Juneau, State capital in Southeast Alaska, United States
Description
Juneau, the capital of Alaska, sits along the Gastineau Channel in the southeastern part of the state, surrounded by forested mountains that rise over 4000 feet (1200 meters). Above the town, the Juneau Icefield stretches far inland, feeding more than 30 glaciers that flow down into the valleys and shape the landscape.
History
Two prospectors, Richard Harris and Joe Juneau, discovered gold here in 1881, turning the fishing grounds used by the Tlingit people into a mining camp. When Alaska became a state in 1959, the town took over the role of capital from Sitka.
Culture
Locals blend Tlingit heritage with the legacy of gold rush settlers, visible in public gatherings, art galleries, and open-air markets. During spring, musicians and dancers from across Alaska gather here to perform traditional and contemporary pieces together, keeping cultural roots alive and accessible to everyone.
Practical
Travelers reach the town only by plane or boat, as no road connects it to other places in Alaska. Hiking trails and boat trips depend heavily on weather, so having flexible plans and bringing warm clothing for changing conditions is helpful.
Did you know?
The consolidated municipality covers more than 3200 square miles (8400 square kilometers), making it the second-largest city by area in the United States. Despite this size, nearly all residents live near the waterfront, while most of the territory remains roadless wilderness.
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Mendenhall Glacier
22.6 km
Alaska State Capitol
542 m
Alaska Governor's Mansion
291 m
Red Dog Saloon
976 m
Juneau Icefield
33.5 km
Mount Juneau
2 km
Taku Glacier
35.5 km
Goldbelt Tram
2 km
Nugget Falls
15.5 km
Shrine of St. Therese, Juneau
28.5 km
Devils Paw
58.3 km
Alaskan Hotel and Bar
881 m
Salmon Creek Dam
4.6 km
Juneau-Douglas Bridge
640 m
Alaska State Centennial Museum
320 m
Juneau Raptor Center
737 m
Sentinel Island Light
40 kmFort Durham
38.7 km
Bergmann Hotel
807 m
Taku Inlet
23.1 km
Point Retreat Light
33.6 km
Hurff Ackerman Saunders Federal Building and Robert Boochever US Courthouse
66 m
Brotherhood Bridge
13.1 km
Petroglyph Beach State Historic Park
398 m
Last Chance Mining Museum
2.1 km
Wickersham House
522 m
Point Sherman Light
74.8 km
Holy Trinity Church
898 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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