Wrangell Walking Tour Local Stories Culture and History

Step back in time as we walk the vibrant, historic streets of downtown Wrangell. Discover how a remote trading post transformed into a bustling outfitting and transportation hub during the wild Gold Rush days. As we walk, you will trace the town's original shoreline and hear how a waterfront once defined by wooden boardwalks and buildings perched on pilings was dramatically expanded—filling in hundreds of feet of the harbor to create the very ground you are standing on. You'll hear gripping stories of this small island community's resilience in the face of two devastating fires, learn about the strategic construction of Fort Wrangel, and explore the industries that have kept this town alive for generations. Along the way, we will take in the magnificent totem poles found throughout town, standing as proud, living testaments to our deep-rooted Indigenous culture. We'll also trace John Muir's footsteps, discovering how his early visits sparked tourism in this wild frontier.

Our walking tour concludes at the incredible Wrangell Museum, where your admission ticket is already fully covered. While our guided portion wraps up at the entrance, this allows you the freedom to explore the museum's amazing exhibits at your own pace. Inside, you will find a stunning collection that brings the stories from our walk to life. You can stand before the oldest known Tlingit houseposts in existence, marvel at intricate spruce root and cedar bark baskets, and get a closer look at rare artifacts from the Russian, British, and Gold Rush eras. You will also discover fascinating exhibits detailing our island's rich fishing and logging industries, alongside an incredible collection of early frontier photographs that perfectly capture the resilient spirit of our town. Because you aren't tied to a guide's schedule inside, you can linger as long as you like, soaking in the exhibits and fully experiencing the incredible value this world-class museum adds to your Wrangell journey.