Juneau, Alaska is a popular tourist destination with plenty of well-known attractions, but there are also many hidden gems to be found. Here are eight hidden places to visit in Juneau in July 2024:
July is a great time to visit Juneau because the weather is mild and the days are long. The average temperature in July is 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and the sun shines for about 18 hours per day. This makes it the perfect time to explore Juneau’s many outdoor attractions.
Here are 8 less well-known places that you might like to explore:
1. The Shrine of St. Therese
The Shrine of St. Therese is a small, wooden chapel that was built in 1926. This historic building overlooks Gastineau Channel from atop a bluff, and there are breathtaking views from the surrounding gardens.
The shrine is open to visitors from May through September, and there is no admission fee. Visitors can explore the chapel and the grounds, and there is also a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs.
2. The Treadwell Gold Mine
The Treadwell Gold Mine is a former gold mine that is now a popular tourist destination. The mine was operational for over 100 years, and was once one of the largest gold mines in the world. Juneau, Alaska is nicknamed “The Last Frontier”, it was the largest-producing gold mining district in North America.
Visitors can take a tour of the mine, and see the various mining equipment that was used. There is also a museum that tells the history of the mine, and a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs. Many displays highlight the hardships of the miners. Gold was found here in 1880 and miners rushed to the area. The Treadwell mines were the largest employer in Juneau until they closed in 1922.
3. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
The Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Juneau, and the visitor center provides an excellent way to learn about the glacier and its surroundings. The center has exhibits on the glacier’s history, geology, and ecology, and there is also a film about the glacier. The pups coming off the glacier are very active, and one can watch them from the visitor’s center.
Visitors can also take a guided walk to the glacier, or take a boat tour of the glacier lake. The visitor center is open year-round, and there is an admission fee for the guided walks and boat tours.
4. The Alaska State Capitol
The Alaska State Capitol is a beautiful building that is home to the state government. The capitol is located in downtown Juneau, and it is open to the public for tours. Visitors can see the governor’s office, the state legislature, and the supreme court.
The capitol is also home to a museum that tells the history of Alaska, and there is a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs. The large, hand-painted murals highlight the history of Alaska.
5. The Juneau-Douglas City Museum
The Juneau-Douglas City Museum is a local history museum that tells the story of Juneau and Douglas Island. The museum has exhibits on the area’s Native American history, its mining history, and its present-day culture. The exhibits include many items from the Treadwell Mine. This is a great place to visit to get a feel for the history of Juneau and its people.
The museum is open year-round, and there is an admission fee. The museum has been in existence for over 100 years. It was formally founded in 1977.
6. The Macaulay Salmon Hatchery
The Macaulay Salmon Hatchery is a salmon hatchery that is located on the outskirts of Juneau. The hatchery raises Chinook, Coho, and Pink salmon, and visitors can learn about the salmon life cycle and see the salmon up close. Located about fifteen miles north of Juneau, the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery releases more than three million fry each year.
The hatchery is open to the public for tours, and there is no admission fee. Visitors can see the salmon eggs, the fry, and the adult salmon. The hatchery also has a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs.
7. The Eaglecrest Ski Area
The Eaglecrest Ski Area is a ski resort that is located on the outskirts of Juneau. The ski area has 28 trails, and it offers a variety of skiing and snowboarding opportunities. This family-friendly resort, located on Douglas Island just minutes from downtown Juneau, offers something for everyone. There are trails for all abilities, plus a terrain park, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and more.
The ski area is open from November to April, and there is a day lodge with a restaurant and a bar. Visitors can also rent skis and snowboards at the ski area.
8. The Mount Roberts Tramway
The Mount Roberts Tramway is a cable car that takes visitors to the top of Mount Roberts. The tramway is located in downtown Juneau, and it offers stunning views of the city, the surrounding mountains, and the Gastineau Channel. You may drive, or the tram can be reached via a short shuttle ride from the cruise ship docks.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the tramway, or they can simply ride the tramway to the top of the mountain. There is a restaurant and a gift shop at the top of the mountain, and there are also several hiking trails. The tramway is open year-round, and there is an admission fee for the guided tour and the tram ride.
These are just a few of the many hidden gems that Juneau has to offer tourists. Be sure to explore these places when you visit Juneau in July 2024.
Culture
The culture of Juneau is a mix of Native American, Russian, and American influences. The city is home to many Native American tribes, and there are many cultural events and festivals that celebrate Native American culture. Juneau is Alaska’s most populous city and is the state capital. It offers world-class entertainment, arts, and outdoor recreation.
Juneau was founded in 1880 as a gold mining camp, and the city’s history is still evident in its architecture and culture. The city is home to many historical buildings, and there are many museums that tell the story of Juneau’s past. Juneau is known for beautiful coastal scenery, abundant wildlife, and rich mining history. It is a friendly, welcoming city with a vibrant and diverse culture.
Best Months to Visit
The best months to visit Juneau are May through September. The weather is mild during these months, and the days are long. This makes it the perfect time to explore Juneau’s many outdoor attractions. The average temperature in Juneau in July is 55 degrees Fahrenheit, with highs in the mid-60s and lows in the mid-40s. Rainfall is common in Juneau, so be sure to pack a raincoat or umbrella.
Juneau is a popular tourist destination, so it is important to book your accommodations in advance. There are a variety of hotels and motels to choose from, and there are also several campgrounds in the area.
Nearby Transportation
Juneau is accessible by air and by sea. The Juneau International Airport is located about 10 miles from the city center, and there are several airlines that offer flights to Juneau. Juneau is also a popular cruise ship destination, and there are several cruise lines that offer cruises to Juneau. Once you are in Juneau, you can get around the city by bus, by taxi, or by rental car.
The Juneau Bus Line provides public transportation within the city, and there are several taxi companies that operate in Juneau. Rental cars are also available at the airport and at several locations in the city.
Local Food
Juneau has a variety of restaurants that offer a wide range of cuisines. There are many seafood restaurants in Juneau, and you can also find restaurants that serve American, Italian, Mexican, and Asian cuisine. Juneau has several breweries, and you can also find several bars and nightclubs in the city.
Some of the most popular local dishes in Juneau include:
- Halibut
- Salmon
- Crab
- Shrimp
- Moose
- Reindeer
