The Alaska Juneau Gold Mining Company operated on this site from 1912 until 1944, and the location truly looks like an old mine with uneven ground, rusting buildings, and old equipment decaying quietly in the trees. As of March 2022, masks are required to wear a mask indoors. Youll see more than 100 Christmas trees float on Lake Meone and light up to music. One of the most popular things to do at Mendenhall Glacier is hiking the easy Nugget Falls trail. $2, free/ages 2 and under. By roxannea872. However, you can still visit, see the glacier, and explore the trails on other days. Meet Father Christmas in the Country Store, get elbow-deep in hands-on crafts, listen to live music and browse holiday treats, drinks, artisan works, books, old-fashioned candy and more. The glacier looks beautiful covered with snow. Get my 57-page ebook for just $9.99! All ages are invited to learn about mastodons, saber tooth cats and other Ice Age creatures through demos, crafts and other activities throughout the museum. On weekends, hop on the Christmas Express and chat with the big man himself. Stop by the craft show on Dec. 7-8 and 14-15. If youre looking for an easy day trip, this is it. One recommended tour, the Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching excursion, features a 3.5-hour narrated journey on a boat with outdoor decks and a heated cabin. Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson The most intimate multi-day cruise option. Bartlett Cove is only accessible by plane or boat, with most visitors landing in the nearby Gustavus via plane or ferry. Address: 395 Whittier Street, Juneau, Alaska. Are you more of an easy hike kind of person, like me? They offer open skates during the winter, as well as special times for family skates. Many of Alaska's famous attractions and visitor facilities are shuttered, but you can find plenty of lodges and bed and breakfasts operating on winter schedules. Located right in the middle of the village and in walking distance from the ship, this is a must-do if you have any spare time during your stop in Juneau. The Juneau Douglas Ice Association also offers hockey for kids. Read more. Our Outdoor Adventure Resource Guide is 15 pages chock-full of quick & actionable tips, gear recommendations, food ideas, checklists to keep you organized, and more! Choo choo! $50-60. All are welcome to attend this festive concert and sing-along. The ski area is owned and operated by the city of Juneau, and locals and visitors hit the slopes within a twenty-minute drive from downtown. Angelina Ballerina The Very Merry Holiday Musical, Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts, Toms River $39-125. I will be at the Juneau Public Market at . After taking a family photo, open presents from the North Pole, head to cookie decorating or make snacks for reindeer (additional cost). , Your email address will not be published. Youre never too old to see Santa. The mix of historical and modern tourist attractions also includes a Russian Orthodox church (1894) and abandoned mines turned into museums. Winter - takw Get to know winter in Juneau, a destination that's always in season. Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. 9 and 11:30 am . Youre also likely to have this area entirely to yourself. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Best things to do in Juneau in the winter - Juneau Tours and Excursions - Juneau, AK City and Glacier Tour Juneau Best things to do in Juneau in the winter By Mollie Barnes March 7, 2019 No Comments Our favorite time in Juneau is the summer. Four generations of his family were raised in the building until 1980. We highly recommend wool or synthetic baselayers, fleece or down midlayers, and waterproof outerwear to keep you warm and dry on snowy or rainy days. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. Im also a not-so-secret space nerd and speak fluent emoji! $19.99/adults, $14.99/ages 3-12, free/ages 3 and under, for the Vernon Lights Festival, where theyll marvel at lantern displays, splurge at food trucks, listen to holiday music, watch performances and visit the creativity pavilion, $29.95/adults, $22.95/kids, free/ages 2 and under. Ages 6-10 can marvel at stars visible during the winter, then journey through the Milky Way with Santa Claus. In addition to the two hiking trails I already mentioned, there are several other trails. Have a season pass with a Powder Alliance resort? The wide outlet of Nugget Falls churns into a lake dotted with icebergs, and the tongue of the Mendenhall Glacier dips down to the water's edge. This 26-room home isn't open for public tours, but its grand status and stately columns are architecturally pleasing. Read on to discover the best things to do in Juneau more than you can fit into a single trip and get inspired for your own visit to the Alaskan capital. You can go to Mendenhall Glacier and the visitor center is open (weekdays only I believe) and is free in the winter. Brunch includes an all-you-can-eat, farm-to-table buffet and admission to the PYO fields and orchards. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. 2-5 day small ship explorations. The 23 Best Things to Do in Juneau (According to an Alaskan!) Times and prices vary. Travel Juneau uses cookies to improve our site and provide a better userexperience. We highly recommend making this stop, even if you only catch the rest of the views from the comfort and warmth of your vehicle. In 1902, Guy Messerschmidt, a German immigrant, founded the San Franciso Bakery. After you pass Auke Bay, continue following Glacier Highway soaking in the view of snow-capped peaks and stopping as you wish. There are plenty of switchbacks and some insanely epic views as you climb up above the treeline; be prepared to spend a whole day out on the trail if this one sounds good to you. Today the flume has been covered with treated wood, making this boardwalk trail perfect for all ages and abilities. All ages are invited to the Kean Stage for this uplifting performance of family and friendship set to classic holiday hits. You might find an open state park restroom, but that is about it. December 14. This is a great place to watch for bald eagles as well. Look past the strange cruise company shops and youll see buildings that date back to Juneaus origins as a turn-of-the-century town born around the Klondike Gold Rush. Alaskas capital city, the second-oldest city in the state (one day after Skagway! From the colorful port, to the busy capitol building, to the famous whale statue, this unique city has a surprise around every corner. Big ship or small ship? Which one is right for you? Curated by experts, vetted by in-the-know locals, this is all you need to have the best trip ever. Stick around to see NJs local militia, then visit the gift shop and taste a traditional Dutch Speculass cookie. This trail is 4.6 miles out-and-back and has about 1,350 feet in elevation change over its course. Juneau is also a good base to explore glacier-draped fjords, like Glacier Bay National Park and Tracy Arm; the wilderness of the Tongass National Forest; and other scenic beauties of the Panhandle. 10 am-2 pm Juneau Shore Excursion: Helicopter Tour and Guided Icefield Walk. This year, you can catch the shows Viennese music, ballroom dancers and witty conductor at the State Theatre in New Brunswick. Check out an authentic Jersey Dutch out kitchen and tour all three sandstone houses. Advance ticket purchase required. While you wont get the same sweeping views as the summit trails, there are some gorgeous valley views and some cool historic buildings and artifacts along the way. Outdoor Sports. Glacier Gardens is open seven days a week from May through the end of October. We love finding unique places to stay, and the Silverbow Inn did not disappoint. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. One of the best ways to see the glacier up close during the winter is walking across the lake. Even though winter is not the best time for whale watching (though you might get lucky in late winter), you can still check out a life-size whale sculpture made of bronze named Tahku. Sentinel Island Lighthouse Vacations. $5. your own after finding inspiration in the world gallery. Insider's guide to the Mount Roberts Tram, Our favorite time in Juneau is the summer. Ages 5 and up. Not extreme enough? Relive the film with a magical one-hour trip to the North Pole. Make the trip to Shady Brook Farm to experience more than 3 million lights strung into whimsical displays and familiar characters over two miles. One of the most commonly asked questions about visiting Mendenhall Glacier is about how to visit the ice caves. Get your free Outdoor Adventure Resource Guide, If youre considering visiting Juneau, Alaska, in Winter, you might be wondering, Is it worth it?. 9 am-4 pm For more intermediate and advanced riders, three more chairs (Hooter, Black Bear, and Ptarmigan) access blue, black, and double black trails. There are still plenty of things to do in Juneau. Ride the Tram or Go on a Hike. This annual shindig features a visit with Father Christmas and a seasonal tale told by a storyteller. Although Eaglecrest Ski Area is a smaller, independent resort, it is not lacking in big mountain terrain. On land, Bartlett Cove is the only area with developed hiking trails and designated campgrounds, as well as sea kayaks available for rent. Culinary. There is a pull-off on the side of the road where you can park, and a short dirt trail takes you down to the rocky shoreline of Sunset Cove. At 6.8 miles in length, this out-and-back hike has 3,415 feet in elevation change to reach the peak of Mount Juneau. Winter has some of the best waves for the serious surfers of Alaska. It's a small rate for admission to see all the indoor and outdoor exhibits, and an additional fee for an extended hatchery tour. Planning a trip to the capital of the Last Frontier? And no worries, youll be back home in time for the countdown. 4. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. Many people are surprised to learn that Juneau is the capital of Alaska, since its such a small town (home to about 33,000 people) and not accessible by road from the rest of the state (the only state capital like that!). Times vary. And the activities dont stop there. You'll climb 1,500 feet vertically in mere minutes. And as long as you have the right gear, youll be good to go. Want to know how to "do" Juneau? Multiple venues, Ocean City The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. We encourage you to follow all state and federal guidelines during your adventures and to double-check details prior to heading out. At the top of the tram, you can explore the large visitor center which houses a cafe, gift shop (with tons of cool Alaska souvenirs including many Alaska Native-made and Alaska-made goods), and a theater that shows a short film on Tlingit history and culture. $46-80/adults, $41-75/ages 2-11. If we've written a Bucket List, we recommend you go. The Hermitage, Ho-Ho-Kus Auke Bay Vacations. Discover New Jersey's Best December Events: Uncover The Month's Top seasonal attractions, popular events, and hidden gems The December Events calendar for 2022 is packed with exciting things to do in NJ. Skylands Stadium Christmas Light Show & Village, Skylands Stadium, Augusta and holidays, including the Lohri Festival, St. Lucia Day, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Christmas. March 2022. Go Whale Watching Whale watching is not to be confused with watching Wales. Roberts Tram. This concert has been a longtime staple on NYE. If you love deep, dark winter punctuated by the dazzle of holiday activities, December is an exhilarating time to visit Alaska. Included with admission, free/ages 18 and under. Angelina Ballerina and her friends are performing in a holiday pageant and must use their creativity when plans go awry. Join the Adventure! Address: 490 South Franklin Street, Juneau, Alaska. Gold Rush and mining memorabilia represent American history throughout the region, and various tools, weapons, and documents shed light on the Russian colonial era of Alaska. The mine operated from 1881 to 1922 and extracted over 3 million ounces of gold, though production declined over the decades and structural instability rendered parts of the mine lost or useless before they were fully spent. Glenwood Lake Art Park, Vernon Twp. Pair this with the opportunity to see tons of glaciers, and youll probably tick off two items on your Alaska bucket list with one activity! What's the Secret to Catching Salmon in Alaska. In fact, the last two weeks of December often feel like one continuous festival. My friend Nicki has a good guide on hiking to the Mendenhall ice caves and I strongly recommend checking with the rangers at the visitor center before setting out, so you know what conditions to expect. Free self-guided tours and brochures are available to the public during normal operating hours. Whats normally a several mile hike around the lake during the summer turns into a short mile-long walk across the frozen water to get up close and personal with Juneaus shining icon. Bring winter clothing that allows you to dress in layers. Best New Jersey Lawyers for Families 2023, Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts in Toms River. 11 am-4 pm Wander through Historic Downtown Juneau, guide on hiking to the Mendenhall ice caves. There is a designated Ice Cave Trail that runs some 6.1 miles out-and-back, but again, theres no guarantee of ice caves there when you reach the far end. 535 N. Rte. Average daytime temperatures in the winter months range from 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit and low temperatures of 26-30 degrees at night. Watch for moose while visiting Alaska in the winter months. Learn to use a traditional flat basketry reed to craft flat snowmen and holiday stars for your holiday decor. This loop-ish trail wanders through the forest to reveal some of the ruins of the Treadwell gold mine. Also on Dec. 7 at the, Watch a group of tour guides become separated across the world and learn about new places, cultures, Your family can build a Hanukkah lamp, then sketch. . 1-4 pm (And keep in mind that Alaskans almost always dress in regular clothes when shopping and going out to eat). In addition to alpine skiing, Eaglecrest offers Nordic skiing as well. Head to Historic Smithville for its annual Holiday Light Show Thursdays through Sundays in Dec. Youll see more than 100 Christmas trees float on Lake Meone and light up to music. In this post, I promote travel to a destination that is the Lingt Aan of the akw wan (Tlingit) people. Getting Outdoors Hiking with ice-grippers and ski poles is very doableno bugs or bears!