In 2010, the city was recognized as part of the "Playful City USA" initiative by KaBOOM!, created to honor cities that ensure their children have great places to play.[19]. The majority of the population sits at sea level. Alaska Seaplanes has restored scheduled international service to Juneau with 3 weekly trips to Whitehorse, Canada, while Ward Air provides unscheduled charter flights to Canada.[64]. For the best snow conditions, visit Juneau from January through March. Many wind to the face of a glacier or climb above the tree line, where you can overnight in a public-use cabin. The racial makeup of the city/borough was 64.7% White (62.5% Non-Hispanic White,), 1.0% African American, 10.1% Native American or Alaska Native, 6.7% Asian ,and 1.3% Pacific Islander, and 14.3% from two or more races. [41] Highliner Construction, a general contractor is based there as well. Walker abandons Juneau access road 15 December 2016", "SEIS - Juneau Access Improvements Project | Permitting Dashboard", "Juneau Access, Southcoast Region, Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, State of Alaska", "The City and Borough of Juneau Homepage", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Juneau,_Alaska&oldid=1164178301, September 30, 1963 (Greater Juneau Borough), Source: NOAA (relative humidity, dew point, and sun 19611990), St Eet Shaanx - Glacier Valley Elementary School, Thunder Mountain Learning Center (formerly Thunder Mountain Academy), Juneau Seventh-day Adventist Christian School, Water and Sewer: City and Borough of Juneau, This page was last edited on 8 July 2023, at 06:46. Juneau is unique among the 49 U.S. capitals on mainland North America in that there are no roads connecting the city to the rest of the state or North America. Will this whale make that journey or hang around here for the winter? Most helicopter tours offer glacier landings, glacier treks, and glacier dog sled rides. Particularly in winter, the Aleutian Low will draw warm and moist air from the south, bringing ample snow- or rainfall, and even in summer, winds will tend to blow onshore. Want someone to guide you through Juneaus fantastic culinary scene? Welcome to Celebration 2022. Juneau is larger in area than the state of Delaware and was, for several decades, the country's largest city by area. It was designed by Linn A. Forrest and constructed in 1966. In 2004 it took in 15 million pounds of fish and shellfish, valued at 21.5 million dollars, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service. A number of executive branch departments, as well as the legislature, are based in Juneau. Learn about the surrounding Alaskan wilderness and capture memorable shots during your icefield walk. There is no finfish farming allowed in Alaska. Dolphin and Whale Watching Source: EvelB / shutterstock Whale Watching, Juneau, Alaska Between April and September, you have the chance to these amazing sea creatures in their natural habitat. Alaskas state capital is also one of its most beautiful cities and one of the most visited communities in the state. Mendenhall Glacier - This easily accessible glacier is one of Alaska's most visited attractions. These associations include the Alaska Trollers Association, United Fishermen of Alaska, United Southeast Alaska Gillnetters Association, and the Southeast Alaska Seiners Association. Price includes: The poles had deteriorated to the point that they posed safety issues. Robert Atwood, then publisher of the Anchorage Times and an Anchorage "booster," was an early leader in efforts to move the capital to Fairbanks, which many in both cities resisted. Get to know Juneau, Alaska facts even better on an Alaskan cruise by checking out all the sights to see. 32,061 according to the most recent population estimate from the United States Census Bureau. History of Juneau, Alaska | Fishing, Gold Mining & Travel The 32nd District is represented by Democrat Sara Hannan. The absence of a road network is due to the extremely rugged terrain surrounding the city. Embracing nearly a million acres of old growth rainforest,, This 4,000-acre wildlife refuge provides protected habitat for land and marine life. Board a custom designed safari vessel as you search for wildlife, including Humpback NorthStar Helicopters offers a diverse range of personalized flightseeing and glacier experiences tailored to each guest's abilities and Get more from your tour experience on this small group, fully guided citizen science adventure. It provides few year-round jobs but stimulates summer employment in the city. The main difference is that the 32nd District includes communities outside the CBJ: Gustavus, Kupreanof, Petersburg, Skagway and Tenakee Springs. Eaglecrest features 640 acres of open-tree terrain with 31 alpine runs, three double chairlifts, eight kilometers of Nordic trails, and a terrain park. Sea is the easiest way to see most of Alaska! #MMIWG #VAW #missing #takeastand #supportwomen #support #supporteachother #neverforget #standtogether #women #girls #weareaforce #juneau #fairbanks #alaska, I think Ive seen the sun three times since being in Alaska. You seriously cant miss it! For other uses, see, United States presidential election results for Juneau, Alaska, "2008 Presidential Election Results by House District in Alaska". Population. Paddle a kayak, cruise in a boat, hover in a helicopter, or soar in a seaplane. The Juneau Douglas City Museum focuses on gold with interesting mining displays and a documentary video that spotlights the early history of the city. [74], Media related to Juneau, Alaska at Wikimedia Commons, "Juneau" redirects here. Fox and MyNetworkTV are only available on cable via their Anchorage affiliates. In 1890, some 700 people converted, following chief Yees Gaanaalx and his wife of Auke Bay. NATURAL -- Alaska Seafood is seafood at its natural best. They consider it sacred territory, both because of the burying ground and the importance of the point in their traditions of gathering sustenance from the sea. ABOUT HAINES (TLINGIT: DEISH) Every summer, thousands of travelers pass through Haines on their way to Canada's Yukon and Interior Alaska. Stewart, a Juneau native and son of early Juneau mayor Benjamin D. Stewart, represented Juneau in the Senate during the 1st Alaska State Legislature. The first European to see the Juneau area was Joseph Whidbey, master of the Discovery during George Vancouver's 179195 expedition. Juneaus lively downtown is compact, easy to navigate on foot, and always a favorite with visitors. 1. Haines Haines Located 75 miles north of Juneau, Haines is one of the Inside Passage 's most scenic communities and is a crucial link between the roadless communities of the Inside Passage to the Alaska Highway. Glacier Highway section of Alaska Route 7 runs within Juneau. [70] Eventually the project lost its steam and was ended in July 2018 with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) releasing their Record of Decision, selecting the no-build alternative for the Juneau Access Project, halting construction on the road.[71][72][73]. How cool is that? Views of Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls. How do I Enter? Good luck and we are rooting for you :) . Joseph Juneau - Alaska Mining Hall of Fame Major mining operations in the Juneau mining district prior to World War II included the Treadwell Mine, The Alaska-Juneau Mine, and Alaska-Gastineau Mine. Forget typical hotels & crowded spaces. [46] A primary motivating factor has been concerns about Juneau's remote location. Some other executive branch offices have moved elsewhere in the state. Like the rest of Alaska, Juneaus summer days are long and winter days are short, with up to 18 hours of daylight at summer solstice in June to just a few hours of daylight at winter solstice in December. Even though my shooting percentage is low, a night under the aurora is always a cherished and mystical moment. : 07505 999 773 Juneau was incorporated on June 29, 1900, one day after Skagway. Today, Juneau is the political and cultural center of Alaska. 1. Juneau, Alaska - Wikipedia Alaska State Parks maintains the Juneau Trail System, a series of wilderness trails ranging from easy to extremely difficult. Flight time is about 2 hours from Anchorage, and just over 2.5 hours from Seattle, Washington -- Alaska is closer than you think! Juneau was named the capital of Alaska in 1906, when the government of what was then the District of Alaska was moved from Sitka as dictated by the U.S. Congress in 1900. [12][13], Perhaps because of the pressure of this European encroachment, some Tlingit appealed to the Russian Orthodox Church. However, Juneau is also served multiple times a day year-round by Alaska Airlines, and can be reached by the states ferry system, the Alaska Marine Highway, in both summer and winter. However, it can also be reached by the Alaska Marine Highway State Ferry system, or by various airlines. Juneau) and 3,819 feet (Mt. Bush pilot Jim Tweto's plane struck tree before deadly crash near Juneau Geography Facts In addition to a compelling history, Juneau has a unique geography. laska is about how you go places, as much as what you do once you get there. (Courtesy . It is one of 2 capital cities that cannot be reached by road, the other being Honolulu, Hawaii. The building was originally used by the federal government to house the federal courthouse and post office for the territory. Juneau, Alaska - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [23] The City and Borough of Juneau includes Douglas Island, a tidal island to the west of mainland Juneau. Winters are mild by Alaskan standards, with the average temperature of January slightly below freezing and highs often above 32F (0.0C); summers are rather cool but occasionally may get warm. Because Juneau is so far removed from the rest of the state and only 20 percent of Alaska is accessible by road residents can call in to listen to any committee meetings and/or live stream all committee meetings. The Goldbelt Tram - Ride 1800 ft up Mount Roberts on Southeast Alaska's only aerial tramway. Juneau, Alaska is one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring cruise ports in the world. Also not to be missed is Tahku, an impressive life-size bronze humpback-whale statue that appears to be leaping from an infinity pool near the Juneau-Douglass Bridge. Capital city teams up with Mattel for April Fools' Day", "Where are the largest cities in the US? The Ultimate Travel Guide to Juneau, Alaska Deposit from 594pp We have partnered with halcruises and their "Love Letters to Alaska" Contest to give you the opportunity to WIN one of 10 Cruises to Alaska with Holland America in 2022. Imagine yourself standing on the runners of a dogsled with a team of Alaskan huskies loping across the ancient snowfields nestled among the peaks A smaller group makes for a larger wilderness experience! The Juneau Symphony performs regularly. With a total area of 3,255 square miles, Juneau, Alaska, is one of the largest municipalities in the United States and the largest capital in the US by area. If you're lucky enough to have your cruise ship dock here, be sure to make the most of your time by exploring all that Juneau has to offer. The local beverage scene is also hopping in Juneau with several breweries including the popular Alaska Brewing Company a distillery, craft-cocktail lounges, and local coffee roasters. The Mendenhall glacier has been gradually retreating; its front face is declining in width and height. Visitors can explore an authentic clan house, exhibits, and view contemporary Alaska Native art installations, including the stunning red metal artwork on the buildings exterior. There have been plans to connect Juneau to Haines and Skagway by road since before 1972, with funding for the first feasibility study acquired in 1987. The 2014 Palma Bay earthquake caused widespread outages to telecommunications in the area due to damage to a fiber optic cable serving the area. It also housed the territorial legislature and many other territorial offices, including that of the governor. [46][49][50], In 2002, Alaskan voters again voted against moving the state's capital. 6 Epic Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska | U.S. News Travel Set at the southernmost entrance to Alaska's famed Inside Passagea network of waterways that snake through some of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful wilderness in the worldKetchikan is best known for three things: feisty salmon, idyllic scenery, and an incredibly rich Alaska Native culture. Temperatures vary relatively little over the year. Geography Of Juneau After construction of the Alaska Pipeline in 1977, the state budget was flush with oil revenues, and it expanded programs for the people. Is the glacier retreating? 7 Reasons to Ask for Alaska Seafood WILD -- Alaska Seafood is wild-caught! Juneau is many things: a mountain town, a coastal community and the most scenic capital city in the U.S. A natural wonder, wildlife hotspot and cultural jewel, Juneau is rich in history, art, music and Native heritage. Thank you so much . The Taku River, just south of Juneau, was named after the cold t'aakh wind, which occasionally blows down from the mountains. But hurry as the entry deadline is March 15, 2022. Just a block from the waterfront is Historic South Franklin Street, a refurbished historical district where many buildings date from the early 1900s and have since been turned into bars, gift shops, and restaurants. The strength and frequency of the rainfall will depend from several factors, including the presence of El Nio (more mild and rainy weather) or La Nia (colder and drier periods due to the presence of an anticyclone in the Gulf of Alaska). Ketchikan, Alaska, is truly the beginning of the last frontier. In 1906, the capital of Alaska was moved from Sitka to Juneau. Sealaska Heritage Institute's Walter Soboleff Building in downtown Juneau is home to the largest collection of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian art in Alaska. The university offers undergraduate and graduate studies. Sealaska Heritage, the nonprofit affiliate of the Sealaska Corporation, operates The Walter Soboleff Building which is decorated by carvings and hosts cultural exhibits. They hire a professional city manager to handle daily affairs and a city attorney for legal matters. 7.0% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. These districts are nearly aligned with the boundaries of the 31st and 32nd election districts that were established by the state. Earn up to 125 in Love2Shop vouchers for each booking made by 31st January 2023! Home - Alaska Jewelry Some even stay in Alaska all winter, preserving the calories they would have spent traveling back and forth thousands of miles. The city is named after a gold prospector from Quebec, Joe Juneau, though the place was once called Rockwell and then Harrisburg (after Juneau's co-prospector, Richard Harris). Sockeye Salmon Enjoy classic Alaskan salmon across the state. [46] In 1962, 55% of voters voted against a measure to move the capital to "Western Alaskawithin 30 miles of Anchorage" which would have seen "senior" state senators select three potential sites to be put to a vote by later vote by the state's electorate. According to the Rev. [47], In 1960, 56% of voters voted against a measure to move the capital to a location in the "Cook Inlet-Railbelt Area" (the specific location would subsequently be selected by a committee appointed by the governor). As of the census of 2020, there were 31,275 people, 12,922 households. Then, in 1880 two prospectors, Richard Harris and Joe Juneau, guided by Tlingit Chief Kowee, struck gold at the mouth of Gold Creekthe rush was on (and the town was built). - Also known as the "Last Frontier," Alaska is a state in the northwestern region of the United States. There is also a regional weekly newspaper, the Capital City Weekly. Roberts). It has ten bathrooms, six bedrooms, and eight fireplaces. It has a strong economy and one of the highest per capita incomes in the US, owing to the abundance of crude oil and natural gas reserves. Facts about Alaska 1. You'll find activities state-wide that will appeal to, Sample the best sights and experiences along Alaskas Inside Passage with this quick five-day itinerary, which includes everything from bear viewing to whale watching, spectacular glaciers, and a. A 51-mile (82km) road would be built on the east side of Lynn Canal to a new ferry terminal at the Katzehin River estuary. Juneau is truly a city of both mountains and ocean. $125/person That's right: one of the most quintessential things to do in Juneau is to go whale watching. These buildings were named for former legislators Terry Miller and Thomas B. Stewart. : cjohnsonphotojuneau Jim Tweto, known for his appearances on the Discovery TV series "Flying Wild Alaska," and passenger Shane Reynolds were killed in a Friday, June 16, 2023 plane crash near Shaktoolik. Alaskas untamed nature and Canadas breathtaking coastal landscapes will have any traveller mesmerised. Choose from a variety of itineraries and connect with Tour with a small group for a larger wilderness experience! An underwater viewing window and a 450-foot fish ladder allow children to witness, from July to September, the amazing sight of thousands of salmon fighting their way upstream to spawn. Bucket list trip to gorgeous Alaska! 9 days' intermediate car hire with fully inclusive insurance Alaska Seaplanes, an airline, has its headquarters in Juneau. That's it! Juneau continues to be the only U.S. state capital on an international border: it is bordered on the east by Canada. On their first trip to Gold Creek, they found deposits of little interest. * The seafood is harvested in the wild, in the pristine waters off Alaska's rugged 34,000 mile coastline. Ketchikan, AK | Things to Do, Recreation, & Travel Information Individuals in these communities must be airlifted to the hospital via helicopter or air ambulance (ranging from a 20-minute to a 45-minute flight, depending on location). Combined, these two election districts form Alaska Senate District Q. Late September and early October often mark the time when many of Alaskas humpback whales journey south to Hawaii and Mexico for the winter to breed and give birth. As the country's largest state, Alaska serves up some big family-friendly adventures. The JUMP Society hosts screenings of locally made short films two times a year. When you look at a map, it may seem strange that Juneau was named the state capital in 1906, since residents who wish to talk to their local representatives need to either fly or take a ferry to reach them. Unlike the high arctic which is regularly awash in the aurora, many outsiders seem surprised to know that Juneau gets northern lights. The Alaska State Capitol in downtown Juneau was built as the Federal and Territorial Building in 1931. From South Franklin Street, visitors can soar to new heights with a ride on the Mount Roberts Tramway. Harding spoke from the porch of the mansion explaining his policies and met with attendees. These trips are the only connections to the outside world for many of these villages. The A'akw Kwan had a village and burying ground here. Descendants of these indigenous cultures include the Tlingit people. Visit Ketchikan Alaska - About Ketchikan Downtown Juneau is home to several nationally owned hotels along with locally-owned hotels, boutique inns, B&Bs, and vacation rentals with plenty of Alaska charm. With a naturalist on board, you'll learn all about these amazing cetaceans. The Sealaska Heritage Institute Arts Campus is a gathering place and educational facility for artists, with indoor-outdoor studio space, artwork on display, and an outdoor event space for performances and markets. X Juneau Juneau About Juneau ( Tlingit : Dznti K'iheni) Alaska's state capital is also one of its most beautiful cities and one of the most visited communities in the state. Step into Alaska with a small-group, fully-guided Photo Safari adventure. Alaska Airlines services the airport year round, operating upwards of 11 daily departures. A 1984 "ultimate" capital-move vote also failed, as did a 1996 vote. [34] 2.6% reported speaking Tagalog at home, and 2.4% reported speaking Spanish. Juneau became Alaskas territorial capital in 1906, and, after statehood in 1959, its state capital. May 20-27 [citation needed]. In 1880, a local Tlingit Indian chief led prospectors Joe Juneau and Richard Harris to what later became known as Gold Creek, where the two men discovered nuggets just lying on the ground. The Borough has voted Democratic in the U.S. presidential election in every election (except for one) since 1988. Come by to say hello and purchase your signed calendars. Barrow lies only 800 miles south of the North Pole 6). . [69], Citing the state's multibillion-dollar financial crisis, Governor Bill Walker announced on December 15, 2016, that the state is no longer backing construction of the Juneau Access Improvements Project. Alaska. The Juneau Arts & Humanities Council coordinates events and operates the Juneau Arts & Culture Center, which features a community center, gallery and lobby shop. A mining camp formed, and within a year, it became a small town called Harrisburg. [20] For Juneau's cooperation, Mattel donated $15,000 "to the Juneau Community Foundation in honor of late Mayor Greg Fisk."[20]. Some roads in the city also have bike lanes, and there is a bike path parallel to the main highway. [28] The normals and record temperatures for both downtown and the airport are given below. Downtown Juneau sits snugly between Mount Juneau, Mount Roberts, and Gastineau Channel, and is a maze of narrow streets running past a mix of new structures, old storefronts, and quaint houses featuring early 19th-century architecture from the towns gold-mining days. The governor resides here when in Juneau on official business. For those who need some hand-holding,. #humpbackwhale #humpbackwhales #alaska #hawaii #migration #whalesofinstagram #whaletail #whalewatching #juneau #sunset #alaska_wild #marinemammals #natgeoyourshot #sonyalphasclub #sony100400gm #moonrise #alaskawildproject #sealegacy #pacificwild #whaleconservation #pacificnorthwest #wildlifephotography #southeast_ak_wild #pacificwhalefoundation #sunrise_sunset_photogroup, A view of the Mendenhall Glacier and the surrounding landscape On December 14, 1881, a miners' meeting of 72 persons decided to name the settlement Juneau, after prospector Joe Juneau. Juneau is a hidden gem for winter sports. This image illustrates the month of December in the 2023 Juneau Calendar. Few cities in Alaska or elsewhere offer as many hiking trails as Juneau. About Juneau | Juneau History & Town Information The Juneau Airport precinct is in the 31st district, which is otherwise identical to the 2nd Assembly District. Built in 1893 against the backdrop of Mount Juneau, the onion-domed Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church is the oldest original and continuously-used church in the Inside Passage. About Our Town Did Juneau? On October 18, 1880, the two men marked a 160-acre (650,000m2) town site where soon a mining camp sprang up. One of the reasons Juneau has so much character is that its one of Alaskas oldest cities. [citation needed], Juneau's only power utility is Alaska Electric Light & Power (AEL&P). Whale watching tours are a popular way to see the diverse marine life in the area including Steller sea lions, Dalls porpoise, orcas, and humpback whales which return to the area each summer to feed on krill and herring. First, soar by helicopter over Juneau Icefield, and then land on Herbert Glacier to explore the remote landscape by foot. While there are more state jobs based in Anchorage than in Juneau, the state government still maintains a substantial presence in Juneau. It was the first European American settlement founded in this territory after the United States purchased Alaska. Owner/operators Cameo and Brooks invite you and 5 friends to join For Alaska's day-to-day weather, its best to plan for a bit of everything. [6] Juneau was the largest city in Alaska during the inter-war years, passing Fairbanks in the 1920 census. There are no roads connecting Juneau to the rest of North America, although cars can use the ferries to connect to the road network. It was an amazing night of northern lights storming over Auke Lake, Mt. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Juneau - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor 9 Major Ports of Alaska - Marine Insight The rink is open for figure skating, hockey and free open skate. We at Sealaska Heritage Institute are proud to share Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures with you! What is Alaska? | Alaska Facts for Kids | Twinkl USA They sail to Juneau seven days a week over a longer season than before, but the cruising tourism is still primarily a summer industry. [43], Also headquartered in Juneau is the Marine Exchange of Alaska, a nonprofit organization which operates an extensive vessel tracking network and ensures safe maritime operations for the entire state.[44]. Primary access to the city is by air and sea. Return ferry crossing between Vancouver & Vancouver Island Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) chose two brothers to carve totem poles and a paint a screen for the Gajaa Ht building in Juneaus Indian Village. Samuel Young, in his book Alaska Days with John Muir, it was their party's campsite at the creek head that Juneau and Harris decided to explore, in the summer of 1879. Juneau Alaska Cruise Port : Your Complete Guide - roamingmyplanetcom It is the U.S. state capital whose namesake was most recently alive: Joe Juneau died in 1899. The University of Alaska Southeast Campus offers lectures, concerts, and theater performances. [47], Advocacy for a capital move has continued. The river of ice flows 12 miles from its source, the Juneau Icefield, and has a 1.5-mile-wide face. Total price (including return flights from London Heathrow with Air Canada in economy class) from 2,365pp 12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Juneau The most famous of these glaciers is the Mendenhall Glacier, which can be seen from the local road system. At the same time, 77% of voters approved a renewed FRANK Initiative. Best Seafood in Juneau, Alaska | Seafood Restaurants The remaining six members are elected by single-member districts: two districts have been defined by the Assembly, as of its last redistricting in 2003:[52]. From September to April; when the ice is melted it is used for rollerblading, roller hockey, tennis, basketball, concerts.[45]. Full board on the cruise A comfortable and roomy day lodge includes a rental and repair shop, cafeteria, and day lockers. AP (the Associated Press), Anchorage news outlets, and other Alaska media entities, send reporters to Juneau during the annual Legislative session. It was for us for the longest time, and we can't wait to go back! Native cultures have rich artistic traditions expressed in carving, weaving, orating, singing, and dancing. Juneau is Alaska 's state capital and is located on the Gastineau Channel in the Alaskan Panhandle. By 1906, after the decline of whaling and the fur trade, Sitka, the original capital of Alaska, had become less important and the territorial legislature moved the seat of government to Juneau in accordance with a 1900 federal law.