Creek Street, Ketchikan

ϳԹ

Creek Street, Ketchikan

Creek Street, Ketchikan (must see)

Creek Street is a wooden boardwalk like no other—perched on stilts above the rushing waters of Ketchikan Creek and steeped in frontier-era intrigue. Originally established in 1903 following a city ordinance that exiled brothels from the city center, Creek Street quickly gained notoriety as the town’s red-light district. From 1903 to 1954, this narrow stretch of stilted buildings served as a discreet yet thriving hub of activity for miners, fishermen, and loggers looking for entertainment. Iconic establishments like The Star and Dolly’s House sprang up, with the latter now operating as a museum that lovingly preserves the story of legendary madam Dolly Arthur.

Today, Creek Street is one of Ketchikan’s most beloved destinations, seamlessly blending its colorful past with a vibrant present. Visitors can stroll past charming shops, galleries, and eateries that now occupy the historic structures once home to “working girls.” Salmon can often be seen swimming upstream in late summer, especially near the Salmon Ladder viewing area. For the curious and adventurous, Married Man’s Trail still winds its way into the forest—a path once used by clients attempting to elude the law during surprise raids. Though packed with tourists during the day, the boardwalk retains an early-morning tranquility that feels like stepping into a forgotten chapter of Alaskan history.

More than a tourist stop, Creek Street is a living timeline, offering a glimpse into Ketchikan’s transformation from boomtown to cultural gem. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places since 2014, it’s not just scenic—it’s significant.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Ketchikan. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "ϳԹ: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The ϳԹ App

Creek Street on Map

Sight Name: Creek Street
Sight Location: Ketchikan, USA (See walking tours in Ketchikan)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Ketchikan, Alaska

Create Your Own Walk in Ketchikan

Create Your Own Walk in Ketchikan

Creating your own self-guided walk in Ketchikan is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Ketchikan Introduction Walking Tour

Ketchikan Introduction Walking Tour

Ketchikan marks the start of what many still consider the last true frontier. Tucked into the southern tip of the state, it welcomes travelers sailing the Inside Passage—a winding corridor of forested islands, rugged coastline, and dramatic wilderness. It’s a place known for three things: fierce salmon runs, dramatic coastal scenery, and a deep-rooted Alaska Native heritage that continues to...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles