Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, Alaska, United States
4.5 (271 reviews) Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Ranking #5 in Ketchikan Visitor Centers • Natural History Museums • History Museums
Surprisingly good!
The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is the gateway to the Tongass National Forest. Located just one block from the cruise ship docks in downtown Ketchikan, you can explore the amazing ecology of the coastal rainforest, connect with the rich cultures of the region's native peoples, discover how people earn a living from the forest, enjoy Junior Ranger activities with your kids and experience Alaska's rainforest from the comfort of our theatre through a variety of award-winning films. Wi-fi access is included with admission, and kids can play the Agents of Discovery augmented-reality game in the museum to sleuth out the truth about the Tongass
Address
50 Main St, Ketchikan, AK 99901-6559
Mobile
Website
http://alaskacenters.gov/ketchikan.cfm
Working hours
Monday : 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday : 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday : 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday : 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday : 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday : 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday : 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Current local date and time now
Friday, May 10, 2024, 4:45
User Ratings
4.5 based on (271 reviews)
Reviews
-
5travelNReviewer 5:00 PM Jun 7, 2015
If you only see one thing in Ketchikan, this is a must
We have been coming to Ketchikan for many years as part of the typical cruise ship itinerary. This "discovery center", which is far more than a museum, is located right adjacent to the southern end of the cruise ship docs in the heart of Ketchikan. It used to be free, which is amazing, but due to federal budget cuts, the Forest Service has been told they have to cover their operating costs, so now they charge a paltry $5.00, which is a great deal for what you get. The building is huge, and I do mean huge. They have a dedicated high def theater showing emmy award winning movies. One emmy winning film was on the loss of the native languages, and practically brought tears to my eyes as it was so well done with amazing soundtracks and cinematography. There is an entire walking tour diorama of native plants and trees that seems to go on and on. Upstairs are cultural exhibits, information about the logging and fishing industries, maritime exhibits, the gold rush of the region, and revolving exhibitions (one that just ended was on hummingbirds) and the new one is a local photography show. Just stunning work. The mostly volunteer staff is very friendly and well informed. The interior of the modern building is beautifully designed with wood work and lots of natural light. As you can see from this review, you will be glad you visited, and as mentioned, be sure to see at least two of the three movies usually running (no extra charge for anything once you get inside). The theater is not only high def, but will terrific surround sound experience. Don't miss this, because if funding cuts somehow cause it to close, it will be a tragedy. You can get a hand stamp and come and go as you please all day.
-
5AZWhiteEagle 5:00 PM Aug 30, 2012
Spend some time here!
Great place to visit. Have a very good movie and terrific displays of natural settings with wildlife and trees and fauna well identified. Have an interesting camera on the creek so you can see salmon spawning if they are present. Easy stop on the free shuttle heading out of town, but hard to get to on the free shuttle if heading for the cruise ships as the stop is a long walk so just go back to the stop a block away, the one on the way out of town and ride the free shuttle around. Worth the effort. If your a senior with the National Park Pass it will get you in free. Good place to take interested kids.
