There are many things to see and do in Gustavus, Alaska. It is located in the heart of Glacier Bay National Park and is only accessible by air or boat. Once you arrive, you can stock up on supplies and plan a whale watching tour or hike into the park. You can also enjoy the solitude of the area, gather wild strawberries for a picnic, or just watch the sun set over Glacier Bay.
Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay National Park is located a short drive from Gustavus. It is the perfect place for those looking for wildlife sightings, fishing and adventures. This region also offers opportunities for solitude and moments of well-being. There are numerous hiking trails and kayaking trails that you can explore. You can even take a tour on a park boat.
The Glacier Bay National Park is accessible by car, boat, or plane. While the town of Gustavus is relatively small, the surrounding area is large and diverse. The area is surrounded by glaciers and mountains and is inhabited by a variety of wildlife, including humpback whales. You can also spot bald eagles and puffins. Getting to the region is easy, as there are ferries and flights that travel through the Icy Strait and Cross Sound.
Located in Southeast Alaska, the Glacier Bay National Park is also home to the Huna Tlingit community. You can tour their traditional home and learn more about their culture. They also have a healing pole and intricate cedar carvings.
Glacier Bay National Park is located outside of Gustavus, Alaska. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to 3.3 million acres and has only a single paved road, spanning 10 miles. Despite the remote location, this area offers plenty of hiking trails, scenic boat tours, and kayaking adventures. You can also learn about the history and wildlife in this region.
Alaska State Museum
The Alaska State Museum is a place of culture and heritage, located in the Father Andrew P. Kashevaroff building. It has a number of permanent and changing exhibits. Objects in the museum tell stories about Alaskan culture, including stories of war, respect, and reverence. One exhibit details the history of exploitation of Alaskan resources. Admission to the museum costs $14 during the summer and $9 during the winter. Hours vary, so make sure to check before you travel.
Another must-see attraction in Gustavus is the Glacier Bay National Park, which covers 3.3 million acres. The park was first established as a national monument in 1925 and was upgraded to a national park in 1980. The park offers hiking and mountain biking trails for visitors to enjoy. Another great place to visit in Gustavus is the Hammer Museum, which is the world’s first hammer museum. The museum features a collection of over 2000 hammers and a giant hammer outside.
Gustavus is a charming seaside town 60 miles east of Juneau and is accessible only by boat or plane. Despite being remote, it is surrounded by beautiful natural beauty.
Alaskan Brewing Company
There are many things to do in Gustavus, Alaska. The city has a charming and welcoming culture and is a popular day trip destination from Juneau. Its climate is mild and is perfect for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing. It is also the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park.
The Alaskan Brewing Company is one of the oldest breweries in the state. It uses glacier water and Sitka spruce for the brewing process. It offers seasonal specials and tours. Its store is located in the center of town. Free shuttles run to and from the brewery during the summer months. There are also tastings available for visitors.
You can enjoy a variety of different IPAs at the Alaskan Brewing Company. The brewery also produces the award-winning Alaskan Spruce IPA. This unique brew is made with Chinook, Citra, and Sultana hops, and it has a citrusy, piney flavor. This beer also features Alaskan spruce tips, which lend a berry-like character to the drink.
Founded in 1986 by Geoff and Marcy Larson, the Alaskan Brewing Company has won several awards for its craft beers. The brewery has a history of innovation and dedication to the Alaskan way of life.
Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival
If you love birds, then Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival is one place that you cannot miss. The festival is held annually in May and showcases thousands of shorebirds and other wildlife species. It is an ideal time to watch migration in full swing, and there are many activities for all ages. From an arts festival to a wildlife symposium, this festival is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
This festival celebrates the return of spring by honoring the migration of shorebirds through Kachemak Bay. There are many shorebird species that migrate through the bay each year, and you can spot some of them here. You can also find a variety of other animals, including whales, black bears, and eagles.
The Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival is one event held in Gustavus each year. This festival features many different species of birds, including some that are only seen during the festival. If you love bird watching, you can also visit the Point Bridget State Park. Here, you can spot over 200 species of birds, including waterfowl, raptors, and shorebirds. Ruffed grouse, sandhill crane, white-winged crossbill, and black-legged kittiwake are some of the birds you can see.
Another great place to visit in Gustavus is Virgin Creek Falls. This natural attraction is just a short hike from town. If you love wildlife, you can also go hiking and berry picking in the area.
Historic sites
If you are looking for a unique way to see the town and its surroundings, consider taking a guided van tour of Gustavus. This is an ideal way to see the sights without getting lost and is especially good for first-time visitors, families, and the elderly. A guide will show you the sights and give you an overview of the area.
Aside from the historical sites, Gustavus also offers a number of activities to keep you busy. If you are interested in wildlife, check out the wetlands near Gustavus. Many birds and mammals live in these areas, including Canada geese, Wilson’s snipe, and short-eared owls. There are also coyotes on the periphery, and sandhill cranes rest on the vast mudflats. The beach meadows are also filled with birds and animals. You can even see moose.
Glacier Bay National Park is located nearby. The park is popular with visitors. The park includes seven tidewater glaciers and abundant marine life. It attracts about 300,000 visitors a year. Visitors can take a guided tour or rent a kayak and enjoy the scenery. For more information, check out the National Park Service Visitors Information Station at the foot of the main dock. There, you can get information about the area, as well as purchase books.
If you are interested in exploring the state’s history, consider visiting the state’s many historical sites. These sites span more than 10,000 years of history and provide a deep appreciation of Alaska’s past. The state has a vast history that is as diverse as its landscape and climate.
Charter fishing
Charter fishing is one of the top things to do in Gustavus. The area is protected by the Icy Strait, a pristine body of water, which provides excellent fishing opportunities. The Icy Strait is also home to humpback whales, orcas, seals, sea lions, and a variety of other marine mammals. King salmon and Alaska halibut are among the many fish that can be found in these waters. Fly fishing adventures also take place in the quiet streams and rivers of the area.
Guests can also spend the day hiking or biking through the area. Those interested in nature and wildlife can spend a day exploring the back roads of Gustavus and the Nature Conservancy’s Forelands Preserve. Some of these trails take hikers past low-tide rivers, upstream fishing holes, and the wild beach at the end of the airport runway. Casual strollers can stick to the open meadows while more energetic travelers can try bushwhacking.
In summer, the mouth of Glacier Bay is one of the most important feeding areas for humpback whales. Halibut fishermen will hook hundreds of these monster fish that can weigh between 150 and 400 pounds each year. This makes Gustavus the undisputed halibut capital of Alaska. In fact, the average halibut landed in the area averages 50 pounds, compared to only 15 pounds in other towns. The only other place that comes close is Yakutat, with average halibut weights of only thirty pounds.
Charter fishing in Gustavus, Alaska can be one of the most enjoyable things to do in Gustavus. There are many ways to catch the best salmon and halibut. Most of these spots are within a 10-20 minute drive from the dock. If you have time, you can also take a one hour journey out to Cross Sound and enjoy a picturesque experience. For those interested in the Pacific salmon, there are five species of salmon that are available depending on the time of year. The fish you catch will be different depending on the technique you use to catch them.