Dolly's House Museum, Ketchikan
Dolly鈥檚 House Museum, located on the storied Creek Street, offers visitors a rare glimpse into the town鈥檚 more colorful past. Once the home and place of business for Dolly Arthur鈥攁rguably the most famous madam in Alaska鈥攖his green dollhouse-style building is the only remaining brothel from the days when Creek Street thrived as a red-light district (1903鈥�1954). Stepping inside feels like entering a time capsule of early 20th-century frontier life, complete with cabbage rose wallpaper, vintage furnishings, and the unmistakable charm of a house that saw both grit and glamour.
Dolly Arthur wasn鈥檛 just a purveyor of vice; she was a savvy businesswoman who navigated a male-dominated world with independence and flair. Her house is now a museum filled with personal artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia that paint a vivid picture of her life and the era she lived in. For a small admission fee, guests can take a self-guided tour through her living quarters, including the infamous "secret closet" where she hid bootleg liquor during Prohibition. The experience is both entertaining and educational, offering candid insights into the social dynamics of Ketchikan鈥檚 past.
More than just a brothel turned museum, Dolly鈥檚 House is a piece of living history that celebrates resilience, resourcefulness, and a bit of rebellion. Visitors leave with a richer understanding of Alaska鈥檚 gold rush days, the hard-living men who worked the mines and seas, and the women like Dolly who catered to their downtime needs. A well-stocked gift shop ensures you won鈥檛 leave empty-handed, and the museum鈥檚 cheeky yet respectful tone makes it one of Ketchikan鈥檚 most engaging and unforgettable attractions.
Dolly Arthur wasn鈥檛 just a purveyor of vice; she was a savvy businesswoman who navigated a male-dominated world with independence and flair. Her house is now a museum filled with personal artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia that paint a vivid picture of her life and the era she lived in. For a small admission fee, guests can take a self-guided tour through her living quarters, including the infamous "secret closet" where she hid bootleg liquor during Prohibition. The experience is both entertaining and educational, offering candid insights into the social dynamics of Ketchikan鈥檚 past.
More than just a brothel turned museum, Dolly鈥檚 House is a piece of living history that celebrates resilience, resourcefulness, and a bit of rebellion. Visitors leave with a richer understanding of Alaska鈥檚 gold rush days, the hard-living men who worked the mines and seas, and the women like Dolly who catered to their downtime needs. A well-stocked gift shop ensures you won鈥檛 leave empty-handed, and the museum鈥檚 cheeky yet respectful tone makes it one of Ketchikan鈥檚 most engaging and unforgettable attractions.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Ketchikan. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: 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.
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Dolly's House Museum on Map
Sight Name: Dolly's House Museum
Sight Location: Ketchikan, USA (See walking tours in Ketchikan)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Ketchikan, USA (See walking tours in Ketchikan)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Ketchikan, Alaska
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 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鈥攁 winding corridor of forested islands, rugged coastline, and dramatic wilderness. It鈥檚 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
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles