................. 36
Leikarring dancers bridge tradition with today ..........11 Wildlife viewing tips ....................................................... 37
Colorful, historic salmon can trash bins line streets ...12 LeConte Glacier ......................................................... 38-39
Cannery Park honors seafood processing workers ....13 Whales ......................................................................... 40-41
Eagle & Raven totems .................................................. 14 Five Finger Lighthouse .................................................... 42
Walking tour through Petersburg .......................... 14-17 Advertiser’s Index ............................................................ 44
Walks and hikes close to town ............................... 18-20
PILOT PUBLISHING, INC.
Petersburg Map ...................................................... 22-23 VIKING VISITOR GUIDE PUBLISHED SINCE 1979
Mitkof Island Map ........................................................ 24 Phone: 907-772-9393 • 207 N.Nordic Dr. • P.O. Box 930 • FAX 907-772-4871
email: pilotpub@gmail.com website: www.petersburgpilot.com
Walks and hikes “Out the Road”............................ 25-28 Publisher Orin Pierson © Copyright 2022
All photos in the guide included courtesy of the Petersburg Pilot, unless otherwise stated.
The Petersburg Chamber of Commerce welcomes you
Please visit us at our website: www.petersburg.org
VISITOR
INFORMATION
• Maps
• Visitor Guides
• Activity & Tour Info
• Answers to All
Petersburg Questions
• Public Restroom
• Corner of
1st & Fram Streets
Photo courtesy of Carey Carmichael Case / Wild Iris Photography
PETERSBURG VISITOR CENTER
P.O. Box 649 • Petersburg, Alaska 99833
Phone: 907-772-4636
Page 2 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide
Velkommen to “Alaska’s Little Norway”
The town that fish built on Lingít Aaní
Welcome to Petersburg, area long served as a productive mann was manager. Icy Straits Many of Petersburg’s res-
known for its mix of Norwegian fish camp for the local Lingít also built a sawmill to cut idents can trace their heritage
and Lingít heritage and for har- community. lumber for the building of the back to Norwegian ancestors,
boring one of Alaska’s most Around the turn of the 20th cannery, which was completed who followed Peter Buschmann
prosperous fishing fleets. century, a Norwegian, Peter in 1900. Docks, homes, ware- to the snowy mountains and
Fishing has been an Indige- Buschmann, eyed the blue ice of houses and other businesses fjords that reminded them of
nous tradition on Mitkof island LeConte Glacier. Buschmann sprang up around the cannery home. At one time, Norwegian
since time immemorial. Archeo- decided the north end of Mitkof and in 1910 the city of Peters- was commonly heard on the
logical evidence of large scale Island, with glacier ice available burg was incorporated. town’s wooden streets and Nor-
fish traps have been identified nearby, would be an ideal spot Icy Straits, after changing wegian Constitution Day is still
on all the major waterways on for a cannery. hands several times, eventually celebrated during the Little Nor-
the island. The oldest of which In 1897, construction began evolved into Petersburg Fish- way Festival each May.
has been dated to around 5,000 on the new site for Icy Straits eries Inc., now the largest sea- Fishing continues to be the
years old, and the Sandy Beach Packing Co., for which Busch- food processor in town as backbone of the economy, with
measured by canning capacity. some $45.1 million in seafood
Petersburg Fisheries eventually landed and processed. Tourism
Getting to Petersburg developed into a major seafood- has replaced logging as a driver
processing corporation, Icicle of the local economy. Small
Seafoods Inc, and, in 2020, Icicle timber harvests continue on a
merged with another of Alaska’s much more limited basis.
oldest seafood companies, Ours is a busy, working fish-
Ocean Beauty, to form OBI Sea- ing community that enjoys host-
foods. ing summer visitors.
In Case You
Need Us!
EMERGENCY(Ambulance/Fire/Police) . .911
Police (non-emergent) . . . . .907-772-3838
Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . .907-772-4291
Municipal Building . . . .907-772-4425
The state ferry Matanuska makes its stop in Petersburg on its south-
bound journey, carrying passengers and vehicles from Juneau. Harbor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .907-772-4688
Photo courtesy of Carey Carmichael Case of Wild Iris Photography
Getting to Petersburg is part of the adventure. To reach Mitkof Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . .907-772-3349
Island, where Petersburg is located, you will have to fly or float.
Many visitors arrive on Alaska Marine Highway ferries. Small cruise
Community Gym/
ships also bring guests to our shores.
Alaska Airlines provides twice-daily jet service from Seattle or
Swimming Pool . . . . . . .907-772-3392
Anchorage and several smaller scheduled and chartered air taxis
serve Petersburg from throughout Southeast Alaska. And best of all, Sponsored as a public service by:
Petersburg is off the beaten path of the large cruise ships, keeping it
less crowded than many tourist destinations.
Petersburg hosts a growing flotilla of luxury yachts, owned and
Petersburg
leased by the rich and famous. It is a popular port of call for smaller
cruisers from both Alaska and along the western coastline of the Borough
lower 48.
Page 3 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide
Rainy days, W EATHER N UMBERS
mild temperatures
Petersburg has average recorded temperatures of 53.6 de-
grees in June, 58.3 degrees in July and 57.4 degrees in August,
according to National Weather Service data.
Petersburg’s typical weather patterns bring a lot of rain. The
average annual rainfall for the area is about 120 inches accord-
Average Daylight: Hours
ing to data from the National Weather Service. Compare that
to an annual average of just 15 inches in Anchorage or 11.3 7 9 12 14 17 18 17 15 13 10 8 7
inches in Fairbanks and the weather in Petersburg may look JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
inhospitable.
But the same ocean conditions that bring in all the moisture
Average High Temperature: °F
also moderate the temperatures. This makes for mild winters 35 39 43 50 57 62 64 62 56 48 40 36
and cool summers. Even in the coldest month, January, tem-
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
peratures rarely fall below freezing.
People who live in this climate adapt. The essential piece of
rain gear, either on sea or land, is a good pair of rubber boots,
sometimes called “Petersburg sneakers.” Style takes a back seat
to the comfort of dry feet, and it is not out of place to wear
these brownish-red boots on almost any occasion.
NOAA WEATHER
On the other hand, umbrellas are uncommon, and serious Average Monthly Precipitation: Inches
outdoor work or play is more comfortable in a good water- 11.9 3.6 11.8 11.1 2.7 7.5 8.7 13.9 15.2 16.0 9.3 9.2
proof rain jacket and rain pants.
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
MAKE US YOUR
ALASKA FERRY HEADQUARTERS
CALL NOW! 1(800) 327-2571 BELLA VISTA
or visit us online at www.AlaskaFerry.com GARNET MINE
Four Hour Excursions
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• Whale Watching • LeConte Glacier Bay Boat and Air Tours • Families Welcome!
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• Helicopter Flightseeing & Glacier Walk • Call: 1 (703) 835-5714
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VIKING TRAVEL, INC.
907.772.3818 • 800.327.2571 • PO Box 787
101 N. Nordic Dr. • Petersburg, AK 99833
www.AlaskaFerry.com
Last Minute Travel Specialists Since 1979
Page 4 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide
An aerial view of Petersburg from a northern direction. Photo courtesy of Carey Carmichael Case of Wild Iris Photography
Petersburg facts and statistics at a glance
• POPULATION: 3,368 long Wrangell Narrows, and 50 minutes on the Petersburg is 73% white; 13%
within the Petersburg Bo- which, in some areas, is just summer solstice; six hours two or more races; 8% Amer-
rough in 2021. wide enough to accommo- and 46 minutes on the winter ican Indian and Alaska
• SIZE: Mitkof Island is 23 date the state ferries. The tide solstice. Native; 4% Asian; 2% Black;
miles at its longest point and in the narrows can vary as • PERSONAL INCOME: 1% Pacific Islander and 2%
about 16.5 miles wide at its much as 23 feet in one day The estimated median house- other.
widest point, covering 211 from high tide to low tide. hold income for the Peters- • ECONOMY: Federal,
square miles. Much of the is- • ANNUAL PRECIPITA- burg Borough census area is state and local government,
land’s flat land is covered by TION: The average annual $68,667. In Petersburg, pri- which includes the schools
muskeg bogs. precipitation is about 120 vate sector wages are paid to and hospital, is the largest
• GEOGRAPHY: The is- inches. About half of that falls 50 percent of the workforce; employer in the town, em-
land’s highest point is Crystal in September, October, No- 24 percent are employed by ploying 30 percent of the
Mountain, which reaches an vember and December. In the government sector and 20 workforce.
elevation of 3,317 feet. Mitkof 2015 135.99 inches of rain fell percent are self-employed. Fishing is the economic
Island is separated from Kup- upon Petersburg. • DEMOGRAPHICS: Ac- force that drove the creation
reanof Island by the 20-mile- • DAYLIGHT: 17 hours cording to the 2020 Census, of Petersburg and continues
to be a driving force in
today’s economy.
The town’s seafood pro-
Petersburg Medical Center cessors employ a total of
about 1,100 people during a
busy summer season.
• EDUCATION: About 89
percent of the population
over 25 has at least a high
school education. About one
quarter have a bachelor’s de-
gree or higher. The Peters-
burg public school system
has around 400 students en-
rolled in grades K-12 and in
2020 reported a 100 percent
JOY JANSSEN CLINIC 907-772-4299 high school graduation rate.
• FOOD: According to a
HOSPITAL 907-772-4291 food cost survey conducted
by the University of Alaska
24-Hour Emergency Services 103 Fram Street Fairbanks, in 2017 the aver-
Continued on page 5
Page 5 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide
Facts and statistics
Continued from page 4 Crystal Lake on
age weekly food cost for a Crystal Mountain
family of four in Petersburg is south of Petersburg
$268.40, which is 24% percent and generates
higher than in Anchorage around 25% of the
and is 82% higher than the Borough’s power.
national average. Less than a million
• ELECTRICAL: Borough kWh comes from
owned Petersburg Municipal stand-by diesel gen-
Power & Light provides elec- erated sources that
trical power to the borough. provide back-up
The borough consumes ap- power to the bo-
proximately 48,698,286 kilo- rough.
watt hours (kWh) of power. • GARBAGE:
The majority of that came Municipal solid
from the Tyee Hydro facility Bojer Wikan Fishermen’s Memorial Park.
waste is collected by
Photo courtesy of Carey Carmichael Case of Wild Iris Photography
in Bradfield Canal connected the borough’s sani-
by an 83-mile transmission tation department, baled, and ton State. Wood products and homes use cisterns, wells or
line. The local hydroelectric shipped to the Roosevelt Re- metals are processed within have water delivered. Munic-
power source is located at gional Landfill in Washing- the Petersburg landfill and ipal sewage receives primary
curbside recycling pickup is treatment.
provided by the borough. • TOTAL ASSESSED
PETERSBURG • UTILITIES: Petersburg’s VALUATION: About $330
Water Utility treats, filters, million Borough-wide.
Little Norway... and disinfects surface water • GOVERNMENT: Pe-
from its two reservoirs, Cabin tersburg Borough has a man-
BIG SHOPPING: We’re a small town with a giant selec- Creek Dam and City Creek ager/assembly form of
tion of goods and wares. You can buy outdoor gear that can Dam, which have a combined government. The borough’s
last a lifetime at our clothing store or a spool of inch-thick capacity of approximately annual general fund budget
wire rope at our shipyard. Our art galleries feature the work 267 million gallons. A few is $9.7 million.
of world-renowned artists and the crafts of many locals.
Grocery stores here rival the selection of the chain-owned
stores “down south,” while our retail seafood processors will
pick-up and fillet your catch or serve your recently delivered
seafood, cooked to perfection. Don’t miss our hardware
Petersburg
stores. Home Depot and Lowes have nothing on us.
Shop keepers joke: “if we don’t have it, you don’t need it.”
Visitor Information Center
A partnership between
BIG WILDLIFE: Our critters are well fed. From 500 lb.
black bears to 30-ton humpbacks to trophy moose, we have THE PETERSBURG BOROUGH
it all. Early morning walks or drives are the best way to view
our wildlife on shore. Off-shore, charter captains can take
you to view orcas, porpoises, humpbacks, sea lions and all
species of sea birds. Try your hand at hooking and netting
&
Petersburg Ranger District
our famous wily king salmon. Located at the Corner of First and
Fram Streets in downtown Petersburg
BIG BOATS: Walk the 3-miles of floats in Petersburg’s
north, south and middle harbors and view nearly 700 vessels Open daily through the Summer – limited Winter hours
from 12-ft row boats to mega-tenders that can haul hundreds www.petersburg.org
of thousands of pounds of salmon back to the canneries.
Often mega-yachts of the rich and famous tie-up here during
www.fs.usda.gov/tongass/
the summer. Sorry, no 2,000 passenger cruise ships here. We P.O. Box 649 • Petersburg, AK 99833
lack the amenities for that many guests.
BIG MARKETS: Petersburg is consistently one of the top 907-772-INFO (4636)
ranked fishing ports in the nation. According to NOAA Fish- Call to request a Visitor Guide
eries, in 2019 Petersburg fishermen brought in $37.5 million
in fish landings, the 29th highest value in the nation. Displays • Brochures • Video Presentations
Page 6 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide
Community events throughout the year
Rainforest Festival — The festival is a produce, baked goods and more are sold
non-profit series of events taking place by local vendors outdoors at Inga’s Galley
during all four seasons with the goal of on Main Street.
bringing participants closer to the natural
Fourth of July — Petersburg’s old-time
world through education, exploration and
Independence Day celebration with food
the arts while learning more about our
concessions and craft booths, a parade,
rainforest and the ocean that surrounds it.
carnival games, street games, races and
Events include lectures and field trips,
contests, logging events and a fireworks
walking tours, workshops, visiting artists
display at night. Sponsored by the
and authors, and collaborative com-
Chamber of Commerce; 772-3646.
munity art installations. Check out their
website akrainforestfest.org to see when Oktoberfest Artshare — October. The
the next events are happening. largest arts and crafts fair in Petersburg,
featuring handmade items by artists and
Little Norway Festival — The third
crafters from Petersburg as well as
full weekend in May. Petersburg’s cele-
around the state. Quilt show and auction,
bration of Syttende Mai — May 17, Nor-
food booths and entertainment. Spon-
wegian Constitution Day. This is
sored by Muskeg Maleriers; 772-4453 Susan Erickson was unable to hold onto her title
Petersburg’s biggest festival featuring of womens’ logrolling champion. Anna Early rolled
food and crafts downtown, parade, pag- Parade of Light and Christmas Tree Erickson into the water and became the new 2021
eant, melodrama, dances and much more. Lighting Ceremony — Friday after women’s champion.
Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce; Thanksgiving. Lighting of the tree, music
streets of downtown Petersburg fill with
772-3646. and benediction to kick off the Christmas
shoppers as, according to Norwegian tra-
season. Sponsored by the Chamber of
The Market in Petersburg – Every dition, merchants offer customers food
Commerce; 772-3646.
other Saturday throughout the summer and spirits in appreciation for their busi-
handmade and homegrown arts, crafts, Julebukking — Christmas Eve. The ness that year.
Quality Rooms
800-665-8433
• Convenient Downtown Location • Conference Room • Wheel Chair Accessible Room
• Free Airport & Ferry Shuttle • Highliner Car Rental • Free Wi-Fi
• Complimentary Continental Breakfast • Kitchenettes Available • Sport Fishing Licenses
• Friendly, Dedicated Staff
907-772-4288 P.O. Box 1048 • Petersburg, AK • 99833
Fax 907-772-4286 tidesinn@alaskan.com • www.tidesinnalaska.net
Page 7 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide
50 Things to do in Petersburg
DESTINATION: 4. Pick Berries: Harvest
PETERSBURG blueberries and salmonberries.
Petersburg is a small town 5. Bird Watching: A large
with a metropolis sized list of variety of species unique to
things to do. For more infor- Southeast Alaska can be
mation drop into the Peters- sighted, the most popular being
burg Visitor Information the bald eagle, raven, waterfowl
Center at 1st & Fram St. or call (Trumpeter Swans in winter),
(907) 772-4636. shorebirds, and songbirds.
It is advisable to make reser- 6. Boat on a Lake: Enjoy a
vations for specific tours before quiet day of rowing on one of
you arrive in town. Tours are our small lakes.
sometimes fully booked on spe- 7. Fish for King Salmon: William Moulton gives historical walking tour for Viking Travel. “We start at the
cific days, especially in July and Blind River Rapids offers one of Sons of Norway. I introduce myself and explain why I am wearing Xtratufs; cause
August. the few opportunities in south- it rains all the time!” Moulton talks about Norwegian history in Petersburg, takes
tourists to Buschmann Park, and tells them about raising his sons here. He also
east Alaska to fish from shore takes them to the totem poles, Bruno the bear, and the Elizabeth Peratrovich
1. Adventure Tours: Local for King Salmon in June and mural. Moulton discusses rosemaling during the walk towards town and passes
companies can provide wilder- July. Be aware of regulations. paintings and murals and stops at the cannery walk-in museum.
ness adventures by land, sea or 8. Day Trip up the Stikine
air. River: Adventure up the long- 10. Go Swimming: Peters- official world record king sal-
2. Peruse Art Galleries: Gal- est, free-flowing navigable river burg Aquatic Center; fun for the mon!
leries feature local and Alaska in North America. whole family. 12. Fish Off the Public
artists of all media. 9. Blind Slough Recreation 11. Explore the Clausen Me- Docks: Try your hand at fishing
3. Go Beachcombing: Search Area: Picnic and swim on warm morial Museum: Discover the off one of our public docks.
our rocky beaches for shells, summer days, or ice skate dur- history and many cultures of Catch herring, Dolly Varden
rocks, & marine life. ing the brief winter freeze. the Petersburg area. See the un- Continued on page 8
BROWSE FOR BOOKS AND UNIQUE GIFTS
IN THE PETERSBURG BOARDING HOUSE
Visit our
Alaska Room
• Local Art
• Alaska books, cards
and maps
• Native design
products, ivory and
antler carvings
• Surprises around Custom Processing of Your Catch Deliver your catch dockside
every corner Smoking and/or Canning & Shipping Mail Order Service/
Retail Seafood Products Available Year-round Shipping
We sell stamps and ship purchases. 907-772-3662
www.tonkaseafoods.com
LOCATED ON HISTORIC SING LEE ALLEY P.O. Box 1420 • Petersburg, AK 99833
Mon. - Sat. 1200 S. Nordic Drive
9:30 to 5:30 Just South of the Ferry Terminal
Sunday 10 to 4 Downtown
Petersburg Nordic Drive
Tonka Seafoods
Mitkof
907-772-4440 • FIND US ON FACEBOOK Float
Coast
Guard
Ferry
Terminal Cannery
plane
South Harbor dock
Page 8 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide
50 Things to do in Petersburg
Continued from page 7 Three Lakes Loop Trails and
or maybe a passing king sal- the connecting Ideal Cove Trail
mon. are great for families, and are
13. Work Out at the Com- favorites among hikers.
munity Gym: Modern recrea- 18. Play Horseshoes: Pits are
tion complexes with a located in Sandy Beach Park. In-
gymnasium, racquetball courts, quire at the Parks and Recrea-
a fitness center and arts/crafts tion department in the
facility. Outdoor gear rentals community pool for equipment
are available. rental.
14. Go Flightseeing: Sight- 19. Go Kayaking or paddle-
seeing by floatplane or helicop- boarding: In our harbor and all
ter offers a personal tour of around the island.
glaciers and coastal landscape 20. Take a Nature Walk: The
by air. Evergreen Trail (corner of Dol-
15. Fresh Water Fishing: Lo- phin and 5th, next to the ele-
cated along the Mitkof High- mentary school) and the 12th
way are many streams, full of Street Boardwalk next to the
salmon and trout, just waiting ballfield at the end of Excel
for the avid fisherman. Don’t Street. Hike the trail from Sandy
forget your fishing license. Beach Park to City Creek. (See
16. Self-Guided Public Art map on page 22-23)
Tour: Wear comfortable walk- 21. Visit the Crystal Lake
ing shoes. Hatchery: Salmon eggs are
17. Take a Hike: A full raised and released to enhance
menu of easy, moderate or chal- salmon stocks.
lenging hikes awaits you. The Continued on page 9
The rocky low tide is a fascinating, rich ecosystem well worth exploring,
but please watch your step and be cautious of the rising tide.
Photo courtesy of Katie Holmlund
Inga’s Galley
Fresh & Local Food & Thai Food
made with love
Offering a variety of
homemade entrees using
local seafood,
freshly baked bread, and
locally sourced ingredients.
Serving Beer & Wine.
772-2090
during off season
104 N Nordic Drive
akingasgalley@gmail.com
Special Events during Summer Time
For daily specials, check us on
Catering services for charter boats,
parties, conferences, weddings, and more!Page 9 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide
50 Things to do in Petersburg
Continued from page 8 wildlife, flora and panoramic
22. Bojer Wikan Fish- views found in the area.
ermen’s Memorial Park: Our 27. See Petroglyphs and
community’s tribute to loved Prehistoric Fish Traps: Found
ones who have passed on, and at Sandy Beach Park. Tread
those lost at sea. lightly! Once these nonrenew-
23. Stop and take in the able heritage resources are
sights and sounds of South gone, they’re gone forever.
Harbor at the viewing platform 28. Play!: There are several
and benches on the east end of conveniently located play-
the harbor lot. grounds throughout town, in-
24. See Movie: A nonprofit cluding Yeil Ka Chaak Park,
student-run theater offers first- Mort Fryer Memorial Ballfield,
run movies from Thursday to and two playgrounds at the ele-
Sunday in the Wright Audito- mentary school.
rium. 29. Charter A Boat: Avail-
25. Performing Arts: The able year round: harbor tours,
Mitkof Mummers, Mitkof adventure touring, day and
Dance Troupe, Leikarring overnight fishing and expedi-
Dancers, Seetka Kwan Dancers, tions.
and more all perform sea- 30. Camp at Ohmer Creek:
sonally. A campground located in the
26. Take Photos: What better National Forest. Popular with
way to remember your vacation campers due to its natural set-
than with your own photo- ting close to trails and fishing.
graphs? Take advantage of the Continued on page 10
Kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding can be a way to explore the
lakes and sloughs of Mitkof Island. Photo courtesy of Marissa Collison
Serving Petersburg since 2000
Welcome
Visitors!
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over 45 years of combined real estate sales experience. On Nordic Drive 772-4858Page 10 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide
50 Things to do in Petersburg
Continued from page 9 42. Falls
31. Walk the docks: Peters- Creek Fish Lad-
burg’s public harbors are a pop- der: View sal-
ular place to observe the fishing mon running up
fleet. the Falls Creek
32. Visit the Public Library: on their way to
The Public Library has a collec- spawn in the
tion of rare Alaskan books. A summer.
popular location to get out of 43. Walk the
the rain! During business hours, Loop: 4.7 miles.
wireless access is available at 44. See the
the Petersburg Library. Viking Ship
33. Eat at a local restaurants. Valhalla: Next to
34. Lloyd Roundtree Memo- the Sons of Nor-
rial Seaplane Base: Seaplanes way on Sing Lee
provide charter flights to out- Alley.
lying areas. 45. View
35. Go shopping Rosemaled
36. Take in a Game: From T- Storefronts. See An overhead shot of Mitkof Highway shows that 2020 Petersburg High School seniors
ball to adult softball leagues, decorative Nor- made their way out the road to scribe their names at the 12 mile mark of Mitkof Highway
there’s always lots of action at wegian designs per tradition at the Big Dip. Photo courtesy of Molly Platt
the Mort Fryer Memorial Ball imprinted in the Eagle and Raven totem poles Sandy Beach Road. The park
Park. sidewalks. Historic canned sal- stand on the lawn of the federal and gazebo offer public beach
37. Catch a Sunset: Capture mon labels are wrapped around building at the corner of access, fixed binoculars, and a
the beauty on film. public trash cans throughout Haugen and Nordic Drive. spectacular view of the
38. Watch the Aurora Bore- the town. 50. Visit Outlook Park: Lo- Coastal Range and often
alis. 46. Van Tours: Island scen- cated on the beach side of whales.
39. Walk the Waterfront: ery/wildlife/light hiking.
Bring your camera and enjoy a 47. Rent a Car: Cruise the is-
walk on the waterfront.
40. Go Whale Watching.
land for a day.
48. Rent a Boat: Explore or Welcome to Petersburg
41. Hike Raven’s Roost fish local waters.
Trail. (see more info on page 20). 49. See the Totem Poles: The PHARMACY & CONVENIENCE
• Full Service Pharmacy
El Zarape
Prescriptions and Medications for You & Your Family
• Home Health Care Products for Sale or Rent
LLC • Vitamins and Supplements
• Pain Medication
Mexican Food • Cold & Allergy Meds
Tacos, Burritos, Nachos • Oral Health Products
• First Aid Items
Hamburgers & more • Feminine Hygiene Products
SERVING BREAKFAST • Personal & Baby Care
• Makeup & Hair
EVERY DAY 8AM - 11 AM • Shower and Bath Items
Downtown Petersburg • Greeting Cards & Candles
• School/Office Supplies...and more
Summer Hours: HOURS:
Rexall Drug
PETERSBURG
Open 7 days a week 8a-7p Mon.-Fri.:
9:30a to 5:30p
N. Nordic Dr. and Fram Street “We treat your family as we treat our own.”
Saturday:
9:30 to 5:00p
Phone: 907-518-1611 On Main Street • 772-3265 Closed Sundays
*subject to change in
www.petersburgrexalldrug.com the summer/special eventsPage 11 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide
Leikarring dancers bridge tradition with today
On many summer afternoons, local res- started dancing these traditional dances in
idents and travelers can peek in the door of third grade and led the dance group for
the Sons of Norway Hall and see blue decades. Lee says she’s heard that while the
dresses twirling, girls’ braids flying, and dresses were first being sewn, you couldn’t
arms outstretched to traditional Norwegian go into a local’s home without seeing bolts
music. and bolts of blue fabric piled up some-
Petersburg’s Leikarring dancers perform where.
Scandinavian-flavored dances every The dances themselves are energetic and
summer and on special occasions in town. spirited, and many involve a dizzying repe-
Leikarring, which means “young people” tition of circle patterns.
in Norwegian, is pronounced “Lye-ka- Aside from a repertoire of traditional
ring.” Scandinavian dances, Lee says the group’s
The Sons of Norway Hall has around practices and performances are educational,
thirty dancers performing as Leikarring. teaching them the manners and cooperation
The group is currently led by Petersburg they’ll use someday in their first jobs.
artist and dance teacher Andrea Weathers. Though the cultural emphasis at per-
The dancers perform for five or six small formances is Scandinavian, a spectator will
cruise ships a week in the summer, meeting notice a diversity of children spinning ac-
around 400 visitors a week. ross the wooden floor of the Sons of Nor-
Their bright costumes are unique to Pe- way Hall. “Anyone is welcome. We’ve had
tersburg and were designed (and are al- Julianna and Derek Allison skip along to the a lot of different kids,” says Lee, concluding,
tered each year) by locals specifically for the Klappdans. “It’s just the idea of having some culture. I
community. The fabric is bright blue and ing Petersburg and are handed down think the idea of kids learning about culture
embroidered with a wildflower motif. through generations of dancers,” explained and what it is introduces them to that rich
“The costumes are originals represent- lifelong Petersburg resident Heidi Lee who part of life.”
Velkommen to
PETERSBURG’S BEST LODGING
Petersburg • Central downtown location
• Car rentals
• Apple TV in all rooms
• Courtesy van
• Complimentary
continental breakfast
• Barrier free
• Wireless Internet
• Non-smoking
Online Booking:
www.scandiahousealaska.com
or call: 800-722-5006
P.O. Box 689 • Petersburg, AK 99833
Call: (907) 772-4281 • Fax: (907) 772-4301Page 12 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide
Colorful, historic salmon can trash bins line streets
Take a walking tour of 12 trash cans inspired by historic labels of Petersburg area canneries. Many of the labels are special to Petersburg,
and showcase the strong civic pride locals share and family histories that helped build this unique fishing community.
Petersburg resident Karen purchase individual cans. “We
Hofstad has a collection of a have a lot of civic pride in this
couple hundred seafood related community,” Glo Wollen says.
cans and labels that would Sponsors were found to pay for
make fishing industry histo- all the cans.
rians salivate. The majority of Eleven of the 12 trash cans
the collection represents the sal- are dedicated to salmon and the
mon industry and canneries other is a shrimp can sponsored
throughout Alaska, including by the Ohmer family. For Dave
Kodiak, Petersburg and Wran- Ohmer of Trident Seafoods, the
gell, and they are the inspira- can symbolizes the pride he and
tion for trash cans worthy of a many others have in their back-
framed photograph. ground.
Bruce Schactler, a fisherman “We are thrilled with the
from Kodiak, contacted Hof- can, and it’s going to be right
stad to ask her to share her la- there out front where my dad
bels to create 30 trash cans to and grandfather’s office was,
help revitalize downtown Ko- and I couldn’t be any hap-
diak. The quick-thinking Hof- pier.”
stad, joined in on the Kodiak Hofstad says the trash
order to save some money cans are part of an ongoing
through a quantity discount, effort to preserve and pro-
and ordered 10 cans of her own mote the history of the
to put in Petersburg. fishing industry in Peters-
Hofstad ended up with 12 burg. The majority of the
cans that were distributed cans are downtown,
around town. They are spe- with one at the air-
cially made in Canada, then port, one at the library
shipped to Oregon to complete and another placed at
the finished product. The the ferry terminal.
graphics used to wrap the cans
need to be strong enough to last
and withstand the daily bump
and grind a trash can takes. The Clausen Memorial Museum & Museum Shop
company responsible for plac-
ing the graphics on the cans do Petersburg Area History, World Record Salmon, Fresnel Lens,
the graphics for NASCAR stock Rotating Exhibits Tlingit Canoe, Discovery Center,
cars, so they keep their finish
and look good for years to Museum Store
come, Hofstad says.
Hofstad enlisted the help of
Petersburg local Glo Wollen
and they found sponsors to
On the Cover…
Five Finger Lighthouse on
a flat calm day in Frederick Sound
Photo courtesy
of Stephanie Hayes
We would like to extend our
special thanks to Hillary Hunter,
Rachel Newport, Marissa Collison,
Kaylee Earll, Stephanie Hayes, Phone: 907-772-3598 • Follow us on Facebook
Carey Carmichael Case and Molly
Platt for sharing their photography PO Box 708, Petersburg, AK 99833
in the 2022 Visitor Guide. 203 Fram Street • Summer Hours: Mon. – Sat. 10am - 5pmPage 13 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide
Cannery Park honors seafood processing workers
Cannery workers, past and
present are recognized for
their contribution to Peters-
burg’s seafood industry with
a covered, open air gazebo
that sits over a concrete slab
with two benches on Main
Street, next to the Trading
Union, Inc. parking lot. On
three walls of the structure are
five panels that give a history
of the canneries that have op-
erated in Petersburg. One
panel displays cannery
workers throughout the years.
Some are peeling shrimp by
hand and others are using
more modern techniques of
processing seafood. Another
panel shows a timeline of all
the canneries that have oper-
ated in Petersburg. There’s
also a map of the current can-
neries in Petersburg, and his- The colorful panels detail the history of the various canneries that have operated in Petersburg over the years.
toric labels from salmon and
shrimp cans processed in Yet to be added to the proj- come from all over the world Wilson. Their work is often
town sits on a panel next to ect, are planters and cement to work at Petersburg’s var- overshadowed by that of the
the map. Probably the most bricks on either side of the ious canneries, and Peters- fishermen.
detailed panel shows the his- structure. There are also four burg’s Icicle Seafoods General Another historic cannery
tory of the Peter Buschmann mosaics that feature a salmon, Manager Patrick Wilson said, panel is on display at the
Cannery. shrimp, rockfish and crab that “They should be recognized.” Clausen Memorial Museum
Decorative metal benches are to be placed on the con- “There’s usually not much that was donated by local his-
were designed & produced by crete slab. mentioned about their con- torian and publisher Karen
local welder Josef Quitslund. Production workers have tribution to the industry,” said Hofstad.
Shop for handmade
Fresh Food & Baked Goods and homegrown
14 Harbor Way • 772-2665
Goods
at The Market!
The 2022 Market Schedule
@ Inga’s Galley
Saturday: May 28
Saturdays: June 11 and 25
Saturdays: July 9 and 23
Saturdays: August 13 and 27
• Monday Dinner 5:30p-- Saturday,
Tuesday 700p • Tue.6:30
- Satam
5:30a - 3:00p •
- 4 pm Visit our website
For daily specials, check us on @thesaltypantry
• For daily specials, check us on @thesaltypantry • petersburgmarket.wordpress.comPage 14 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide
A walking tour
through Petersburg
The following numbers cor- 2. Buschmann Historical
respond with the map on pages Marker — Placed in 1967, it
22 and 23. marks the spot where Peter
Buschmann, originally from
1. OBI Seafoods — Pilings Norway, built a cannery in 1898.
were driven in 1897 for a public
dock, now the site of the cold 3. Cannery Park — Learn
storage. Icy Straits Packing Co. about Petersburg’s cannery his-
(Quadra Packing Co.), with tory.
Peter Buschmann as manager,
built a sawmill where the Trad- 4. Trident Seafoods, Inc. —
ing Union now stands to pro- Founded in 1916 as Alaskan
vide lumber for the cannery, Glacier Seafoods and later
which was completed in 1900. moved to the corner of Main
Icy Straits Packing Co. packed and Excel streets after a 1943
Photo courtesy of Kaylee Earll
32,750 cases of salmon that sea- fire. The cannery was destroyed
Eagle & Raven totems son. In 1901, they sold to Pacific
Coast and Norway Packing Co.
by fire again on Feb. 1, 1985. The
oldest shrimp cannery in
In 2000 Sitka totem pole artist Tommy Joseph was commis- Pacific American Fisheries pur- Alaska, it was founded by Earl
sioned to carve two 35-foot tall healing totems that now stand chased it in 1929. PAF sold to Ohmer and Karl I. Sifferman.
at the corner of Haugen and Nordic Drives. Petersburg Fisheries Inc. in Three generations of Kaino,
According to information displayed near the totems Eagle 1965. In 1977 they changed their Greinier and Ohmer families
and Raven represent the two distinct kinship groups, or moi- corporate name to Icicle Sea- have taken part in the operation.
eties, that divide Lingít society. Each moiety is further broken foods, with Petersburg Fisheries Dave Ohmer Jr. remains as gen-
down into individual clans (groups of people descended from as a subsidiary. eral manager. The cannery
a common ancestor). All of the clans in Petersburg are dis- Petersburg Fisheries cele- merged with Silver Lining Sea-
played on the two poles at the site. brated their 50th Anniversary in foods of Ketchikan in January
Drawings posted at the site identify the English and Lingít 2015. Ownership of the com- 1990, then merged with Lafay-
names of each clan. pany changed in 2020 when ette Fisheries Inc. two years later
One element of the Raven pole also honors an important Icicle Seafoods and Ocean to form NorQuest Seafoods Inc.
local geographic feature — Devil’s Thumb — while other por- Beauty Seafoods announced a It is now owned by Trident Sea-
tions of the pole display parts of the post-flooding migration merger forming a new company foods. The plant handles sal-
story with Man in Canoe and Stikine River. named OBI Seafoods, LLC. Continued on page 15
The Petersburg Eagle and Raven poles were raised on Oc-
tober 7, 2001 and were carved in recognition of the Lingít con-
tribution to the prosperity and diversity of the town and to
represent a link between ancestors and descendants.
WELCOME to
Petersburg Moose Lodge Family Center #1092
Sales & Service of Computers EVERY MONDAY:
Burger Night @ 5:30p
Marine Electronics
FIRST AND THIRD FRIDAY
OF THE MONTH:
Steak Night Dinner @ 6p-8p
Members and their guest welcome
907-772-3100
Check our FB page for updates.
sales@homeportelectronics.com
www.HomeportElectronics.com
www .HomeportElectronics.com
223 North Nordic Drive 15 N Nordic Dr, Petersburg, AK 99833
Petersburg, AK Phone: (907) 772-4616Page 15 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide
A walking
tour through
Petersburg
Continued from page 9
mon, halibut, shrimp, crab,
rockfish, black cod, sea cu-
cumbers and sea urchins.
5. Petersburg Boat Harbors
— The North Harbor was origi-
nally constructed in 1958 and re-
built in 2014. Middle Harbor
was built in 1972 and the South
Harbor was built in 1984. The
entire harbor has more than 700
stalls for Petersburg’s large Overcast skies are pretty typical around here, so, when we do get a clear night and the northern lights start
shining, it's always a special occasion. Photo courtesy of Carey Carmichael Case of Wild Iris Photography
commercial fishing fleet and nu-
merous pleasure crafts. Visitors’ companied by an adult and — Ocean Beauty is in a build- Formerly called Indian Street,
boat moorage is on a per-foot wear a personal flotation device, ing built before 1912 by Citizen this was the center of early Pe-
basis. Public restrooms and which are available at the Har- Wharf Co. for steamships. tersburg. The street contained
showers are available. Grids can bormaster shed. Box 1047. Alaskan Glacier Seafood’s the Variety Theater and skating
handle boats up to 70-80 feet Phone 772-4688. Standby on original cannery was located rink (built in 1912), the Salvation
long. Water and electricity are Channel 16 VHF and CB Chan- on the dock, and then moved Army Hall, Enge Building (built
available on the floats. Children nel 9. to its Harbor Way and Excel in 1901) housing a restaurant
younger than 12 must be ac- 6. Ocean Beauty Seafoods Street location following a fire and store, and Sons of Norway
in 1943. Chris Dahl next Hall (built in 1912). The Peters-
bought the dock and operated burg Trial Court’s building is on
INDIGENOUS ADVENTURE CHARTERS a crab cannery. In 1945 Dahl the corner of Sing Lee Alley and
and Dean Kayler formed Nordic Drive.
Locally owned & operated by Brandon Ware
Kayler-Dahl Fish Co. and
A LIFELONG FISHERMAN & NATIVE ALASKAN started canning salmon as well. HISTORIC MARKER
Specializing in In 1946 the cold storage was LOCATIONS:
halibut, salmon & rockfishing built. Kayler-Dahl operated it Bronze markers and photo inter-
until October 1969 when they pretive plaques are displayed at sev-
Full or 1/2 day on sold to Whitney-Fidalgo Sea- eral historic sites listed below.
the comfortable Maddy Lee foods, Inc. It was purchased by 8. Gjoa & Nordic Drive—
Chatham Strait Seafoods in Centennial Park, Centennial
April 1987, and next owned by Plaque & “Bruno” Bear Sculp-
Ocean Beauty Seafoods. The ture.
cannery no longer is in opera-
tion and was put up for sale in 9. 13 N. Sing Lee Alley —
2018. Helse Restaurant
7. Sing Lee Alley Area — Continued on page 16
We’ve got you
Call (907) 518-4054 or email covered!
indigenousadventurecharters@gmail.com
Carpet • Tile • Clic Flooring
for more information.
www.akfloorcovering.com Bamboo • Cork • Countertops
907.772.4333 • Hardwood • Laminate • Slate • Vinyl
Fax 907.772.4336
akfloorcovering@gci.net
PO Box 204 • 259 Mitkof Hwy.
Petersburg, AK 99833
Debra JohnsonPage 16 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide
A walking tour through Petersburg
Continued from page 15 which is open weekdays 8 a.m. and Fram streets. General busi- dugout canoe, the Cape Deci-
10. 15 N. Sing Lee Alley — to 5 p.m. Area maps, woodcut- ness and recreational infor- sion Lighthouse lens, fish-trap
Kinder Komfort Toy Store ting permits and general infor- mation available, including a anchors, and a stuffed 126.5-
mation are available at the Marine Mammal Center kiosk. pound king salmon. On the
11. 14 S. Sing Lee Alley— district office. Lingít totem Box 649. Phone 772-3646. grounds is “Land, Sea and
Enge Building poles and a small park are lo- Bronze Historic Marker site. Sky,” a wall piece designed and
cated in front of the building. mounted by the Petersburg
12. 18 S. Sing Lee Alley 20. Petersburg Medical Arts and Crafts Guild in 1977.
16. Municipal Building — Center — The hospital was Call for more information.
13. 23 S. Sing Lee Alley— Built in 1959, the building built in 1983 and 1984, and ded- Handicapped-accessible. Phone
Sons of Norway Hall – Fed- houses the police department icated in November 1984. The 772-3598.
relandet 23 – The hall was built (dial 911), the borough long-term care wing was ren-
in 1912 and declared a National assembly chambers and ovated and incorporated into Turn right on Second Street
Historic Site in 1979. Sons of administrative offices. Box 329. the new hospital. The building and head south to Haugen Drive.
Norway is an international fra- Phone 772-4425. The structure housing the Joy Janssen clinic Turn left on Haugen, heading 1/4
ternal organization to preserve was remodeled in 2016-17 for was erected in 1994. The hospi- mile to Twelfth Street. A paved
Norwegian heritage. The build- $6.3 million. tal is at 103 Fram St. Phone 772- walking path runs parallel to
ing is built on pilings over 4291. Haugen Drive beginning at Eighth
Hammer Slough. Rosemaling 17. Petersburg Public Li- Street.
on the exterior is a traditional brary — Built in 2013, this facil- 21. “The Fisk” — On the
Norwegian art form. Box 629. ity houses digital and print grounds of Clausen Memorial 23. Hallingstad Peratrovich
Phone 772-4575. collections, computer terminals Museum, this fish sculpture Center – Located on 12th Street,
and public wifi, conference was designed and fabricated by the building houses offices of
14. Bojer Wikan Fish- rooms, and more. former Petersburg artist Kar- the Petersburg Indian Associa-
ermen’s Memorial Park — Lo- sten Boysen. tion.
cated next to the Sons of 18. John Hanson Sr. Hall —
Norway Hall the Bojer Wikan Built in 1978. Center for tribal 22. Clausen Memorial Mu- 24. Mountain View Manor
Memorial Park, constructed in meetings, the Alaska Native seum and Museum Store — — Located on 12th Street off
1998, provides a commemora- Brotherhood and the Alaska 203 Fram St. Opened in 1967, Haugen Drive. The borough-
tive memorial for those who Native Sisterhood. Available with the Heritage of the Sea ad- owned facility features a 48-
have lost their lives at sea. for all community activities. dition added in 1976. Peters- unit apartment building for
Box 1128. Phone 772-3636. burg-Kupreanof area history senior citizens. The grounds in-
15. Federal Building — Built and culture is represented by a clude beautiful flower gardens
in 1972, the building contains 19. Chamber of Commerce diverse collection of business, and landscaping. The building
the Petersburg Ranger District and Visitor Information social and cultural items. Spe- was doubled in size in 2004.
office for the U.S. Forest Service, Center — On the corner of First cial attractions include a Lingít
25. Petersburg Fire Hall —
Petersburg’s Fire Hall was com-
Sandy Beach fish traps date back thousands of years pleted in 2012 and is the head-
While the modern town of Petersburg has pattern, in which V-shaped leads direct fish quarters for Petersburg’s
volunteer fire and EMS pro-
over 100 years of history under its belt, it is into heart shaped enclosures. The Lingít
viders.
very young in comparison to the Lingít pres- people positioned the traps so that the fish
ence on the island. that had swum into the Sandy Beach cove
26. U.S. Post Office — Com-
U.S. Forest Service archaeologists have with the flooding tide would then be fun-
pleted in 2000, the post office is
studied ancient intertidal fishing structures neled into the leads and trapped within the
open 24 hours for box holders.
across southeast Alaska, one of which is lo- heart shape trap as the tide went out, unable
The post office window is open
cated at a popular recreation site near town to escape. The trapped fish were then avail-
from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. week-
at Sandy Beach. These structures are made of able to the Lingít people to be harvested.
days and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sat-
sharpened wood stakes or piles of stones con- The stone alignments and wooden stakes
urdays.
figured to form traps or weirs. The technol- preserved by the anaerobic conditions in the
ogy uses the ebb and flood of the tides to fine, wet sand still remain in the heart and V- 27. James A. Johnson Air-
capture fish and radiocarbon analysis sug- shaped patterns. Please remember that ar- port — Built in 1969. The first
gests the technique has been used for millen- chaeology sites are protected by Federal daily jet service started in June
nia. regulations and it is unlawful to remove or 1977 by Alaska Airlines. The
The traps at Sandy Beach have been dated disturb artifacts from a site. For more infor- Alaska Airlines terminal was
to approximately 2,000 years old and can be mation on how to see the Sandy Beach Fish remodeled and expanded in
seen at most low tides. They are each over 30 Traps, visit the Petersburg Ranger District of-
feet across and have a distinct heart-shaped fice or call 772-3871. Continued on page 17Page 17 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide
A walking
tour through
Petersburg
Continued from page 16
1991. The former gravel run-
way was paved in 1982. Private
plane tie-downs, fuel and air-
craft maintenance, as well as
helicopter and fixed-wing air
service are available. Careful
scrutiny in the area across from
the airport reveals the remains
of a three-plank boardwalk that
people used to walk on to
Sandy Beach over the muskeg
before airport days.
Continue past the airport on Frederick Sound reflects a colorful sunrise over the Coastal Mountains across from Outlook Park along
Haugen Drive eventually turning Sandy Beach Road. Photo courtesy of Carey Carmichael Case of Wild Iris Photography
left towards Frederick Sound.
orca whales as well as other ma- perch and roost there while lease movies year round. The
28. Sandy Beach Recreation rine mammals which frequent they spy for fish to feed in entrance is at 500 First Street.
Area— This daytime picnic Frederick Sound. Wrangell Narrows. Photo inter-
area also boasts a large newly pretive sign shows historic Ness 36. Petersburg Community
updated playground. Low tides 32. Hungry Point View Area Point. Gym & Pool— Built in 1990
reveal abundant sea life and an- — Where the Wrangell Nar- and 1991, it contains a full bas-
cient petroglyphs and fish traps rows meets Frederick Sound. 35. Petersburg High School ketball court, racquetball courts,
on the left-hand side toward the Offers a great view of the Coast - Mitkof Middle School - a weight room and an arts and
point. The petroglyphs prob- Mountains and Devil’s Thumb. Wright Auditorium— The crafts room.
ably mark a heart-shaped fish school district has strong voca-
trap of long ago. 33. Strand’s Home — Built tional and academic programs. 37. The Aquatic Center –
Beach access is available in 1902 by Peter and Laura Many electives are offered, in- Features Olympic sized pool,
at the following locations: Summer. Erling began fishing cluding foreign language, sur- water slide, warming pool,
29. Sandy Beach Park Mid- with his uncle Peter in 1911 and veying and aquaculture. The sauna, and exercise area. Built
dle Shelter resided in this home until his 1952 building was remodeled in in 2006. Call 772-3392 for the
death in Oct. 14, 1984. The 1986 to become the middle swim schedule. An RV service
30. Sandy Beach Park North home is located at 806 North school/junior high school. The facility available at the rear
Shelter Nordic Drive. The home is now 1976 addition is the back build- parking lot.
owned by their son. ing housing high school class-
31. Whale Observatory & rooms. The 300-plus seat 38. Rae C. Stedman Elemen-
Outlook Park — View wildlife 34. Eagle’s Roost Park— Wright Auditorium is housed tary School — Built in 1969 and
through mounted binoculars. Atop Petersburg Fisheries Hill in the middle school. Northern renovated in 2014 for kinder-
Interpretive panels feature in- is a city park where bald eagles Nights Theater, a student run garten through fifth grades.
formation on humpback and may be observed. The eagles movie theater, shows recent re-
39. Petersburg Lutheran
Church — The cornerstone was
View Southeast from the air laid in 1938 but the church
building was completed and
Aircraft Charters: dedicated in November 1948.
The education building was
• Flightseeing (Glaciers, Whales) completed and dedicated in
• Aerial Surveys 1963. In 1997 the education
• Remote drop locations building was cut in half and
• Photography moved across the street. Holy
NORDIC AIR, LLC Pilot: Doug Riemer • All Southeast locations, land or sea Cross House, the current educa-
P:907 772 3535 tion/fellowship facility, was
E: nordicair@gci.net • Web: www.NordicAirFlying.com dedicated in November 1998.Page 18 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide
Walks &
hikes close
to town
FERRY TERMINAL
TO TOWN
[15 minutes one way] • Easy
A left-hand turn out of the ferry ter-
minal takes you on a quick walk to the
heart of town.
On the way you’ll pass the floatplane
dock and South Harbor. To your left as you
near town you’ll see the historic Sons of
Norway Hall with rosemaling on the
shutters, and to the right the picturesque A negative 3.4 tide on June 27 left crab pots exposed on Sandy Beach. Photo courtesy of Kaylee
houses that line Hammer Slough. Earll
THE BIG LOOP until you reach the walking and biking
FERRY TERMINAL TO [90 minutes] • Easy path adjacent to the road to the airport. Fol-
SCOW BAY LOOP RD. A favorite with Petersburg walkers, this low Haugen Drive all the way to Sandy
[45 minutes] • Easy loop swings up past the airport around Beach Park. Then turn left and take Sandy
From the ferry terminal parking lot the muskeg, with an excellent view of moun- Beach Road to Nordic Drive. Follow it
walkway is indicated by highway stripes. tains in every direction. along the Wrangell Narrows until it takes
About a mile of the walkway runs along Head up the hill by the totem poles at you back downtown.
the Wrangell Narrows shoreline.. the corner of Haugen and Nordic drives Continued on page 19
• Norwegian sweaters, hats, socks and blankets • Slippers by Haflinger and Acorn
• Outdoor clothing by Patagonia, The North Face and Mountain Hardwear • Camping Gear - Jet Boil stoves and fuel, Sea to Summit camping accessories
• Workwear by Carhatt, Grundens and Guy Cotton • Travel Gear - Dakine luggage, Patagonia and The North Face backpacks,
• Smartwool socks, baselayers, hats, and gloves, & Darn Tough socks duffel bags
• Sportswear by prAna, Kuhl, Toad & Co, Aventura, Kari Traa • Dry Bags by Skog Å Kust, FisheWear and Grundens.
• Workout gear by Underarmour and Beyond Yoga • Hydroflask and Nalgene water bottles
• Footwear for all ages-Birkenstock, Keen, Merrell, Dansko, Sorel, • Alaska-designed clothing by Salmon Sisters, Ray Troll and Emma Gates
Brooks & Chaco • Xtra Tuf boots, deck boots and shoes, and Salmon Sister Xtra Tufs
Lee’s Clothing INCORPORATED
212 Nordic Dr, Petersburg, AK • gear@leesclothing.com • (907) 772-4229 •Page 19 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide
Walks & hikes close to town
Continued from page 18 South Harbor. Enter the parking
HUNGRY POINT area and walk until reaching the
TRAIL LOOP harbor ramp. For those who
[40 minutes] • Easy, 1.25 mil have difficulty with inclines, be
From downtown, walk up careful of the steep harbor ramp
the hill to the end of Excel St. at low tide.
Make a left hand turn just past This is a pleasant and short
the end of the baseball field. jaunt past part of the Petersburg
Follow the gravel road past the fleet. On the way back, turn left
small t-ball field and enjoy this on Sing Lee Alley to pass the
quiet trail that bisects the town. Sons of Norway Hall and Sing
Muskeg and mountain views Lee Alley, which takes you back
are all around; blacktail deer downtown.
can also often be seen. The trail
exits to Sandy Beach Road. BEACH WALK
Turn left and take the sidewalk [20 min. one way] • Easy
back to town along Wrangell Stairways down to the beach
Narrows, or take one of the can be found on North Nordic
stairwells down to the beach. Drive past Eagle' Roost Park. At
low tide you can walk along the
SOUTH HARBOR LOOP Wrangell Narrows all the way to
[25 minutes] • Easy Hungry Point, where the Nar-
From downtown, follow rows meets Frederick Sound. It’s
Nordic Drive south over a good way to check out the
Hammer Slough toward the eagles. Occasionally, whales also
The Hungry Point Trail Loop, a local favorite for dog walkers, is an
ferry terminal until you reach can be seen from the point.
easy way to take in the muskeg and surrounding mountain vistas.
HAMMER SLOUGH Beach.
[10 min. round trip] • Easy While you’re in the area,
Come Relax and Enjoy The Birch Street boardwalk there is a nature boardwalk at
at the (across the street from the po- the end of Dolphin Street, next
Waterfront Bed & Breakfast lice department) is the first left to the elementary school just a
off of Nordic Drive after few blocks toward town from
Haugen Drive, if you’re coming the ball field at Eighth Street.
from downtown. It’s a short but The nature boardwalk is a
picturesque walk up the shortcut to Eighth Street and
slough, past old homes and goes through forested wetlands
warehouses. for about 900 feet.
TWELFTH STREET LOOP SANDY BEACH TO
[45 min] • Easy CITY CREEK TRAIL
Start off at Hammer & [1 hour one way], 1.25 mil
Wikan hardware store down- • Easy (some mobility nec-
town and walk up Excel Street essary to step up and down)
past the Lutheran Church and Trail starts at the troll bridge
Our five rooms each have a private bath and are easily to the baseball field past Eighth at the south end of Sandy Beach
accessible with no stairs. We offer wireless internet access and Street. Park. Walk can also be started
guests can enjoy our hot tub nestled in our gazebo. Off to the right of the ball at the bridge along Frederick
Summer rates start at $115.00 plus tax. field is the William Musson Me- Sound Drive that goes over City
morial pathway, which runs Creek.
Open Year Round briefly through the muskeg and Trail winds through the
A stone’s throw from the ferry terminal. hooks up with 12th Street. In woods following the beach with
the summer, the flowers a couple overlooks. If timed
Sammy Parker & LeeRoy Newton around Mountain View Manor right, hikers may see or hear
www.waterfrontbedandbreakfast.com retirement home can be en- whales in Frederick Sound. Pe-
Email: waterfrontbb@gci.net chanting. tersburg Indian Association has
Take a right off of 12th and upgraded portions of the trail to
907-772-9300 you’re back on Haugen Drive. be wheelchair accessible.
1-866-772-9301 Or turn left to walk to Sandy Continued on page 20You can also read
