Sitka Sound Science Center
Sage Memorial Building, 834 Lincoln St., Sitka, Alaska
Located on land near the waters of Alaska’s Sitka Sound, with mountain slopes as a backdrop, the Sitka Sound Science Center is as incredible inside as it looks from the outside. Its aquarium is full of must-see exhibits, such as an 800-gallon tank with Alaskan sea life and an on-site salmon hatchery. The center is housed in a historic building.
A self-guided visit to the Sitka Sound Science Center will carve about an hour or so out of your day. It’s best to explore at your own pace to get the most out of your visit. You'll see its main aquarium exhibits, like the interactive Salmon Bubble that gives you a salmon-eye’s view, a killer whale skeleton, touch-pool tanks, and mini setups of Southeast Alaska ecosystems. Plus, the center is home to the Sheldon Jackson Hatchery.
Book a behind-the-scenes tour on the center's website for an insider’s look at research and the hatchery's inner workings.
Visit the center’s retail shop in the historic Mill Building next door to buy eco-friendly items, Alaska-made products, and branded swag.
After your visit, grab a bite at Ludvig’s Chowder Cart and take your food to a spot overlooking the Sitka Sound for amazing views.
The science center is great for families—kids enjoy the sizeable hanging killer whale skeleton and aquarium touch pools.
Many people head to the Sitka Sound Science Center from their cruise ship by taking a shore excursion or boarding the free 12-minute shuttle service from the port terminal to downtown. From downtown Sitka, it’s about a 15-minute walk. You can also take a taxi, book a bike rental, or look into the RIDE public bus service routes.
Because the Sitka Sound Science Center closes earlier than the other popular Sitka attractions, it’s best to visit the science center first and then head to different places afterward. The center opens in the morning and closes by midafternoon. If you want to experience the annual 3-day Sitka Whalefest, you’ll want to plan a visit in the first week of November.
Don’t let the Sitka Sound Science Center's small size fool you—big things are happening for kids in STEM at the center. For children 8 and up, book the Aquarist 101 tour through the center to spend some time with a biologist. Kids learn various activities, such as practicing key scientific observation skills, preparing and feeding animals safely, assisting with animal healthcare needs, or doing other fun things.
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