Wrangell Wanderlust: An Easy Walking Itinerary for First Explorers

3 minutes read

In search of ancient Alaska, get lost in the scenic town of Wrangell. Unlock local history with these seven activities and discover the third-oldest city in the state. Ready for an easy virtual walking tour?

A pinch of history

The region was inhabited by the Tlingit Nation.
It’s the only city in Alaska to have been ruled by four nations: Tlingit (3,000 to 1834), Russia (1834-1840), the United Kingdom (1840-1867), and the United States (1867-Present).
The island was named after Ferdinand Von Wrangel, manager of the Russian American Company.

1 – Get immersed in Tlingit art at Petroglyph Beach

Start your day at Petroglyph Beach, the highest concentration of petroglyphs in Southeast Alaska. From the observation deck, learn more about these stone carvings and observe replicas.

Tlingit’s oral history and archeologists believe the petroglyphs were carved in rock by early Stikine Tlingit. By analyzing art style and the age of lichens, scientists established that this art may have been done by different settlements, from 10,000 to 3,000 years ago. There are numerous interpretations (territorial markers, marking births or deaths, potlatch records, etc.) but ultimately these drawings remain a mystery.

Walk down the beach to visit this outdoor archeological treasure. Will you find the 40 hidden petroglyphs? Please protect and preserve them if you visit this area.

Did you know?
John Muir stopped here in 1879. Many of his petroglyph drawings can’t longer be found on the beach.

Note: Visit the beach during the low tide to observe most of the petroglyphs.

Location: Grave St, Wrangell, AK 99929

2 – Back to History at Nolan Center

The Nolan Center is a must-see to connect with Wrangell local cultural and natural history. The museum houses many artifacts from the different sovereignty periods from the Tlingit nation to Fur traders. Learn about the city’s social and economic development with the expansion of fishing, mining, and timber industries.

Wrangell – Credit Wrangell Museum Collection

Tlingit Village – Summer 1883 – Credit Wrangell Museum Collection

Native Dancers dressed in regalia – Credit Wrangell Museum Collection

Location: 296 Campbell Dr, Wrangell, AK 99929

3 – Tour Totem Park

As you explore the town, you will see many totem poles replicas from the 1800s. During this time, a controversial federal conservation project started. The Civilian Conservation Corps enrolled Tlingit and Haida master carvers and apprentices to restore or replicate totem poles. They also documented their histories and photographed the re-carving process.

Erected during Potlatch, Totem poles record a story about a clan, honor deceased relatives, indicate social status, and celebrate major events.

The Raven Totem Pole carved by Thomas Ukas

Did you know?
Carved by Alaska Natives and First Nations people, Totem Poles are found only in the Pacific Northwest.

Location: Totem Park, 434 Front St, Wrangell, AK 99929

4 – Experience the Tlingit nation’s heritage at Chief Shakes Longhouse

Chief Shakes Longhouse is a scaled-down replica of an early 19^th-century traditional Tlingit clan house of the Naanyaa.aayi Clan. Constructed in 1940 as part of the Civilian Conservation Corps project, the structure includes a central fire pit and many totem poles. During a potlatch, the Chief Shakes’ Tribal House was rededicated to Chief Shakes VII.

Inside Chief Shakes Longhouse – Credit Anchorage Museum

Today, the traditional longhouse, named Shéksh Hi’di in Tkingit, is open to visitors for demonstrations.

The Eagle Totem or the Na-chee-suna Totem

Location: Shakes St, Wrangell, AK 99929

5 – Pay a tribute to Chief Shakes V

Kaawishté became Chief Shakes V in the late 1830s. Leader of the Naanyaa.aayí (Eagle/Killerwhale Clan) until he died in 1878, he led negotiations with the U.S. Army during a time of sovereignty tension.

As a reference to his clan, his gravesite was marked by two killer whale totems.

Location: Case Ave

7 – Venture downtown for shopping

Explore the Gold Rush city strolling Front Steet. Destroyed by fires in 1906 and 1952, a few original buildings remained, and new false-fronted structures have been added. Treat yourself to shopping downtown or just explore the nearby waterfront.