Ketchikan, Alaska 2025
**Population:**
* Estimated population: 8,290 (2022)
**Culture:**
* Ketchikan is known as the "Salmon Capital of the World" due to its abundant salmon fishing industry.
* Strong Native American influence, with many Tlingit and Haida art galleries and totem poles.
* Rich fishing and logging heritage, reflected in its museums and attractions.
**Special Events:**
* Ketchikan Salmon Derby (July): World's largest salmon fishing derby.
* Totem Heritage Center (May-September): Cultural festival featuring Native American dance, art, and storytelling.
* Ketchikan International Film Festival (August): Showcases independent films from around the world.
**Local Attractions:**
* Tongass Historical Museum: Exhibits on Ketchikan's history and culture.
* Totem Bight State Historical Park: Collection of 16 totem poles from various Native American tribes.
* Misty Fjords National Monument: Stunning fjord landscape with towering mountains and waterfalls.
* Ketchikan Creek Hatchery: Observe salmon spawning and learn about the local fishing industry.
**Food:**
* Fresh seafood, including salmon, halibut, and crab.
* Local breweries and distilleries.
* Alaskan cuisine, such as reindeer sausage and smoked salmon.
**People:**
* Friendly and welcoming community with a strong sense of pride.
* Many residents have Native American, Scandinavian, or Russian heritage.
* Known for their outdoor lifestyle and love of fishing and hunting.
**History:**
* Originally inhabited by Tlingit and Haida tribes.
* Established as a fishing village in the late 1800s.
* Became a major salmon canning center during the early 20th century.
* Played a role in World War II as a naval base.
**Other Notable Information:**
* Located on the southern tip of the Alaska Panhandle, surrounded by mountains and fjords.
* Accessible by ferry, cruise ship, or airplane.
* Known for its rainy climate, with an average of 156 inches of precipitation annually.
* Has a vibrant arts scene, with many galleries, studios, and performance spaces.