Petersburg
Petersburg is located across Frederick Sound from a spectacular glaciated wall of alpine peaks, including the distinctive Devil's Thumb, that form a jagged snowcapped skyline. This 3,000-person community is centered on its busy and scenic waterfront, which is lined with wharfs, working boats, and weathered boathouses, while tidy homes and businesses line the quiet streets, many of which are decorated with distinctive flowery Norwegian rosemaling.
Sing Lee Alley, a picturesque street built on pilings over Hammer Slough, is the heart and soul of old Petersburg. The Sons of Norway Hall, a large white and red structure with colorful rosemaling, was constructed in 1912 and is a National Historic Site. The social hall is still the heart of Petersburg's Norwegian culture. During the summer, visitors can enjoy Norwegian pastries and watch Norwegian dancers. Photographers who want to capture Petersburg's colorful waterfront will enjoy Hammer Slough and Sing Lee Alley. Sing Lee Alley is home to the Bojer Wikan Fishermen's Memorial Park. The memorial, which is built on pilings over Hammer Slough, features a nine-foot bronze sculpture of local fisherman Bojer Wikan and honors all of his fellow crewmembers who died at sea. The Valhalla, a replica of a Viking ship built in 1976 and purchased by Petersburg two years later, is also on display.
LeConte Glacier is Alaska's southernmost tidewater glacier and is only 20 miles from Petersburg by boat. Icebergs that have called off LeConte can often be seen from the Petersburg shoreline floating into Frederick Sound. Flightseeing, kayaking, and day-long charter boat cruises, some of which include whale watching in Frederick Sound, are some of the ways to experience the glacier from Petersburg. Eagle's Roost Park, a small park with a picnic table and benches, is a short walk from downtown Petersburg. The Narrows Viewing Platform, an excellent place to view eagles roosting in trees or feeding in Wrangell Narrows, is its most popular attraction. You can also follow a trail down to the beach to explore tide pools at low tide.
