Juneau Travel

Juneau is the capital city of Alaska.  It has a population of 30,000 residents.  The city is bigger than Rhode Island or Delaware.  Juneau travel means you visit the two different sections of the city - the "Downtown", and "The Valley".  The Valley is where you can find the Mendenhall Glacier, Mendenhall Mall, a skate park and most residences.  The two divisions are only 15 minutes from each other.

This place is both the wettest and warmest part of Alaska. During winter the temperatures are milder compared to the rest of Alaska.  Precipitation is also very high during the year.  Juneau has an average of more than 50 inches (1,270 mm) of precipitation per year.

A. Tourist Attractions for Juneau Travel

1. Alaska State Museum -  provides exhibits on the history and culture of the state.

2. Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church – a unique small octagonal church which was built in 1893 by the Tlingits. This is southeast Alaska’s oldest church.  It is still operating to this day.

3. Alaska State Capitol – the state’s capitol which was opened to the public in 1931.  It houses the State Legislature, the Governor, and the Lieutenant Governor.  They have a 30-minute tour everyday from mid-May to mid-September.

4. Mendenhall Glacier – this is a huge glacier about 1.5 mile wide glacier situated 13 miles north of downtown Juneau. There is a visitor’s center near the place that provides helpful information.If you hike in the East Glacier trail, you will see a forest.  From August to September, black bears with their cubs will visit Steep Creek to catch some red salmon. Some areas will be closed to allow the bears to roam freely and to protect the visitors. However, they do provide a viewing platform that enables you to watch the bears.

5. Mendenhall Glacier West Glacier Trail -  if you want real adventure, then visit the West Glacier trail which brings you to the glacier.  Stay away from crevasses. Guides usually walk people there so just follow their leads.

6. Mount Roberts Tramway – this is a tram that travels from the docks in downtown Juneau up to Mount Roberts.  This mountain peak provides a great view of the entire city. Once you reach the top, the Mount Roberts Nature Center will greet you. It has hiking trails and a captive eagle.

7. Alaskan Brewing Company Brewery Tour -  you can do a tour to the place and have free tasting of the beer too.
Shrine of St Therese – is a Catholic retreat center run by the Diocese of Juneau.  The retreat has a small stone chapel on a small island linked by a causeway to the mainland.  This is a very beautiful spot. Weddings are often held here.

8. Chapel By The Lake- this log cabin chapel is more than 60 year old.  What makes it truly interesting is the unhampered view of Auke Lake and Mendenhall Glacier through its window.

B. What to Do

Helicopter rides from the city to Mendenhall Glacier is one popular activity during Juneau travel.  This will provide you a great view of the entire city and the glaciers.  Floatplane tours are also available.  If you travel with a group, you can charter a small plane tour.

Other popular activities in Juneau include charter fishing, hiking, shopping, skating, kayaking, whale watching and flight seeing.  There are more than 90 hiking trails in Juneau.  Most of them are very steep so great care needs to be exercised at all times.  You can indulge in skiing and snowmobiling too.  The wonderful environment, scenic nature and great wildlife truly makes Juneau travel one amazing and thrilling experience for visitors.