Lush and verdant Kodiak Island lives up to its nickname of "Alaska's Emerald Isle." The island is home to an abundance of green vegetation: Sitka spruce, alder, birch and cottonwood trees, topped off with a variety of wildflowers and grasses.
One can find a profusion of wildlife dwelling amongst all this greenery, such as the Kodiak brown bear, Sitka black-tailed deer, mountain goats, elk, reindeer and many other smaller creatures. The waters off Kodiak teem with marine wildlife, such as whales, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, salmon and halibut.
Kodiak Island is part of the Kodiak Archipelago, a large group of islands about 30 miles from the Alaska Peninsula and 158 miles across the Gulf of Alaska from Homer. At 3,588 square miles, Kodiak is the largest island in the group and the second largest island in the United States. Only the Big Island of Hawaii is larger.
The main population lives in the city of Kodiak, at the northeastern tip of the island, accessible via ferry or airplane. The city serves as the major supply and transportation hub for the archipelago's six towns, five of which are located on Kodiak Island, with one on Spruce Island, as well as the point of embarkation for tours and lodges catering to visitors in search of up close and personal encounters with the region's famous bruins.
KODIAK ATTRACTIONS
An archaeological repository for more than 250,000 items related to the culture and history of the Alutiiq people, the Alutiiq Museum seeks to preserve the cultural traditions of the Alutiiq people and promote the cultural legacy of all the indigenous societies of the Alaskan Gulf coast. This museum is the ideal place to explore the rich Native culture and traditions of Kodiak and the surrounding area.
WHERE: 215 Mission Rd.
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tues.-Fri.; 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sat.
PHONE: 907-486-7004
Housed in the oldest building in the state of Alaska and the earliest documented log structure on the west coast, the Baranov Museum has several distinctive collections. Included is a collection of Alutiiq and Aleut ceremonial and daily life objects from the 18th and 19th centuries, artifacts of Russian and early American eras in Alaska and an assembly of Alaskan art.
WHERE: 101 Marine Way
WHEN: Summer hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; Winter hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tues.-Sat.
PHONE: 907-486-5920
Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park
Fort Abercrombie was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and the park was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1985. It contains the ruins of a World War II coastal defense installation.
WHERE: To reach the park from the ferry dock, go west on Center Street and make a right onto Rezanof Drive. Follow Rezanof for 3.7 miles, then turn right onto Abercrombie Drive, which leads to the park. If starting from the Kodiak State Airport, make a right onto Rezanof Drive and follow the road for 8.5 miles, then turn right onto Abercrombie Drive..
WHEN: Year-round
PHONE: 907-486-6339
Kodiak Island has six state parks that offer recreational opportunities including hunting, fishing, hiking and canoeing. Besides Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park, Buskin River State Recreation Site and Pasagshak River State Recreation Site are on the Kodiak road system. The other three – Shuyak Island State Park, Afognak Island State Park and Woody Island State Recreation Site – are only accessible by boat or float plane.
WHERE: Various locations around Kodiak Island
WHEN: Year-round
PHONE: 907-486-6339
Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge
This refuge is approximately 1.9 million acres, covers about two-thirds of Kodiak Island, and is home to more than 250 species of fish, birds and mammals. The Kodiak National Wildlife Visitors Center offers information, maps and public talks on Kodiak's wildlife and ecosystems.
WHERE: Visitors Center, 402 Center St.
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tues.-Sat.
PHONE: 907-487-2626
Learn about the rich history of Alaska's commercial fishing industry and its maritime history. Call in advance for tours of the Kodiak Harbor.
WHERE: Kodiak Harbor
WHEN: Year-round
PHONE: 907-486-0384
Kodiak Visitor Information Center
The staff can help with information, maps and brochures for visiting Kodiak and other parts of Alaska.
WHERE: 100 Marine Way at the Ferry Terminal
WHEN: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.
PHONE: 907-486-4782 or 800-789-4782
KODIAK EVENTS
Chocolate Lovers Fling and Art Auction
Music, wine and lots of chocolate: what more could anyone ask for? The Chocolate Lovers Fling includes a competition for chocolate craftsmen who would like to enter their wares. There are three categories: General Public, Professional and Chocolate as Art.
WHERE: Kodiak Harbor Convention Center
WHEN: May 26
PHONE: 907-486-4782
This Memorial Day weekend festival celebrates the harvest of the sea. Activities include a parade, concerts, a sourdough pancake breakfast, an art show, carnival rides and races. There is also a Fishermen's Memorial Service and a Blessing of the Fleet.
WHERE: Various Kodiak locations
WHEN: May 22-26
PHONE: 907-486-5557
Calling all cowboys and cowgirls: this is the place you want to be! Animals, exhibits, food and fun.
WHERE: Kodiak Fairgrounds
WHEN: Labor Day Weekend; 12 p.m.-6 p.m.
PHONE: 907-487-4440
St. Herman came to Alaska in 1794, and each year during August, hundreds of people travel to Kodiak to honor his life and canonization by making a pilgrimage to his home on Spruce Island. Special services are held at the Holy Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral in town, as well as at Monk's Lagoon on Spruce Island.
WHERE: Kodiak and Monk's Lagoon
WHEN: August 7-9
This information appeared in the 2015 Alaska Dispatch News Visitors' Guide to Alaska. Contact special sections editor Jamie Gonzales at jgonzales@alaskadispatch.com.