Ketchikan, Alaska - A City Built by a Man Named Snow and Surrounded by It

When my Celebrity cruise docked at Ketchikan, Alaska, I couldn't wait to go ashore. Known world wide for it's famous bordello district built as it is on pylons sunk into the dockside and forming a boardwalk, today visitors can get a real feel for the past by visiting Dolly's house.

The sign outside Dolly's says "If you can't find your husband - he's in here." Here you can re-live the infamous days of Creek St.

For over 53 years it was here that the Honky Tonk Piano entertained the miners and prospectors, loggers and fishermen, who gathered to wash away their cares with liquor that flowed endlessly from the willing hands of the ladies who's sole purpose in life was to bring a well earned break from their rugged lifestyle, and to relieve them of their hard earned gold!

I was surprised how little pre publicity this unique area got from the cruise literature and tourist publicity.

For this traveler it was undoubtedly the high point of Ketchikan. Dolly's houses an amazing collection of memorabilia of this Madam who ran the 'house' for over 50 years.

Her clients would arrive by boat and sail beneath the pillars to enter the 'house' from below.

But Creek St. is more than Dolly's!

Ketchikan is known for its collection of artisans, and crafts. Nowhere will you find a more fascinating display of their work than in the shops that extend the length of the boardwalk. Ketchikan Creek runs through the town and under the boardwalk. I took some of my favorite pictures of the Creek as it enters the Boardwalk at the Salmon viewing point. Ketchikan is also known as the Salmon capitol of the world.

For most visitors it is the unique and massive array of totem poles that stand out. As the city is surrounded by forests of cedar, hemlock and spruce there are impressive displays at Saxman Village, Totem Bight State Historical Park and the Totem Heritage Center.

There is no end to the activities the visitor can enjoy in Alaska's second largest city. Fishing, boating and hunting are all favorites at this major port on the Alaskan Marine Highway.

One word of caution; Ketchikan is the rainiest city with an annual average of 160 inches of "liquid sunshine". It was raining when we arrived but by midday the sun came through and we had a great time.

Enjoy.

Dr. Peter J. Shield PhD (http://pjshield.com )