Official Language:
English
|
Currency:
USD
|
Population:
Approximately 6,365 people call Kodiak home
|
Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Kodiak Alaska: The climate of the Kodiak Islands has a strong marine influence. There is little or no freezing weather, moderate precipitation, occasional high winds, and frequent cloud cover and fog. Severe storms are common from December through February. Annual rainfall is 67 inches, and snowfall averages 78 inches. January temperatures range from 14-46°F/(-10/8°C), July temperatures vary from 39-76°F/4-24°C.
|
|
|
|
Kodiak Alaska, the second largest island in the United States, and one of the top five commercial fishing ports in the United States is also the place where the first European settlers were Russian explorers. They arrived in 1763, approximately 7,500 years after the Alutiiq Native Indians. Kodiak, today is the largest town on Kodiak Island, and the fifth largest city in Alaska. The scenery is what attracts visitors to Kodiak. Located on the Gulf of Alaska and just over 250 air miles from Anchorage, this is a natural landscape of the great Alaskan wilderness. Kodiak Island is 100 miles (160 km) long and 10 to 60 miles (16/96 km) wide.
Kodiak is known as the "Emerald Isle" for its deep, pristine forests. The wildlife in Kodiak is unmatched. The National Wildlife Refuge offers visitors a chance to see Kodiak bears, moose, fox, sea lions and puffins. Famous for huge Kodiak brown bears, world-class sport fishing, Kodiak is one of the largest commercial fishing ports in the nation. This colorful fishing port of Kodiak lies on the Chiniak Bay and on the northeastern coast of Kodiak Island.
The colonization began with the Russian during in the mid-1700s. Kodiak became the first capital of Russian America. Kodiak became a major fur-trading center for many years. During World War II Kodiak became a major staging area for North Pacific operations. Kodiak focused on the fishing industry after the war. However, on March 27, 1964, a massive earthquake shook Southcentral Alaska. Though little damage was done to the islands, it triggered a series of tsunamis, which all but destroyed Kodiak's waterfront and central businesses.
|
|
Attractions |
 |
 |
Archaeological Dig:
One of Kodiak's most unusual tourist opportunities is the chance to take part in an archaeological dig. Dig Afognak (907/486-6014) places you at a working field camp in weeklong sessions. No experience is necessary, and the work includes breaks for fishing, exploring, and informal learning sessions. Dormitory-style tents, family-style meals, and friendly hosts give Dig Afognak the aura of a summer camp for grown-ups. Day trips are also possible, depending on availability.
The Baranof Museum
101 Marine Way; 907/486-5920
The fascinating Baranof Museum is located in one of the oldest remaining Russian buildings in Alaska. The museum is friendly, homey, and packed with history. Its collections span Alutiiq prehistory, Russian occupation, and World War II. The gift shop offers some Native artwork, but is best known for Russian lacquerware, icons, and samovars, as well as books.
Alutiiq Museum
215 Mission Rd; 907/486-7004
The Alutiiq Museum and Archaeological Repository focuses on the seagoing Alutiiq people and their more than 7,500 years in the Kodiak region. The museum often hosts visiting exhibits that highlight the culture of other Alaska Natives. Its small gift shop features artwork, jewelry, and books.
Hiking
Kodiak Island Convention and Visitors Bureau, 100 Marine Wy; 907/486-4782
The mountains on Kodiak lie fairly low compared to others in Alaska. Barometer Mountain, a three-sided peak, stands only 2,488 feet high, while the island's tallest mountains barely exceed 4,000 feet. (Barometer Mountain is so named because you can tell if the weather is getting worse or better by watching the cloud ceiling move along Barometer's sides.) The peaks of Kodiak's mountains are easily climbed in an afternoon. On a warm day, hikers can be spotted against the bare, grassy mountainside making their way to the top for a view of the Pacific or the mainland's snowcapped peaks across Shelikof Strait.
|
|
More Information |
|
|
|
|
|
