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Juneau ("JOO-noh") is the capital of Alaska, located in the state's Southeastern region, with a population of about 30,000 and an area bigger than Rhode Island or Delaware. It has been the capital of Alaska since 1906 when the government of the then-Alaska Territory was moved from Sitka, Alaska would only become a state fifty three years later.
Juneau is on the North American mainland and yet cannot be reached by land. Effectively, the rugged mountains surrounding it make Juneau into an "island" city, reachable only by air or by sea. It is the only state capital that can not be reached by land from the state it serves. Moreover, Juneau is the largest US state capital in area and the only one that borders a foreign country. The economy is based on government, tourism, mining, and fishing.
One of the interesting things about Juneau and Alaska is the effect on public life of... Read more
Juneau ("JOO-noh") is the capital of Alaska, located in the state's Southeastern region, with a population of about 30,000 and an area bigger than Rhode Island or Delaware. It has been the capital of Alaska since 1906 when the government of the then-Alaska Territory was moved from Sitka, Alaska would only become a state fifty three years later.
Juneau is on the North American mainland and yet cannot be reached by land. Effectively, the rugged mountains surrounding it make Juneau into an "island" city, reachable only by air or by sea. It is the only state capital that can not be reached by land from the state it serves. Moreover, Juneau is the largest US state capital in area and the only one that borders a foreign country. The economy is based on government, tourism, mining, and fishing.
One of the interesting things about Juneau and Alaska is the effect on public life of being such a geographically large state. The state legislature, for instance, takes telephone testimony during its committee hearings. They have a state-wide video conferencing system to facilitate government meetings and deliberations.
Downtown Juneau is compact and highly walkable, though above 4th Street it gets very hilly. The downtown streets are on a slanted grid, with Franklin, Seward, and Main Sts running parallel, and with Front, First, Second, Third, Fourth, etc. cutting across. The State Capitol is at Fourth and Main, City Hall is at the foot of Seward and Marine Way, and touristy grazing is along Franklin. Watch for the 20 historic signages that detail the fascinating history of Juneau.
The public Capital Transit provides daily bus service for downtown Juneau and vicinity. Route 3/4 serves the Mendenhall Valley but can get you no closer than about a mile to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.
Car rentals are available at the airport and are necessary if you wish to explore far on your own.
At the cruise ship docks, several bus services offer low-cost rides to the Mendenhall Glacier during the summer visitors season.
Taxis are an economical alternative. Taxi vans can carry up to 7 passengers and cost about the same as buses for 5 or more. Drivers who want to do tours can often be found in the taxi zones near the Mt. Roberts Tram or the Red Dog Saloon. Metered fares and charter rates are regulated by the city.
The most popular activities in Juneau for visitors are shopping, flight seeing, charter fishing, visiting the Mendenhall Glacier, and hiking. Be aware that Juneau is very spread out. It is broken into sections. There is "Downtownб" and "The Valley" (where the Mendenhall Glacier, Mendenhall Mall, a skate park, as well as most of the residential is located). The distance between the two is a good 15 minutes.
Of the cruise ship tour options, an air tour leaves the biggest impression—especially if the weather is clear. Behind Juneau lies the Juneau Icefield. Helicopter and floatplane tours are available. The most popular floatplane tour is with Wings Airways to the Taku Lodge. Most of the helicopter tours include a stop landing on the glacier. Trips are fairly expensive, but a remarkable experience that many consider well worth the price. Alternatively, get a group together and charter a small airplane tour. These will generally be less expensive (you pay by the hour) and allows you to customize your experience. Ward Air is highly regarded, but Wings of Alaska and other carriers offer charter flights.
Be sure to go for a hike while in Juneau. There are over 90 hiking trails in the area (many very steep). A few lead to rental cabins available from the US Forest Service or State of Alaska parks. If you want a guide, Gastineau Guiding offers guided hikes on many popular trails and combines some hikes with whale watching or kayaking.
By far the most popular with locals is The Alaskan Bar (South Franklin Street) to hang out with locals, listen to music (Thursday is open mic night) and drink an Alaskan (beer) with an Alaskan in the Alaskan. A bit rough looking but a great hangout.
Juneau, like many towns dominated by the cruise ship industry, is ripe with jewelry, t-shirt, and trinket shops. On busy cruise ship days, you can watch as thousands of cruisers in matching track outfits ply the shopping district to get trinkets for their grandchildren and jewelry for themselves.
There are a few locally owned stores that attract locals and tourists - look for a sign in shop windows that says "This store is owned by an Alaskan family."
LOCAL TIME
4:42 pm
January 27, 2021
America/Anchorage
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Juneau is the capital and the very heart of Alaska. It has a long and eventful story and lots of tourist attractions for nature, history, and active lifestyle lovers. The port of Juneau is extremely popular among the travelers exploring The Last Frontier. It’s not a surprise! You can check... |
Many people consider a cruise to Alaska to be unique and unforgettable, but we chose it for the mode of transportation itself, which is convenient and comfortable.
Honestly, though, it did not meet our expectations.
Here’re my impressions and recommendations for those who decide to take a week-... |
So, we continue. And now let's walk further…
A pleasant local fellow accompanying us in taiga tells about the herbs growing in
Alaska
.
The aviation part of our trip begins. We got quite far, Hoonah is situated 31 miles (50 kilometers) from
Juneau
and is separated from... |
I think everyone knows the fact that the largest city in
Alaska
and its main business center is
Anchorage
. But the fact that an administrative center of the state is a small town of
Juneau
with the population of only 31 thousand people is not well-known.... |
In
Juneau Alaska,
a huge humpback whale completely jumped out of the water just in front of my boat. Jumped so close that it didn't get in the lens of my telephoto. It all happened in 2 seconds. I heard a gasp and scream of standing nearby passengers, managed to turn... |