
Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, Ketchikan
The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is the perfect starting point for visitors looking to dive into the region’s rich natural and cultural history—all under one roof and on a budget. Conveniently located at the corner of Mill and Main Streets, just a short walk from the cruise ship docks, this immersive center offers a big-picture view of Ketchikan and the surrounding Tongass National Forest. Three towering totem poles greet guests at the entrance, symbolizing the area's foundational Indigenous cultures: Haida, Tlingit, and Tsimshian.
Inside, interactive exhibits unfold the story of Southeast Alaska through themed galleries focused on Native traditions, rainforest ecosystems, and natural resource industries like fishing, logging, mining, and tourism. Children can enjoy hands-on learning with scavenger hunts, while adults will appreciate the in-depth educational displays and artifacts. The Discovery Center also features a 150-seat theater where visitors can watch short films exploring local history, arts, and environmental topics—making it easy to connect with Ketchikan’s layered identity.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center provides context, maps, and inspiration for exploring the region more deeply. Its Alaska Geographic bookstore offers a thoughtfully curated selection of books and souvenirs for nature lovers and history buffs alike. For cruise passengers or independent explorers, the center is an excellent low-cost, high-value introduction to Alaska's cultural and ecological treasures.
Inside, interactive exhibits unfold the story of Southeast Alaska through themed galleries focused on Native traditions, rainforest ecosystems, and natural resource industries like fishing, logging, mining, and tourism. Children can enjoy hands-on learning with scavenger hunts, while adults will appreciate the in-depth educational displays and artifacts. The Discovery Center also features a 150-seat theater where visitors can watch short films exploring local history, arts, and environmental topics—making it easy to connect with Ketchikan’s layered identity.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center provides context, maps, and inspiration for exploring the region more deeply. Its Alaska Geographic bookstore offers a thoughtfully curated selection of books and souvenirs for nature lovers and history buffs alike. For cruise passengers or independent explorers, the center is an excellent low-cost, high-value introduction to Alaska's cultural and ecological treasures.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Ketchikan. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø: 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.
Southeast Alaska Discovery Center on Map
Sight Name: Southeast Alaska Discovery Center
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—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
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles