VISITOR & CULTURAL BEST PRACTICES
RESPECTFUL TRAVEL
A FEW THINGS TO KNOW WHILE YOU’RE HERE.
Remember that while you're on vacation, you're also visiting someone's hometown.
Wrangell's cultural sites, streets, harbors, beaches and trails aren't separate from community life. People use these places every day, and a few simple courtesies help keep them enjoyable for everyone.
KNOW OUR CULTURE — CULTURAL BEST PRACTICES
01
RESPECTFUL CULTURE &
CULTURAL SPACES
Tlingit culture in Wrangell is living and active. Chief Shakes Tribal House, totem poles, carvings and other cultural places deserve thoughtful engagement.
Enjoy cultural objects without touching, climbing or leaning on them.
Ask before photographing artists, people, works in progress or cultural activities.
Follow posted signs, hours and guidance.
Some stories, designs and cultural knowledge belong to specific clans and families and aren't necessarily intended for public interpretation.
Support Native artists and guided cultural experiences when you can.
02
TAKE CARE AT
PETROGLYPH BEACH
Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site contains the highest concentration of known petroglyphs in Southeast Alaska. The original carvings are protected cultural resources.
Check the tide before heading over; more of the beach is exposed at low tide.
Never trace, chalk, scrape, clean or alter a petroglyph.
Use the replicas on the viewing deck for rubbings.
Avoid stepping on carvings.
Leave rocks where you find them.
Respect neighboring private property.
Watch your footing as the tide changes.
WRANGELL WAYS — VISITOR BEST PRACTICES
03
REMEMBER,
IT’S A WORKING TOWN
Wrangell's waterfront is busy for a reason.
Give fishing boats and marine crews room to work.
Don't enter vessels, work yards or restricted docks without permission.
Keep docks, roads, sidewalks and entrances clear.
Respect private property.
Shop and eat locally when you can.
Be patient with seasonal hours and small staffs.
If someone is moving fishing gear across the dock, let them go first. They're probably on more of a schedule than you are.
04
KEEP WILDLIFE WILD
Bear and wildlife viewing is part of many Wrangell trips, particularly at Anan Wildlife Observatory. Keep it good for the animals, too.
Never feed or approach wildlife.
Give bears and other animals plenty of space.
Use binoculars or a zoom lens instead of getting closer.
Follow guide and Forest Service instructions at Anan.
Secure food, fish waste and garbage.
Stay on established trails and pack out what you bring.
05
BE READY FOR
SOUTHEAST ALASKA
Weather changes quickly. So do tides and marine conditions. Cell service gets pretty thin once you leave town.
Check conditions before heading out, bring layers and rain gear, carry what you need for the day and wear a life jacket when you're on the water.
And pack the rain jacket even when the forecast looks promising.
TRAVEL WITH RESPECT.
EPXERIENCE MORE.
Every visitor leaves a footprint.
Leave yours by supporting local businesses, respecting Tlingit culture, protecting wildlife, and caring for the places that make Wrangell extraordinary.
PLAN AROUND IT.
Pick a season, then figure out how to get here and where to stay.