Juneau, Alaska
Description
In 1880, it was slow going for Joe Juneau and Richard Harris as they searched for gold with the help of Native guides. After climbing mountains, forging streams and facing countless difficulties, they found nuggets "as large as beans."
From their discovery came three of the largest gold mines in the world. By the end of World War II, more than $150 million in gold had been mined. Eventually the mines closed, but the town Joe Juneau founded became the capital of Alaska and the business of gold was replaced by the business of government.
Some 30,000 people live in Juneau. Its total area makes it one of the biggest towns, in size, in the world. Only Kiruna, Sweden, and Sitka, Alaska, exceed Juneau's 3,248 square miles.
Today Juneau is famous not only for gold and government but also for its breathtakingly beautiful glaciers and stunning views of both water and mountains.
Points of Interest
- Mendenhall Glacier
- Outdoor Adventures
- Whale Watching
- Glacier Flightseeing
- Macaulay Salmon Hatchery
- Glacier Gardens
- Dog Sledding
- Juneau Tram
More about Juneau, Alaska Points of Interest
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Mendenhall Glacier -
This amazing glacier is 13 miles long, a half-mile wide and from 300 to 1,800 feet deep. Stretching from the Juneau Icefield to Mendenhall Lake, it has been slowly retreating since the mid 1700s.
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Outdoor Adventures -
Enjoy what is truly an outdoorsman's paradise, with activities you won't find anywhere else. Go for a ride on a dog sled, whale watching, hiking, biking, flightseeing, ziplining and more.
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Whale Watching -
You're virtually ensured a whale sighting from April to November when hundreds of humpbacks feed and frolic in the waters of the northern Inside Passage. Orcas are also common sightings in Juneau.
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Glacier Flightseeing -
Fly over the massive Juneau Icefield and get a front-row seat to awe-inspiring glaciers, spectacular icefalls and majestic rock formations - accessible only from the air.
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Macaulay Salmon Hatchery -
Discover the life cycle of the Pacific salmon species. Witness their amazing development from tiny fish (year round) to returning adult salmon fighting their way up a 450-ft fish ladder (late-June to October). Indoor aquarium displays showcase local marine life in a natural setting.
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Glacier Gardens -
This 50-acre garden features species native to this temperate rainforest. Guided tours provide insight into a self-sustaining ecosystem and lookout points on Thunder Mountain are spectacular.
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Dog Sledding -
Meet professional mushers and their amazing canine companions in an introduction to Alaska's state sport. Take a flight to a glacier to experience flying over the snow, or visit the summertime training grounds for a ride in a wheeled sled.
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Juneau Tram -
For a bird's-eye view, take a five-minute tram ride to the top of Mt. Roberts for a panoramic vantage point 1,800 feet above the city. Mountaintop attractions include trails, shops and nature displays.
Mendenhall Glacier Explorer
Easy Activity
From $69.95
Mendenhall Glacier Explorer (Wheelchair Accessible)
From $69.95
Mendenhall Glacier & Juneau Tram
Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity
From $109.95
Mendenhall Glacier, Salmon Hatchery & Salmon Bake
Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity, Includes meal
From $139.95
Juneau Tram On Your Own
From $55.00
Alaska Salmon Bake
Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity, Includes meal
From $69.95
Juneau Highlights: Glacier Gardens & Whale Park
Easy Activity
From $89.95
Grand Tour by Land: Glacier Gardens & Mendenhall Glacier
Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity
From $124.95
Underground Mine Exploration & Gold Panning
Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity
From $99.95
Underground Mine Exploration & Gold Panning (Wheelchair Accessible)
From $89.95
Gold Panning Adventure & Alaska Salmon Bake
Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes meal
From $124.95
Alpine Meadow Trail Segway Ride
Moderate Activity, Includes snack
From $169.95
Treadwell: Living History Walk of Alaska's Lost Mine
Moderate Activity
From $89.95
Juneau Foodie Walking Tour
Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes meal
From $164.95
Alaska Zipline Adventure & Axe Throwing
Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity
From $229.95
Alpine Zipline, Axe Throwing & Mendenhall Glacier Adventure
Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity
From $259.95
Dog Sled Summer Camp
Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity
From $199.95
Sled Dog Discovery & Musher's Camp
Easy Activity
From $199.95
Bike & Tram Elevation Sensation
Shopping Opportunities, Strenuous Activity, Includes snack
From $149.95
Bike & Brew Glacier View
Shopping Opportunities, Strenuous Activity, Includes snack
From $139.95
Mendenhall Glacier Guide's Choice Trail Hike
Strenuous Activity, Includes snack
From $119.95
Salmon Sportfishing Adventure
Easy Activity, Includes snack
From $359.95
Fins & Grins Fishing Adventure
Easy Activity, Includes snack
From $359.95
Shoreside Salmon Fishing
Moderate Activity
From $169.95
Local Connections: Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest Created by the Allen Family
Easy Activity
From $204.95
Local Connections: Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest Created by the Allen Family (Wheelchair Accessible)
From $204.95
Evening Whale Quest Featuring Alaska Cuisine
Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity, Includes meal
From $269.95
Evening Whale Quest Featuring Alaska Cuisine (Wheelchair Accessible)
From $269.95
Mendenhall Glacier & Whale Quest
Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity
From $244.95
Whale Watching & Alaska Salmon Bake
Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity, Includes meal
From $239.95
Best of Juneau: Whale Watching, Mendenhall Glacier & Orca Point Lodge Meal
Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity, Includes meal
From $284.95
Local Connections: Discover Alaska's Whales - A Small-Group Experience Created by Alaskan Captain
Easy Activity, Includes snack
From $219.95
Sentinel Island Lighthouse & Whale Watching Cruise
Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes snack
From $239.95
Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer Cruise
Easy Activity, Includes meal
From $384.95
Local Connections: Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Photo Safari Designed by Alaskan Photographer
Moderate Activity, Includes snack
From $239.95
Alaska's Whales & Mendenhall Glacier Trail: Small-Group Experience
Moderate Activity, Includes snack
From $239.95
Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip
Moderate Activity, Includes snack
From $219.95
Mendenhall Glacier Native Canoe Adventure
Strenuous Activity, Includes snack
From $234.95
Glacier View Sea Kayaking
Strenuous Activity, Includes snack
From $149.95
Mendenhall Glacier Kayak & Salmon Bake
Strenuous Activity, Includes meal
From $284.95
Mendenhall Glacier Paddle & Trek
Strenuous Activity, Includes snack
From $374.95
Five-Glacier Seaplane Exploration
Easy Activity
From $324.95
Taku Lodge Feast & Five-Glacier Seaplane - a Discovery Exclusive
Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity, Includes meal
From $479.95
Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter & Guided Walk
Easy Activity
From $419.95
Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter, Guided Walk & Salmon Bake
Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity, Includes meal
From $459.95
Pilot's Choice Ice Age Exploration (with Two Landings)
Easy Activity
From $569.95
Taku Glacier Helicopter Landing & Airboat Tour - a Discovery Exclusive
Easy Activity
From $729.95
Local Connections: Dog Sledding & Glacier Adventure by Helicopter Created by Iditarod Musher
Moderate Activity
From $749.95
Dog Sledding on the Mendenhall Glacier by Helicopter
Moderate Activity
From $709.95
Helicopter Glacier Walkabout
Moderate Activity, Includes snack
From $519.95
Helicopter Glacier Trek
Strenuous Activity, Includes snack
From $569.95
Private Jeep Tour with Driver - 4 Passengers
Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity
From $649.95
Private Van Tour with Driver - 14 Passengers
Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity
From $799.95
Interactive Self-Guided Jeep Adventure - Private 4 Door
Easy Activity
From $459.95
Interactive Self-Guided Jeep Adventure - Private 2 Door
Easy Activity
From $359.95
Private Whale Watching - 6 Passengers
Easy Activity, Includes snack
From $1399.95
All-Inclusive Luxury Whale Watch by Yacht
Easy Activity, Includes snack
From $479.95