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Historical Buildings Walking Tour, Juneau

Historical Buildings Walking Tour (Self Guided), Juneau

Juneau’s architecture tells a story as rich as its gold-laced past. Scattered across the downtown area and nearby neighborhoods are buildings that reflect the city’s beginnings, its role in Alaska’s territorial history, and the strength of the local community over time. These landmarks, preserved and repurposed, offer a unique way to trace Juneau’s past through its physical spaces.

With its white columns and classic symmetry, the Governor’s Mansion is one of the most recognized structures. Completed in 1912, it has served as the residence for every territorial and state governor since—a steady presence through more than a century of political change. Nearby, Holy Trinity Church marks a different kind of endurance. Though it was severely damaged by fire, the building was carefully reconstructed in the early 2000s, keeping the spirit and charm of the original intact.

Just a few blocks away, the Alaska Steam Laundry building, dating back to 1901, still catches the eye with its turret and Late Victorian style—a reminder that even behind-the-scenes services like laundry were vital to life during the gold mining boom. For a closer look at everyday living, the Fries Miners’ Cabins on Kennedy Street offer rare examples of early 20th-century workers’ housing—simple, functional, and remarkably well-preserved.

Then there’s the House of Wickersham, which brings visitors into the life of one of Alaska’s most influential early political figures. Once home to Judge James Wickersham, the building now offering insight into both his life and the era he helped shape. Not far from there, the Valentine Building tells a story of commerce and growth. Built in stages starting in 1904, it once housed a wide range of businesses and reflected the energy of a town finding its place in the modern world.

Taken together, these sites form a quiet but powerful narrative—one that reveals how Juneau grew, adapted, and endured. To experience them all for yourself and uncover more stories along the way, follow our self-guided walking tour through Juneau’s historic heart and beyond.
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Historical Buildings Walking Tour Map

Guide Name: Historical Buildings Walking Tour
Guide Location: USA » Juneau (See other walking tours in Juneau)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 11
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Author: DanaOffice
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
  • Alaska Governor's Mansion
  • Frances House
  • J. M. Davis House
  • House of Wickersham
  • Fries Miners' Cabins
  • Holy Trinity Church
  • MacKinnon Apartments
  • Valentine Building
  • Alaskan Hotel and Bar
  • Alaska Steam Laundry
  • Red Dog Saloon Juneau
1
Alaska Governor's Mansion

1) Alaska Governor's Mansion

The Alaska Governor's Mansion serves as the official residence of the governor and their family. Designed by architect James Knox Taylor, the stately 2½-story, 14,400-square-foot frame structure was completed in 1912 and first occupied by Territorial Governor Walter Eli Clark. Originally budgeted at $40,000, the mansion was intended to include servants’ quarters and a territorial museum on the third floor, though those features were never realized. With its elegant neoclassical design, the mansion quickly became a symbol of Alaskan governance and hospitality.

The mansion’s first floor includes a reception hall, drawing room, library, dining room, office, kitchen, two pantries, and a conservatory, while the second floor houses four large bedrooms, a sewing room, and three bathrooms. A major renovation in 1983 restored the mansion’s interior to its original 1912 appearance and modernized its infrastructure. Over time, additional guest suites and bedrooms were added, bringing the total number of rooms to 26, along with ten bathrooms and eight fireplaces. The exterior was plastered and painted white in 1936, lending the mansion its distinctive appearance.

Adding to the cultural significance of the mansion is a totem pole carved by Tlingit artists Charlie Tagook and William N. Brown between 1939 and 1940 under the Civilian Conservation Corps. The mansion has welcomed numerous dignitaries over the years, including President Warren G. Harding in 1923, aviator Charles Lindbergh in 1969, and former President Gerald Ford in 1989. Today, the Governor’s Mansion continues to serve as both a residence and a ceremonial space, standing as an enduring landmark of Alaska’s political and architectural heritage.
2
Frances House

2) Frances House

The Frances House is a striking three-story wood-frame residence that showcases vernacular Queen Anne architectural styling. Built in 1898 by Jerry Eicherly, who was serving as Juneau’s postmaster at the time, the home features hallmark elements of the style including a complex, busy roofline, mixed siding textures, and elegant narrow Italianate windows that lend it a graceful historic charm.

In 1911, the house gained further historical significance when it was purchased by John Rustgard, who served as the Attorney General for the Alaska Territory. However, it was in 1927 that the home received its current name—after Frances Davis, a noted painter renowned for capturing Alaskan landscapes. Davis purchased and saved the property from demolition, preserving not only a distinctive piece of Juneau’s architectural history but also creating a cultural landmark through her artistic legacy.

Today, the Frances House stands as a proud reminder of Juneau's early days and the creative spirits who have called it home. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, it remains one of the city’s most notable examples of Queen Anne design adapted for Alaska’s frontier setting.
3
J. M. Davis House

3) J. M. Davis House

The J. M. Davis House is a beautifully preserved example of 19th-century frontier architecture. Built in 1892, during a time when Juneau was still developing from a rough gold mining camp into a more established community, the two-story wood-frame residence stands out as one of the city’s most elegant homes of that era. Its refined construction and graceful proportions make it a rare architectural gem among Juneau’s early buildings.

The home was constructed by J. M. Davis, a miner by trade, whose wife brought both wealth and artistic sensibility to the household as a talented English painter. Their son, Trevor Davis, went on to gain recognition as a prominent Alaskan landscape photographer, adding further cultural significance to the family and their residence. Over the years, the house has seen a variety of distinguished occupants, including serving as the official residence of the local U.S. Coast Guard Admiral, underscoring its historic and civic importance.

In recognition of its historical and architectural value, the J. M. Davis House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Today, it remains not only a striking private residence but also a quiet testament to Juneau’s transition from frontier outpost to modern capital, preserving the legacy of a family deeply rooted in Alaska’s cultural and artistic history.
4
House of Wickersham

4) House of Wickersham

The House of Wickersham, located in Juneau’s historic Chicken Ridge neighborhood, is a cherished landmark that preserves the legacy of one of Alaska’s most influential early political figures. Originally built in 1899 by mining company owner Frank Hammond, the 2½-story frame structure later became the home of James Wickersham, a pioneering judge, delegate to Congress, and tireless advocate for Alaska statehood. Wickersham purchased the home in 1928 and lived there until his death in 1939.

This historic house has served as a museum since 1958, initially operated informally by Wickersham's niece before being acquired by the State of Alaska in 1984. Today, the House of Wickersham functions as a public museum dedicated to telling the story of Wickersham’s life and political achievements, as well as the broader history of early 20th-century Alaska. Visitors can explore period furnishings, personal artifacts, and exhibits that reflect both Wickersham’s influence and the home’s architectural heritage.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and later included as a contributing property in the Chicken Ridge Historic District, the House of Wickersham offers a rare and intimate look into Alaska’s territorial days.
5
Fries Miners' Cabins

5) Fries Miners' Cabins

The Fries Miners' Cabins are a rare and well-preserved glimpse into Alaska’s early 20th-century gold mining era. Built in 1913, these six nearly identical, 1½-story wood-frame houses were constructed in the Craftsman style, which was popular at the time. They were originally intended to house miners who worked in the booming local gold mines, a vital part of Juneau’s economic and social landscape during that period.

Named after Conrad W. Fries, a German immigrant and former St. Louis brewery owner, the cabins represent both a personal and communal story of renewal and frontier resilience. After suffering the loss of their two young sons, Conrad and his wife Mary moved from Missouri to Juneau seeking a new beginning. Fries invested in these modest yet thoughtfully designed homes to support the influx of miners during the gold rush, contributing to the neighborhood's growth and the city’s expanding infrastructure.

Today, the Fries Miners' Cabins stand as some of the few surviving examples of the more than 200 miners' homes that once dotted the Juneau landscape. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988 under the Kennedy Street Mine Workers Houses Historic District, these cabins offer visitors a tangible link to the daily lives of working-class Alaskans during the height of the gold rush.
6
Holy Trinity Church

6) Holy Trinity Church

Holy Trinity Church is a historic and resilient parish. The current building, completed in 2009, was constructed after a devastating fire destroyed the original structure on March 12, 2006. Despite the loss, the congregation rebuilt and continues to serve as a vibrant spiritual center for the community.

The original Holy Trinity Church was built in 1896 and designed by architect George E. James in the Carpenter Gothic style. Constructed by Foss and Olsen, the charming wood-frame building featured steeply pitched roofs and lancet windows characteristic of the Gothic Revival movement. Sometime before 1914, the church was elevated to include a basement, and while a parish hall was added in 1956, it did not reflect the Gothic design of the original church. From 1918 to 1944, Holy Trinity held the distinction of serving as the pro-cathedral for the Episcopal Diocese of Alaska, underscoring its importance in the region.

The significance of Holy Trinity Church was recognized nationally when the original structure was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 19, 1978. Although the original building no longer stands, the church’s legacy endures in its rebuilt form.
7
MacKinnon Apartments

7) MacKinnon Apartments

The MacKinnon Apartments are a significant example of early 20th-century residential architecture tied to the city's prosperous Gold Rush era. Built in 1925 during Juneau’s economic boom, the three-story wood-frame structure features a stucco finish, corner quoining, and a dentillated cornice that lends it a sense of classic elegance. Its original design included six single-bedroom apartments and twelve studio units, catering to the growing population of professionals and workers drawn to the capital city’s expanding opportunities.

In 1959, a 20-foot extension was added to the structure, bringing five additional studio apartments and enhancing the building’s role as a key provider of urban housing in downtown Juneau. Despite this modification, the MacKinnon Apartments have retained their architectural integrity and continue to reflect the practical yet stylish residential trends of their time. The building stands as a rare surviving example of multi-unit housing from this formative period in Juneau's history.

Recognizing its architectural and historical value, the MacKinnon Apartments were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.
8
Valentine Building

8) Valentine Building

The Valentine Building, also known as Valentine’s Place or the Valentine Business Block, stands as a cornerstone of historic downtown Juneau. This distinctive two-story wood-frame structure occupies an entire irregularly shaped, five-sided city block—making it one of the most unique and eye-catching buildings in the area. Originally constructed in two phases in 1904 and 1912, the building was the vision of Emery Valentine, a successful entrepreneur and six-time mayor of Juneau, whose influence on the city’s development was considerable.

During the first half of the 20th century, the Valentine Building held a reputation as one of Juneau’s most prestigious commercial addresses. Housing a range of professional offices and businesses, it served as a bustling hub for commerce and civic life in Alaska’s capital. Its architecture, while practical and suited for the frontier environment, also displays the ambition and growing sophistication of a city transitioning from its Gold Rush roots into a more permanent and prosperous community.

Today, the Valentine Building remains a beloved landmark and a prime example of Alaskan frontier architecture. Recognized for its historical and cultural significance, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 and later designated a contributing property within the Juneau Downtown Historic District in 1994.
9
Alaskan Hotel and Bar

9) Alaskan Hotel and Bar

The Alaskan Hotel and Bar, established in 1913, holds the title of the oldest continuously operating hotel in Junea. Originally opened by three miners who had struck gold in the nearby Coast Range, the hotel carries with it a unique origin story—its keys were tied to a helium balloon and released into the sky as a symbolic gesture that the hotel would never close. This historic charm and bold frontier spirit have made the Alaskan a lasting icon in Juneau's downtown scene.

Though the building faced tough times—including a brief condemnation in the 1970s—it was saved and restored by new owners who recognized its cultural value and architectural character. Thanks to these efforts, the hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and later became a contributing property to the Juneau Downtown Historic District in 1994. The Alaskan Hotel continues to blend its historic architecture with a lively bar atmosphere, attracting locals and tourists alike with its blend of vintage flair and modern hospitality.

Beyond its historic status, the Alaskan Hotel and Bar has also earned a spot in pop culture. It was featured in a 2003 segment on the Food Network's Food Finds, and in 2013, it received a makeover courtesy of the Travel Channel’s Hotel Impossible. Today, the hotel stands not only as a piece of Alaskan history but also as a beloved and storied destination that captures the spirit of Juneau’s gold rush era while continuing to serve a new generation of adventurers.
10
Alaska Steam Laundry

10) Alaska Steam Laundry

The Alaska Steam Laundry building, located in downtown Juneau, is a striking example of Late Victorian architecture and a symbol of the city’s early 20th-century growth. Built in 1901 by entrepreneur E. R. Jaeger, the structure features a distinctive conical-roofed turret that draws the eye and hints at its historic significance. As Juneau evolved from a rough mining camp into Alaska’s territorial capital—officially designated in 1900—this commercial building marked a shift toward a more refined and service-oriented community.

Jaeger founded the laundry to cater to the many single miners working in nearby gold mines, offering them a much-needed domestic service in the rapidly developing city. The laundry facilities operated on the ground floor, while the upper levels housed office space and residences, maximizing the building’s utility. This mix of commercial and residential function reflected the practical demands of the time and contributed to Juneau’s growing infrastructure. The laundry remained in operation at this location until 1929, after which the building found new life serving other commercial purposes.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and later included in the Juneau Downtown Historic District in 1994, the Alaska Steam Laundry remains an important architectural and cultural landmark.
11
Red Dog Saloon Juneau

11) Red Dog Saloon Juneau

The Red Dog Saloon is a legendary watering hole in downtown Juneau. Originally opened during the town's raucous mining era, the saloon has been operating for decades and is recognized by the Alaska Legislature as the oldest man-made tourist attraction in the city. It began as a humble sandwich shop during Prohibition and was officially licensed as Timm’s Tavern in 1933 after the repeal. With its swinging saloon doors and sawdust-covered floors, the Red Dog is a throwback to frontier days and continues to charm visitors with its spirited atmosphere and rich history.

Inside, the Red Dog Saloon is a museum of Alaskan folklore, filled with eccentric memorabilia and relics of the Gold Rush era. Guests will find everything from mounted wildlife trophies to a walrus oosik and paper currency signed by miners from around the world. Perhaps its most famous item is a pistol said to have been left behind by lawman Wyatt Earp on his way to Nome—though its authenticity remains part of the saloon's colorful legend. For decades, entertainment was provided by local characters like “Ragtime Hattie,” who famously played the piano in white gloves and a silver dollar halter top.

During Alaska's territorial days, the saloon promoted itself with a bit of cheeky marketing—owners would greet arriving tour boats with a mule sporting a sign that read, “Follow my ass to the Red Dog Saloon.” Even national television took note: the Red Dog hosted an episode of The Ed Sullivan Show shortly after Alaska achieved statehood.

Walking Tours in Juneau, Alaska

Create Your Own Walk in Juneau

Create Your Own Walk in Juneau

Creating your own self-guided walk in Juneau 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.
Juneau Introduction Walking Tour

Juneau Introduction Walking Tour

Alaska’s capital city is one of the most scenic places in the state, and among the most visited. Long before government buildings and cruise ships arrived, the land was home to the Tlingit people. They built permanent villages along the coast and rivers, thriving through fishing, trading, and a way of life deeply rooted in the region’s natural rhythms.

The modern chapter of Juneau’s story...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles