Things to Do in Petersburg

Although there are numerous streets through town, there is basically one main road that runs around the island. It goes by several names; Sandy Beach - north of town, Nordic Drive - through the center of town, and Mitkof Highway - south of town.
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North of Town
Sandy Beach Road

Berry Picking - Ask about the best places to go.

Eagles Roost Park - at the intersection of N. Nordic Dr. and North First St. View eagles perching among the trees and fishing in nearby waters.

Hungry Point Trail - leads from the baseball field to Hungry Point.

Sandy Beach Recreation Area - 3 miles north of town. Lovely picnic and play areas, sand volleyball courts, and restrooms. Explore the rocky beach filled with barnacles, muscles and look for petroglyphs and ancient Tlingit fish traps.

Frederick Sound - Viewed from Sandy Beach Road. Prime humpback whale watching area. One of the best places in the world to observe bubble net feeding behavior.

In Town
Nordic Drive


Art Galleries and Souvenir Shopping - along "Main Street" of Nordic Drive.

Harbor - Visitors can stroll along the docks. Sea Lions and birds are attracted to the area.

Visitor Center - 1st and Fram St. 907-772-3646 / www.petersburg.org

Clausen Memorial Museum - 203 Fram St. Open May 1 - Sept. 15. Tlingit Indian and Norwegian heritage in Petersburg. Commercial fishing and cannery exhibits. See the world's largest king salmon. 126.5 pounds!

Sons of Norway Hall - A historic barn-like structure with rosemal accents. Hosts our Fisherman's Memorial Park.

Hammer's Slough - A plank street with weathered wooden buildings perched over a tidal creek. A favorite spot for painters and photographers.

South of Town
Mitkof Highway


Mitkof Highway runs 30+ miles south of Petersburg. The wide road is not paved, but kept in excellent condition. It is an excellent location for a leisurely drive, walk, run or bike ride.

Wrangell Narrows - viewed from MitkofHighway. Expansive vistas showing Mitkof and Kupreanof Islands.

Three Lakes Recreation Area - Access Three Lakes Loop Road at 10.75 miles on Mitkof Highway. Loop is 21 miles. Picnic, fish, swim, hike, rockhound & photography opportunities.

Blind River Rapids Boardwalk Trail - 14 miles from town. A 3/4 mile loop trail that is wheel chair accessible. Locals ice skate on the frozen creek in winter. Lovely picnic spot and excellent bird and animal viewing. Interesting geography and close up views of Jack Pines.

Swan Observatory - 16 miles south of town. A deck surrounded by trees opens to the swan viewing area. Mid October - early December is the peak time. Between 50 - 70 swans are year round residents. Bear and salmon can be seen during the summer months.

Crystal Lake Fish Hatchery - 18 miles from Petersburg. A good picnic and bird watching area. Open between 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Manmade Hole Nature Trail - 20 miles from town. Level trail and swimming area.

Ohmer Creek Campground / Nature Trail - 22 miles from Petersburg. Campground and day use picnic area. The trail is wheel chair accessible for the first 1/4 mile. Ohmer creek is a favorite trout and salmon fishing spot. The trail provides fisherman access to the creek and nearby ponds.

Water Activities

Charter fishing & whale watching - check with boat captians about current fishing and whale watching conditions.

Le Conte Glacier - About 25 miles water miles from Petersburg. Southernmost tidewater glacier. See and hear large, deep blue ice bergs as they drift in the tidal waters. Upon reaching the glacier, 'calving' may be observed. Huge slabs of ice tumble from the face of the glacier into the water - then shoot up from below. An unforgettable experience.

Stikine River - A popular recreation and wilderness area. Prime salmon fishing, bear watching and eagle viewing around May/June (Check with U.S. Forest Service for current conditions.) Hot springs accessible in summer months. The tiny town of Wrangell is also nearby.