ketchikan hatchery tour

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Ketchikan › Attraction

Deer mountain tribal hatchery and eagle center.

This remarkable nonprofit center combines one of Alaska's best hatchery tours and a great place to see a bald eagle close up. The wooden buildings stand over Ketchikan Creek. You can see fish climbing against the current up into pools where they are sorted before being cut open to complete their biological purpose (salmon die when they spawn anyway). The hatchery tours are special for letting you get so close, right in the action, where you can feed the growing salmon fry yourself. The hatchery produces king and silver salmon and steelhead trout. Visitors can also walk right through the eagle enclosure. Remarkably, the resident pair of injured, flightless bald eagles have mated for life and built a nest where they lay eggs each year. They hunt salmon swimming naturally through their enclosure. No glass stands between you and this activity, only a few feet away.

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Deer Mountain Tribal Hatchery and Eagle Center

Built in 1954, 350,000  King, Coho and Steelhead salmon raised and released annually. 1158 Salmon Road, Ketchikan, AK 99901; 1-800-252-5158, 907-225-9533.

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Whitman Lake Hatchery – Hatchery Permit #8

Whitman Lake, SSRAA’S first hatchery was constructed by SSRAA in 1978. The hatchery is located on the Ketchikan road system 8 miles south of Ketchikan at Herring Cove.

Current production:

• 700,000 chinook salmon released at the hatchery.
• 600,000 yearling chinook transported to Carroll Inlet for release each spring.
• 500,000 chinook eggs transported to Crystal Lake each fall.
• 100,000 chinoook fry transported to Port Saint Nicholas each summer.
• 80,000 chinook fry transported to Deer Mountain Hatchery each summer.
• 400,000 fall coho released at the hatchery.
• 600,000 yearling fall coho transported to Nakat Inlet for release each spring.
• 100,000 yearling fall coho transported to Anita Bay for release each sping.
• 400,000 fall coho fry transported to Deer Mountain Hatchery each summer.
• 40 million summer chum eggs from Neets Bay, incubated and transported to Kendrick Bay.

Returning adults are harvested by all users in common property fisheries and provide broodstock for the Whitman Lake Hatchery programs as well as cost recovery for SSRAA.

An Easy Walking Tour Of Ketchikan, Alaska [+ Map]

Ketchikan, Alaska, is the southeasternmost city in the 49th state and is located at the entrance to the inside passage. It’s often referred to as Alaska’s first city since it sits furthest south, and the first city reached by large cruise ships.

The mountainous Tongass National Forest surrounds the town, and due to the rugged terrain, the layout runs lengthwise along the waterfront.

Like many towns in Alaska, its population is small at under 10,000 regular citizens. Yet, in the summer months, it hosts approximately one million cruise ship passengers on their  ultimate Alaska cruise. I will be one of them, what about you?

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This quaint fishing town is famous for having the largest collection of standing totem poles in the world. During my  Hubbard Glacier inside passage cruise , I was surprised to see the Ketchikan cruise ship dock in downtown Ketchikan.

I didn’t need a vehicle to get around. Instead, I took a walking tour of Ketchikan.

Ketchikan offers many shore excursions , for those who have the budget. Consider a floatplane excursion to the Misty Fjords National Monument, a Bering Sea tour on the Aleutian Ballad , or a Wilderness Cruise and Crab Feast. These tours offer a chance to see wildlife and bald eagles along the coast.

However, if exploring Ketchikan on foot is preferred, I’ve created the perfect walking tour. Walking this tour will take a couple of hours. But it could take longer depending on the number of detours or stopping points.

It’s a great way to see the town’s highlights and admire its historic buildings.

Ketchikan Visitors Bureau

Cruise passengers can find the Ketchikan visitors bureau was right on the dock. A short distance away is a Ketchikan rain gauge. The liquid sunshine gauge gave me quite a chuckle.

The record for rain was set in 1949 when Ketchikan received a staggering 202.5 inches of rain. Make sure you’ve packed a  waterproof jacket  and shoes with all that rain.

Nearby, “The Rock,” a bronze sculpture by Dave Rubin, memorializes seven important residents from Ketchikan’s past.

Ketchikan Welcome Arch

Downtown Ketchikan is relatively small, so sightseeing is best done on foot. Near the cruise port and over Mission Street, Ketchikan’s brightly colored welcome arch greets visitors to the town.

The first arch was erected in the 1930s, but the fourth and current arch was built in 1996.

As the sign states, Ketchikan is the “Salmon Capital of the World,” with its abundance of salmon. Fishing and canning are primary industries in this southeastern coastal town.

Ketchikan thrives on tourism in the summer as cruise ship passengers add to their economic growth. If your mouth waters at the thought of salmon, you’re in the correct Alaskan city.

Enhance those taste buds by sampling the many seafood delights at local restaurants like Annabelle’s, Alaska Fish House, The Ketchikan Crab and Grille, or Ketchikan’s Crab & Go.

​Ketchikan Crab & Go is the town’s newest restaurant, serving up king crab and other seafood delights.

Southeast Alaska Discovery Center

Just one block from the Ketchikan port on the corner of Main and Mill Streets, the center allows visitors on a budget (only USD 5 for entry) to discover Ketchikan’s history and culture.

This small but interesting museum is a great place to learn about the coastal rainforest, watch one of several movies, and the kids will enjoy the scavenger hunt.

While the museum is not large, the photos and displays do an excellent job of teaching the customs and culture of the Haida, Tlingit, and Tsimshian, who used to reside there.

The Discovery Center is a great place to shelter from the raindrops, learn some Ketchikan history, and enjoy the complimentary Wi-Fi if it’s wet outside.

Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is one of the most popular activities near the  port of Ketchikan. The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is the perfect event for families, for fun and laughter.

It’s a bit corny, but pleasantly amusing for those who haven’t experienced a lumberjack show.

The show reflects on Alaska’s rich logging history by showcasing friendly competitions based on strength and agility. Events include:

• Climbing a tree the fastest.
• Running on rolling logs in the water.
• Sawing a slice off a large tree trunk.

Stedman Bridge

At one end of Creek Street, an antique red trestle bridge called Stedman Bridge leads out to the ocean. During my many visits to Ketchikan, plenty of fishermen are always trying their luck at catching some salmon.

Shops nearby rent fishing gear and sell fishing licenses for those who want to have a go. Good luck catching the big one!

Some places will freeze and ship your fish home if you hook any fish. If the salmon are running, look out for hungry harbor seals feasting on the school of fish in the waters below.

On hot days, local children jump from the bridge into the creek below to stay cool. Circle back to Creek Street from the bridge to continue the Ketchikan walking tour.

Creek Street

Historic Ketchikan’s most famous tourist attraction is the  Creek Street boardwalk . It’s one of the most popular places for cruise ship passengers to visit. The infamous Creek Street, or boardwalk, meanders on wooden pilings over Ketchikan Creek.

The raised walkway was constructed on stilts due to the rugged terrain. Since it was impossible to blast out the mountainside, the solution was to build around it.

A walk along Creek Street is an excellent alternative to an expensive port excursion if you’re  cruising on a budget . Looking up the boardwalk, the colorful buildings and charming nooks make for fabulous photos.

The infamous street was once a “red-light district” visited by fishermen and bootleggers smuggling whiskey. The brothels operated between the early 1900s to the mid-1950s. Today, it’s a quaint area filled with boutiques, cafes, and unique arts and craft shops.

Down on Creek Street, the path is narrow and can get congested with multiple ships in port. Plan this stop at the beginning of your walking tour to avoid the crowds.

During salmon season, it’s not unusual to see bald eagles, otters, and harbor seals in the creek below. However, a tour to Herring Cove, Neets Cover, or Traitor’s Cove is required for a chance black bear sighting.

Dolly’s House Museum

At the start of the infamous street is Ketchikan’s infamous Dolly’s House. At Number 24 Creek Street, with its lime green dollhouse appearance, it’s impossible to miss.

Step inside and learn the history of Dolly Arthur, one of the area’s longest “working” residents. Dolly Arthur lived in one of Creek Street’s colorful houses from 1919 to the 1940s, and it’s here she operated her brothel.

Dolly, whose given name was Thelma Copeland, had already practiced her trade in Vancouver, Petersburg. Dolly’s House has some interesting memorabilia from Dolly’s life.

The exhibit includes her clothing and jewelry, and don’t miss the condoms on the shower curtain.

Tongass Historical Museum

Close to Creek Street, the Tongass Historical Museum showcases Ketchikan history in two museums. The displays document the importance of logging, fishing, and gold mining for the early settlers.

I especially enjoyed the artifacts of early crafts and quilting.

The informative displays are constantly changing and evolving. Those planning to visit Totem Heritage Center, can purchase discounted tickets to cover both entrance fees.

Fish Ladder

During the height of the salmon season, Ketchikan Creek will see different salmon species swim up the creek. While I visited many times, I’ve enjoyed seeing Ketchikan Creek Falls and a fish ladder as well.

It’s a fantastic Alaskan experience to watch the fish propel themselves up the ladder to spawn. For the best views, stand on one of the bridges that cross the creek.

Deer Mountain Fish Hatchery

From the salmon ladder, there are two routes for walking. The first follows Park Ave Road. It provides the most direct route to the hatchery.

Alternatively, a trail follows the northern side of Ketchikan Creek and crosses the creek several times. The trail offers a more scenic route.

Visitors can visit the fish hatchery near the city park. The Ketchikan hatchery produces chinook salmon, coho salmon, and rainbow trout. At the non-profit facility, visitors learn the life cycle of salmon, tour the hatchery, and see the fry being fed.

Totem Heritage Center

Ketchikan is the perfect place to explore the rich cultures of the Tlingit, Tsimshian, and Haida Alaskan people.

At the Totem Heritage Center, I enjoyed viewing the intricately carved totem poles that date back to the 19th-century and contemporary Northwest Coast art.

Displays include baskets, carvings, masks, and other spectacular native works of art. The center is a 15-minute walk from the cruise terminal. Alternatively, take the free downtown shuttle bus that runs every 20 minutes.

Cape Fox Hill

From the Totem Heritage Center, continue onto Cape Fox Lodge, a fantastic option for a staying in Ketchikan for more than a day. The interior of the Lodge has a spectacular post and beam design, perfect for the Alaskan area.

The Lodge houses a nice collection of Native Indian artifacts, including tools, knives, jewelry, hand-woven baskets, and pictures of totem poles.

When needing a break from your Ketchikan walking tour, the Lodge has a lovely restaurant to enjoy lunch or a snack. There are some of the best examples of Native American totem poles to view outside the Lodge.

Outside the Lodge, the Council of the Clans Totem Pole Circle comprises six unique totem poles in rich colors. These totem poles are not on “the map” of totem pole locations, so there are no crowds.

So if you want some fantastic pictures of totem poles, this is the best place to visit. From the Cape Fox Lodge, walk the Married Man’s Trail.

Married Man’s Trail

The “Married Man’s Trail” consists of a staircase and pathway leading up to the woods.

The trail was the hidden path that married men used to sneak discreetly into the brothels so they wouldn’t get caught walking in the front door. Since it leads through the woods, the path is often muddy.

Located at Front Street, Eagle Park featured a giant carved eagle, perfect for a photo opportunity. Carved in 1927 by Nathan Jackson, his “Thundering Wings” depicts a majestic bald eagle taking flight.

Next to Eagle Park, Ketchikan’s claim to fame is its tunnel. The short tunnel is the only one in the world that can be driven through, over, and around. From here, it’s a short walk back to the starting point.

The following map shows the walking tour and stops along the way.

Saxman Native Village

For those big on native history and want to soak up more Tlingit culture, pay a visit to the Saxman totem park. Since’ it’s 3 miles south of town, book an excursion through the cruise line or take the 10-minute local bus ride.

While it’s not possible to do this on a walking tour of Ketchikan, it’s still worthy of a short bus ride.

Saxman Village has an extensive collection of gorgeous totem poles spread out on either side of the main street and in front of the Clan House. The Clan House features magnificent carving panels and carved house posts.

There is also a carving shed where visitors can watch the local carvers hard at work. The native carvers are carving totem poles commissioned from all over the world.

Examine the figures carved on a totem pole, because they represent living beings. Living creatures include people and animal spirits, mythical creatures, and monsters. Popular wildlife symbols are the whale, eagle, frog, and bear.

Ketchikan Weather

Being in the heart of a Tongass rainforest, Ketchikan is one of the wettest places in the world. Remember that liquid sunshine gauge in the middle of town? With 300 days of rain per year, it’s best to prepare for the damp weather with the proper Alaska clothing.  

After eight cruises to Alaska, Ketchikan has turned into one of my favorite port. Its colorful buildings over the creek always add a ray of sunshine, even on a rainy day. On one Royal Caribbean cruise, I missed my port day in Ketchikan due to getting COVID on my cruise .

It’s a good thing I always have another one booked, so I can experience its charm again.

Monday 27th of March 2023

Loved the article. Hubby and I are going on our first Alaska cruise September 2023 and we are beyond excited! We are being very budget conscious and your walking tour is going to be perfect.

Forever Karen

Anita, glad to be of help. If you're looking for free and cheap things to do in each port, you can find a list here. https://foreverkaren.com/cruising/how-to-cruise-alaska-on-a-budget/

Thursday 7th of February 2019

Would not have expected this much color in the area - but there again, I'm thousands of miles away... Thanks for the virtual trip, Karen :)

Hi Ioana, I'm glad you enjoyed the virtual tour. Ketchikan is the most southernmost of all the cruise ship ports. While most think of Alaska as cold and covered in snow, the coastal ports are actually quite lush and green in the summer. You should try to visit one day ~ Karen

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Ketchikan Walking Tour

Totem Heritage Center Entrance

Ketchikan Walking Tour – Deer Mountain Hatchery

We ended up creating our own self guided Ketchikan Walk Tour, which we thoroughly enjoyed.  We started by catching a free bus.  It’s very exciting to step off the cruise ship and on to a bus without any idea where it’s going.  We ended up at the Totem Heritage Center , which has an impressive display of totem poles and historical photos.  Next door we visited the Deer Mountain Hatchery.  A tribal community operates the Deer Mountain Hatchery with the money raised from tourism.  They raise salmon and care for injured eagles.  Two injured female eagles were at the center.  Both suffered broken wings and will spend the rest of their days at the center.  The eagles will likely live another 20 years in captivity.

Israel Shotridge, Tlingit Carver

The Deer Mountain Hatchery had thousands of young salmon.  One adult salmon had just returned from the ocean to the hatchery.  The highlight of the visit to theDeer Mountain Hatchery was a totem being carved by Israel Shotridge , a well known Tlingit carver.  He was there teaching a young boy to carve on a totem that was nearing completion after 6 months of carving.  We enjoyed seeing Israel pass on the tradition.  I also got a great shot of Israel Shotridge mocking a threatening and goofy pose with one of his adzes.  I promised his wife I wouldn’t post it on the internet though.

Ketchikan Walking Tour Path

Ketchikan Walking Tour – Creek Street

From the hatchery, we followed Ketchikan Creek back to town.  We follow the map we got at the visitor center on the pier.  The trail twisted and turned on wooden boardwalks and stairs along the creek.  Our Ketchikan Walking Tour next brought us to Creek Street.  At Creek Street, all the shops and buildings extend out over the creek.  Here we found a funicular tram that takes up to 10 passengers up to the Cape Fox Lodge .  There was no one supervising the tram – it was self serve, which was a bit strange.  We checked out the interior of the hotel and its tribal art.

Jessica rescues Jamie

At Creek Street, I took some interesting photos of construction being done using a chain saw.  The platform they were attempting to collapse accidentally fell into the Ketchikan Creek.  When they attempted to stop the platform from entering the harbor, someone jumped in the creek to stop it.  The next thing I knew a comical photo session turned into the shocking experience of watching someone nearly drown from hypothermia.  I went to a small business and had them call for emergency help.   Meanwhile someone else was able to find a rope and save the man from the freezing water.  Emergency vehicles handled things from there.  Quite the day in Ketchikan.

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Ketchikan City and Wildlife Tour

• All taxes, fees and handling charges
• Driver/guide
• Live commentary on board
• Local guide
• Port pickup and drop-off (Ward Cove not included)
• Professional guide
• Food and drinks
• 311 Mission St, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA Ketchitour Office located underneath the Welcome to Ketchikan Arch or the Dock in which the ship is arriving.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll start at 311 Mission St 311 Mission St, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA Ketchitour Office located underneath the Welcome to Ketchikan Arch or the Dock in which the ship is arriving. See address & details
• 1 Ketchikan Stop: 20 minutes See details
• 2 Herring Cove Stop: 25 minutes See details
• 3 South Tongass Highway Stop: 10 minutes See details Pass by Creek Street
• You'll return to the starting point

• michaellO2142BI 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Our Alaskan Experience We went on the tour in July 2023. We purchased tour after getting off Norwegian cruise. Our driver Anna was a local and gave us a lot of great information. There was a little trouble with our bus but they checked it over when we got out to take pictures of a bear. After we left the bus to get back on boat my husband realized he had left his camera case and memory sticks. I contacted Ketchitour as soon as we got home. Marco Angarano replied back to me and said he would look into it. He emailed back saying he had found the case and sent a picture of it. Not only did he return it to us but would not allow us to pay anything (not even postage). He said it is part of their service to all of their guests. A super big thank you to Marco for going above and beyond. Read more Written October 16, 2023
• anitacQ4326AG 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Scam in Ketchikan! Scam in Ketchikan!!! Bumblebee bus - dirty old school bus without touring size windows that doesn’t do anything officially like paying fees to enter sites. Beware - this is totally misrepresented on purpose. I agree that it makes the city of Ketchikan look bad. I will alert tourism, chamber, cruise authority. I have rarely been misled (and my radar was up after the answers changed and such lack of answers), but they got me. I cannot believe they can operate here. Read more Written August 23, 2023
• KScol 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Horrible Ripoff. Ketchikan as a city needs to do some thing because every tour we’ve done in the last three weeks of Alaska has been incredible. This reflects poorly on your city. Literally had a squatty potty as a stepstool to get onto the school bus. It was presented to us that it would be a trolley tour. The driver had a heavy Jamaican accent, and spoke very little about the community we were in so we learned nothing. Read more Written July 13, 2023
• karenhX3125QS 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles waste of your time and money better tour guide, less time wasted waiting for more people to book the tour and not have to stop at the liquor store on the way back for one of the other passengers who wanted to buy liquor so the rest of us had to wait in the van while the driver stopped at the liquor store for the other guest. How dumb and was a total waste of our time and money to go on this ridiculous tour. Dont bother Read more Written August 15, 2022
• spurgeony 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent Tour of Ketchikan Excellent Tour of Ketchikan. Tour Guide was excellent. The Bus Driver arranged for my Scooter to be kept at the dock and available when I returned. Read more Written July 4, 2022
• Lisa M 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Ripoff What a nightmare. Total misrepresentation of what we were supposed to do. We were crammed in a school bus with a driver that barely spoke English who drove by the stops we thought we were supposed to stop at. We were given the military rate of $40 come to find out other people had paid $40 without being military. The other reviews are correct. We parked in a private driveway at the Hatchery and did not get to go into the Hatchery. The driver drove by the creek and the salmon ladder with barely a mention of it. Was a total waste of time and money. Definitely do not spend your money on the other excursions run by this company Read more Written September 3, 2021
• Joyce S 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Don't touch anything! We were picked up by the most filthy little bus I have ever been in. The tour itself was OK and the guide was personable. But not much for history or info, the doors on the bus were broken so we had to wait for the driver to walk around to close it, the microphone didn't work so we heard nothing in the back and there was something very nasty looking running down the back of the seat in front of us and on the wall. Sorry, not impressed. Read more Written September 1, 2021
• H1568XMbarbaraa 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Not as advertised. When we booked the tour at the Visitors' Center we were assured that the city tour would include waterfall viewing, a visit to a fish hatchery with the possibility of seeing wildlife (specifically bears), and a trip to the Totem park. Our guide/driver first drove around and around the block, perhaps waiting for more passengers, but definitely wasting our time. We finally made it to the fish hatchery, but had to view it from at least 1/4 mile away, as we were told it was off limits to visitors (why wasn't that disclosed when we booked?). After the hatchery debacle, we asked our driver about the waterfalls; he replied that it was one or the other (hatcher or falls). Another missing piece of information from the booking gal at the Visitor Center. Finally we headed to the Totem park, which was the only part of the tour that the guide seemed to have any knowlege about--altogether a very disappointing day! Read more Written April 26, 2020
• DilrukshiH 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles A Nice Experience Since we were on a cruise, our time was limited, so the best way to see the town was the Trolley tour. The Lady bus driver acted as the Tour Guide too. Was able to see many places of interest & went to the totem Pole Park too. There were interesting tales regarding the Totem poles, some were unbelievable. Was able to learn so many new things, about the culture of the people etc. All in all a new experience. As it rains a lot in Ketchikan, always carry an Umbrella or Raincoat. Read more Written February 27, 2020
• Anshul G 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Memories made! Excitement, beauty and adventure all packed in one package of Ketchikan! Enjoyed the weather, drizzles and the scenic beauty of the city. The rainforest walk was a marvellous experience with exploration of totem poles. Read more Written November 5, 2019
• Jotri726 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Need a refund I booked my excursion on the day of. Went to tour area pick up and their computer was down and dont have my booking. Showed the lady my booking and said they dont have that tour available and put us to another excursion, we said ok and gave us the itinerary. Unfortunately this Cathy the trolley driver for 43 years based on what she said , didnt stop totem park and creek street due which are the few highlights but instead wasted time stopping to places that was not on schedule. Cathy just drove around totem park just to take photos inside trolley and ifeel upset for not even stopping at creekside. I wish i can get my money back. Read more Written October 1, 2019
• chelle594 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Loved the information Booked the trolley but upon arrival was told not enough people for the trolly so we had to do tour in van which was disappointing because wasn’t able to see anything while traveling. The guide Albert a natives Alaskan was very interesting and informative making the tour a pleasure. We saw salmon running. totem poles and a Bald Eagle. Read more Written September 8, 2019
• Exploration574901 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Very Disappointed In our entire 17 day trip, this was the only tour in which we were disappointed. To begin with, the site instructions said to be there at 9:15 am. We were there at 9:15, on the nose, and the tour had already left. In all other tours, if they wanted you to be there 30 minutes early before the tour left, they told you so. We got on the next tour, but this left us rushed when we returned because we had to be back on our cruise ship within 30 minutes. Second, the tour guide was not particularly interesting or informative. We didn’t see anything spectacular to photograph, and the only wildlife that was seen or mentioned were some birds at the very end. Please know that we are not being unnecessarily critical. We’re comparing this tour to at least 10 other tours we took during our trip. Sorry to have to give this negative review, but that’s how we felt. Would not recommend and would not do it, again. Read more Written August 20, 2019
• AlaskaExplorer74 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles OH HELL NO! Don't do it. Seriously the worse experience of our entire Alaska trip. My husband, kids and I rode on their rickety, dirty bus / trolly tour during our trip to Ketchikan, AK. We stopped 3 times parked along busy roadsides (see attached pic of my husband and son standing on a busy road with the totems off in the distance) and looked at nothing while traffic zoomed by. My kids, my husband and I tried to stay close enough to the guard rail so we wouldn't get run over. We stopped and viewed the salmon hatchery from the property border through a chain-link fence and saw groups of real tour companies on a nice boardwalk that we weren't allowed to go on. And I asked. We saw a few eagles, same as what we saw in town but not one fish. We knew it was time to get back on the bus when he honked at us. The worst part was there was no commentary from the driver who is from Nigeria and seemed to know nothing about Ketchikan. What he did say, we couldn't understand. I'll never get that 90 minutes of my life back. After the "tour" we went back to the office at 4:30 to ask about a refund and they were locked up for the night (although they don't close until 7:00). No one answered the phone. Just gone. We've called many times since without one answer and we believe they blocked my husband's phone number. We've started the process to dispute the charges on our credit card. We want our money back. DON'T DO IT! Read more Written August 5, 2019
• James J 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Watch out! We were told that we would be on the 90-minute "trolley" tour, and right before the tour began, we found out that it was an enclosed bus tour. We went back to get a refund, which showed up on my phone as a refund, but they must have reversed it after we left. I'm now working with my credit union to dispute the charge. Not happy.... Read more Written July 20, 2019

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Ketchikan City and Wildlife Tour provided by Ketchitour

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Customize your tour to accommodate any group of 11 people!  This is your vacation and we want you to maximize your enjoyment while visiting our beautiful home!  The options are unlimited as the tour guide will talk to you one on one to secure a perfect tour. Some options include: Saxman Native Village, Totem Bight State Park, Local Waterfalls, Beach, Salmon Hatchery, Tongass National Forest Hike (1-1.5 Mile), Bear viewing and Salmon Ladder (in season), etc. etc.  We could even possibly make a stop at a local favorite and original "Hole in the Wall" watering hole!

Up to 3 hours in length and you can customize your groups experience while visiting our beautiful island.  We can even make accommodations on the day you arrive to ensure your comfort!  We can never guarantee what the weather will be doing! 

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Ketchikan has some of the Best Bear Viewing in Alaska!

Best locations & best time to go.

Spectacular! While there are many places to go bear viewing in Alaska, Ketchikan has access to some of the best places to see black bears (and sometimes brown bears!) in their natural habitat , feeding on salmon in streams. There are Ketchikan Alaska bear viewing areas only available by floatplane or boat, tours that include a walk through the rainforest, and even an area outside town that is easily accessible!

Best Ketchikan Alaska bear viewing areas:

Best time to visit, anan wildlife observatory.

Early July to Mid-August

Traitors Cove/Margaret Creek

Late July to Early September

Herring Cove

Mid June to Early September

Arguably, the best location for bear viewing in Alaska is at the Anan Wildlife Observatory .

Anan Bear Observatory is one of the few places in the world where Brown and Black bears can be found together , feeding on the thousands of spawning salmon and is best visited in early July through Mid-August.

The Anan bear observatory is located approximately a half-mile walk from the drop off spot along a partially surfaced trail with stairs.

At the Trailhead you are met by USFS personnel who check your permits, makes sure you don't have any food, & gives you a safety speech on what to expect during your walk.

The walk through the rainforest is approximately 30 minutes and is magnificent! The trees, shrubs, berries - everything is so lush! Look and listen for the eagles that share this area too.

The observatory includes spacious observation decks, a covered viewing shelter & a photo blind just above the rushing waterfalls below, bringing you mere feet from the bears feeding below! There are two outhouses, one at the observation area and the other at the trailhead.

The observation decks give panoramic views of the area , allowing you to watch for bears & wildlife along the paths & forest alongside the waterfalls.

The photo blind (near the bottom of the photo) is located right on the waterfall and is positioned in the perfect spot to capture spectacular bear pictures! There is a maximum time limit of 30 minutes inside the photo blind to allow everyone the opportunity to use it.

Notice for 2022 early season visitors: Please be aware that construction on a new observatory deck is occurring in the spring of 2022. The viewing deck will not be available until July 1, and the trail may be closed at times. All work will be concluded for the start of the permit season July 5th.

But oh, what magnificent bear pictures you can capture while bear viewing in Alaska!

From Ketchikan, Anan is accessible by flightseeing tours only because of the distance from Ketchikan (45 minutes by air!). **Visiting Anan Bear Observatory requires a permit and these permits are often difficult to obtain.**

The permit capacity for the Anan Wildlife Observatory is 60 passes/day. Of the 60, 30 are reserved by guiding operations, 18 are made available for public reservations on February 15, & the final 12 passes become available for reservation 3 days prior to the visiting date, to accommodate last minute planning.

To check the status of the available permits for the day you are interested in, check the Anan Wildlife Observatory Reservation Page which shows which companies have permits for each day. Contact the flightseeing vendors early to determine if passes are available on the day you arrive.  Also - check out the authorized Guiding Companies for more options.

While Bear Viewing in Alaska is the main draw at the Anan bear observatory, there are also Steller Sea Lions, Wolves, Wolverines, Bald Eagles & a host of other interesting birds including gulls & American dippers that are also often spotted here!

Be sure to check out the Anan NatureWatch Viewing Site!

Traitor's Cove/Margaret Creek

Another incredible bear viewing area is at the Margaret Creek Wildlife Observation area, better known as Traitor's Cove . Bear viewing in Alaska at Traitor's Cove is available late July until early September, but best in August.

Traitor's Cove is accessible by a flightseeing tour (a 20 minute flight) or a boat ride (approx 45 minutes). The Boat tour is called the "Expedition Black Bear" tour and is a boat ride out and back to the the bear viewing area leaving right from the downtown Ketchikan Cruise Ship docks. This tour is perfect for those who want to go bear viewing but are frightened of flying!

Depending on the tour you take, you will be dropped off at the dock and a vehicle will either pick you up and take you to the Margaret Creek trailhead or you simply walk along the road to the trailhead, approximately 1 mile from the dock.

Once at the trailhead, you are met by a guide who, armed with pepper spray, walks you along the easy, quarter mile rain forest hike along the planked & partially surfaced trail to the observation platform. Be sure to take in the gorgeous rainforest with it's ferns, trees, shrubs, & berries!

The Margaret Creek Wildlife Observation Site is situated above a waterfall on Margaret Creek, a prime location from which to view the black bears catching salmon as they take on the rushing waterfall. This observation point gives you a spectacular view for bear viewing in Alaska & the perfect spot for snapping black bear pictures while they feast below.

When you tire of watching the bears feast on salmon (as if that can happen!) you can walk just around the corner to a bridge where you can peer down into the water to see the hordes of salmon as they prepare to either jump the falls or go up the Salmon Ladder at Margaret Creek, another spectacular sight!

Because you're in the rainforest, don't be surprised to spot Eagles in the trees also waiting for their turn to feast on the salmon as well! And, of course, while at the drop off/pick up spot, watch for sea lions, birds, & minx! Traitor's Cove has excellent bear viewing in Alaska!

You have two options for bear viewing in Alaska at Neets Bay - either via floatplane or by boat and each has pros & cons, which I'll detail.

Neets Bay is located 40 miles North of downtown Ketchikan, only 25 minutes by air and 35 minutes by boat. The best time for Neets Bay for bear viewing is late July through early September.

Black bears are attracted to Neets Bay because of the Neets Bay fish hatchery where thousands of returning Coho, Chinook, & Chum salmon (read all about the different types of salmon here ) begin arriving in early June.

Neets Bay Flightseeing Tour

The Flightseeing tour to Neets Bay is an exclusive arrangement through Taquan Air . Because of this arrangement, clients are allowed to exit the plane and walk up to the hatchery and are given a tour by an onsite tour guide. The hatchery is a short 1/4 mile walk to the platform through the rainforest where your guide provides details about the salmon cycles & black bears that return year after year.

There is an observation area including a small gazebo and benches, but you typically stand on the shore and watch as the bears take their turn fishing for salmon.

Pros for Flightseeing Tours  

- Includes a floatplane ride!  

- Also includes a tour of the hatchery  

- Up close views of bears

Cons for Flightseeing Tours

- Trail to the Hatchery can be muddy

Wear appropriate shoes

Neets Bay by Boat

The Boat tour to Neets Bay, often called the 'Neets Bay Bear Cruise' starts with a short, narrated bus ride from downtown Ketchikan to the boat.

The boat ride to Neets Bay takes approximately 35 minutes. Upon arrival at Neets Bay your captain will search the streams & shorelines looking for bears & other animals.

Unlike the flightseeing tour, you do not disembark the boat and go up to the hatchery where black bears predictably gather during the height of the season.

Pros for Neets Bay Boat Tour  

- Includes a boat ride!

Cons for Neets Bay Boat Tour

- Not allowed to go to the hatchery

- Do not exit the boat

- Only see what is on the shoreline

The Neets Bay Boat Tour seems to be much more hit & miss on bear sightings than the flightseeing tour - even though there are no guarantees on either bear viewing in Alaska tour.

Alternate bear viewing sites on Prince of Wales Island

A couple of the flightseeing companies in Ketchikan also have areas on Prince of Wales Island that they offer for bear viewing in Alaska flights to. While not as established as the sites such as Anan, Traitors Cove, or Neets, they still provide reliable sightings of bears!

Bears by vehicle & other 'Bear Tours' in Ketchikan

While Ketchikan Alaska bear viewing is mostly done via floatplane to remote areas, there are opportunities to see bears while on van, bus, or taxi cab tours, zipline tours, and other tours in Ketchikan.

There is only one bear-viewing area in Ketchikan that is accessible by vehicle, located at the very south end of town at Herring Cove . Herring Cove has a healthy bear population due to the Whitman Lake Fish Hatchery that sits on the same cove.

Herring Cove is certainly not considered a 'prime' bear viewing in Alaska area when compare with the 3 sites above, however, bears are often seen here (It's where I go to see bears in town!) and many of the bus, taxi cab, & do-it-yourself rental car tours will come here for Alaska bear viewing opportunities.

Bears frequent this area during the salmon spawning season (mid-June through early September) although spottings are better an hour before & after low tide and after July.

I've heard it described this way which puts it in perspective: "If you spend enough time at Herring Cove, you will see a bear. However, time is short when you're on a cruise and you may not want to spend your 'time' sitting in one spot watching for a bear."

But spotting those bears & watching them chase the salmon in the water is so enjoyable!

It's also very common to see several eagles in the trees, jumping salmon, seals, & shore birds at Herring Cove as well!

Herring Cove Bear Tours

Aside from the van & taxi tours, there are two bear viewing in Alaska tours offered alongside Herring Cove:

• The Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary Tour - which is a slow, guided hike through the rainforest, a walk onto a deck overlooking a meadow, the stream below, & the Salmon Hatchery on the opposite side of the creek. The tour also includes viewing reindeer, eagles, & owls, a totem pole carver, and the remnants of an old sawmill.

The Bear Creek & Eagle Creek Zipline tours - The ziplines are located just beside Herring Cove and the guides are excellent at pointing out bears, eagles, & other wildlife during the tour!

Bear Viewing in Alaska is AMAZING!!

Bear viewing tips.

• Do not bring food
• Do not use a flash
• Be alert - look around
• Be patient - the bears are not in a zoo!

Whew! There sure are a lot of options in Ketchikan for bear viewing in Alaska! I sure hope this information helps you make an informed choice when deciding which Ketchikan Alaska bear viewing tour to choose! Be sure to take lots of bear pictures and share them with me! :-)

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Your Seaside Tour begins with a short city tour where you will see; a salmon ladder, the first of its kind, and a hand dug salmon hatchery. Then the tour will continue south to the village of Saxman, which includes the worlds largest collection of Totem poles.There you will walk among the totems, learn their history and view eagles on the nest. From here a short ride to Rotary Beach, to explore tide-pools and a great opportunity to see whales (humpbacks and orcas, are numerous in what is Nicholas Passage).Sample local berries. Restrooms are available at this stop. Herring cove is ahead on the tour. At this location.There is an excellent chance to view bears, eagles , seals, heron and the thousands of salmon returning to the place of their birth, in the hatchery up stream. Truly an Alaskan sight to be seen! The next stop is a cascading waterfall to complete your tour. Tours are offered in modern 14 passenger vans. Pickup locations vary to accommodate passengers, Berths 1-4. tours are approximate 2 1/2 hours and return to your point of departure unless otherwise requested. At seaside tours we love surprises and will do whatever it takes to make our friends happy.

Build your own. Custom Tours are available upon request. Call us anytime to discuss your options.

Seaside tours is also a licensed agent for the rental of recreational equipment for activities such as; fishing, baseball, basketball, bicycling, golf and camping.

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What Kind Of Bears Can You See In Ketchikan, Alaska?

Alaska has many incredible locations for bear viewing scattered across its vast wilderness. While places like Katmai National Park and Preserve or Admiralty Island attract thousands of tourists each year, Ketchikan is also an incredible place to see these spectacular creatures in their native habitat. Black bears are the most commonly seen species of bear in Ketchikan. Keep reading to learn more about Ketchikan and Ketchikan bear excursions .

Ketchikan – The Southernmost City In Alaska

The Alaskan town of Ketchikan is named after the creek that runs through the town. The name “Ketchikan” comes from the Tlingit name for the creek, Kitschk-hin. The town is Alaska’s sixth most populated town, with a population of 8,192 people. However, those numbers swell during tourist season as more than 1 million visitors pass through Ketchikan each year for Ketchikan bear viewing tours . Ketchikan sits at the southernmost entrance to Alaska’s Inside Passage, the famous network of waterways that wind through Alaska’s vast frontier.

The Black Bears Of Ketchikan

When people think of Alaska and its bears, they likely imagine the famous brown bears of Brooks Falls, who hunt salmon in the Brooks River during the annual salmon runs. However, Ketchikan is home to black bears and a variety of Ketchikan bear-watching tours that allow visitors to see the splendid creatures in their native habitat.

Five Fun Facts About Black Bears

Ketchikan’s black bears are as interesting as their coastal counterparts, the Alaskan Peninsula Brown Bear. Here are five fun facts about Ketchikan’s black bears that you may not have known:

• Black bears are the smallest of the three bear species found in North America. Typically, a male black bear weighs between 125 and 550 pounds. Female black bears are about a third of the size of male black bears. Weight and size vary by range and time of year, and on availability of food sources.
• Black bears are true omnivores. They eat shoots and sprouts, grubs, insects, berries, and salmon. However, they are also opportunistic and will scavenge things like beached whales, moose, and deer carcasses.
• Black bears are strong climbers. One of their typical defensive behaviors is to climb trees to avoid predators. Short, curved claws help them excel at this endeavor.
• Black bears are strong swimmers. Ketchikan sits on an island, but researchers have noted that the bears near Ketchikan are not isolated from the bear population on the mainland. Some people on Ketchikan bear viewing tours have reported seeing black bears swim across the Behm Canal to gain access to the mainland!
• Black bears are solitary animals – for the most part. Sometimes, they can be found in groups if food is particularly abundant in one area. When food is less abundant, black bears may defend their food source, but they are not territorial. They don’t defend specific areas and are known to share their home range with other bears.

The Best Places To See Bears In Ketchikan

The sleepy little fishing port of Ketchikan is set amid a heavily forested area. In addition to the area’s stunning landscape, the town is famous for a variety of locations that are popular with Ketchikan bear excursions. Our three favorite places for Ketchikan bear excursions are listed below.

• Anan Wildlife Observatory - Anan Wildlife Observatory is the perfect place for bear viewing in Alaska. It is also one of the few places in the world where brown and black bears can be found together, feeding on the thousands of spawning salmon during the summer’s annual salmon run. The observatory is located approximately a half-mile from the drop-off spot, at the end of a partially surfaced trail that winds through the rainforest. The trail ends at an observation platform, where adventurous souls on Ketchikan bear viewing tours can watch the bears and other wildlife below. There is also a photo blind on the observation deck, which is positioned near a waterfall and ensures that you will have stunning photographs to take home as a souvenir!
• Traitor's Cove and Margaret Creek - Another incredible bear viewing area is at the Margaret Creek Wildlife Observation area, better known as Traitor's Cove. Bear viewing in Alaska at Traitor's Cove is available late July until early September, but is best in August. Traitor's Cove is accessible by a 20-minute flight) or a 45-minute boat ride. Once you arrive, a guide walks you to the observation platform, which is situated above a waterfall on Margaret Creek. From there, you can watch the bears catching salmon as they dodge the rushing water of the falls! You can also see eagles in the trees surrounding the cove, as well as sea lions and minx at the cove’s drop-off location.
• Neets Bay – Neets Bay gives Ketchikan bear watching tours two options for bear viewing, by floatplane or by boat. Neets Bay is located 40 miles North of downtown Ketchikan, only 25 minutes by air and 35 minutes by boat. The best time to go on Ketchikan bear excursions to Neets Bay is late July through early September. Black bears are attracted to Neets Bay because of the Neets Bay fish hatchery where thousands of returning Coho, Chinook, & Chum salmon begin arriving in early June. Bear viewing at Neets Bay can include a tour of the hatchery as well as up-close views of the bears from a viewing platform in the rainforest. Make sure you keep your eyes open to search the streams and shorelines for bears and other Alaskan wildlife along the way!

Bear Viewing Adventures in Ketchikan

While there are a variety of places to go bear viewing in Alaska, Ketchikan offers visitors some of the best places to see black and sometimes brown bears. Ketchikan bear viewing tours are famous for showing off the bears in their natural habitat, feeding on salmon in streams. But no matter which bear-viewing location you visit, one thing is certain – you’re bound to have a bear-y good time!

Download all three Alaska tour brochures for tour dates and pricing.

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KETCHIKAN BEAR & WILDLIFE TOURS

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Ketchikan Wilderness Zodiac Quest

$249 / person

Take control of your own raft and set sail through the George Inlet Fjords! All qualified drivers will have the opportunity to navigate a Zodiac boat through the inlet. Take in the rugged beauty of Southeast Alaska and marvel READ MORE...

Ketchikan Ocean Wilderness Expedition

$185 / person

Climb aboard a rugged Zodiac expedition craft and explore the deep mysterious waters of the island-studded sea passages that surround Ketchikan. Your experienced captain and an expert naturalist will take you in search of wil READ MORE...

Ketchikan Zodiac Adventure

$204 / person

This two-hour trip will take you on a journey through Alaska's Inside Passage in your own personal watercraft that you'll be driving! Follow your trained guide while they share knowledge and personal stores about the region READ MORE...

Ketchikan Expedition Black Bear Traitor's Cove

$450 / person

Come enjoy a remote black bear viewing in Traitor's Cove! In mid-summer and early fall when the salmon arrive to spawn, Traitor's Cove has a high concentration of black bears. See wildlife along the way as you travel by boat READ MORE...

Neets Bay Bear Encounter by Land & Sea

$399 / person

Bring your cameras for this truly Alaskan encounter. Travel by land and sea on an adventure toward Neets Bay Observatory. This pristine wilderness area is limited to a small number of visitors each year. Set amongst the s READ MORE...

Ketchikan Black Bear Express Tour

$200 / person

Amongst the lumbering trees of the Tongass National Forest lies an Alaskan Rainforest Sanctuary. Depart downtown Ketchikan on your quest for bear spotting as the sanctuary is a hot spot for wildlife. Navigate the forest tra READ MORE...

Ketchikan Mahoney Falls Tour

$260 / person

Get amazing views of the Tongass Narrows as you take a journey by helicopter over the Ketchikan area. Take in the magnificent views of the area that may include possible viewings of eagles, mountain goats, deer, mountain lake READ MORE...

Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary and Totem Park

$105 / person

After a scenic coastal drive out to the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary, you'll get a chance to observe and explore the 40-acre private preserve of temperate rainforest. This tour is perfect for families who are interested in le READ MORE...

Ketchikan Silverking Lodge Adventure & Seafeast

$189 / person

Travel to one of Alaska's oldest fishing resorts, Clover Pass Resort via a scenic, fully-narrated drive. Cruise the Inside Passage waters by boat as you take in Southeast Alaska's sights and sounds. Your final stop is Silver READ MORE...

Ketchikan Wildlife, Sightseeing and Whale Search Tour

Soak in the wonders of Southeast Alaska's shining waters and stunning rainforest on an intimate adventure. Climb aboard your awaiting sea vessel and set off with your professional and friendly crew. Keep your eyes peeled as READ MORE...

Ketchikan Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion

$120 / person

Hop aboard with a local Alaskan captain and their crew on this beautiful wildlife-viewing cruise with guaranteed American bald eagle sightings. This tour offers a grab-bag of Ketchikan's sightseeing gems, including views of t READ MORE...

Ketchikan Private Wildlife & Exploration Tour

$750 / Vehicle

Explore Ketchikan with the comfort, ease, flexibility, and relaxed pace of a private tour, ensuring your family and friends are the only guests in the van! This tour offers the ultimate flexibility to modify the itinerary on READ MORE...

Ketchikan Hovercraft Eco Adventure & Wildlife Viewing

Looking for a truly unique Alaskan tour? Riding a hovercraft is a totally exciting way to experience Ketchikan and it's not like a boat or an ATV. This small group, guided hovercraft tour will take you out to Alaska State Par READ MORE...

Herring Cove Helicopter Tour

See Ketchikan from the sky on this gorgeous scenic flight tour to Herring Cove. While airborne, you'll have the opportunity to take in the dramatic landscape of the region, and maybe even see some wildlife from up above!

Ketchikan Roundabout Tour via Helicopter

$182 / person

After a short transfer from your cruise ship to the airbase, you'll have the opportunity to take in the highlights of Ketchikan from up above! Bring your camera to capture these incredible moments from the sky!

Ketchikan Rainforest Island Adventure

Explore this beautiful unspoiled land in the Tongass National Forest and then take a short boat ride along the coast to catch some of the native wildlife. Your captain will point out marine life and interesting features along READ MORE...

Ketchikan Private Saxman Totem Park, City & Herring Cove Wildlife Tour

$950 / Vehicle

Enjoy this 2.5-hour private tour and visit one of the most popular sites in Ketchikan, the Saxman Totem Village. With 25 authentic totems carved by Tlingit and Haida natives, it's the largest totem park in Ketchikan. Your jou READ MORE...

Ketchikan Coastal Boat and Kayak Tour

$191 / person

Explore Alaska's coastline and feel like a local on this boat and kayak tour that has a maximum of 6 guests per tour! Experience the amazing intertidal ecosystem from a paddle distance away in the tranquility of the Tongass N READ MORE...

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Wisconsin's only sturgeon hatchery will host a spawning program and open house May 4 in Wild Rose

Attendees can also tour the original 1908 hatchery and explore the modern operation..

The Department of Natural Resources will host a spring open house May 4 at  Wild Rose Fish Hatchery Education Center  in Wild Rose, the only state hatchery that raises lake sturgeon.

The free event will give attendees a chance to celebrate the annual spring sturgeon spawn and learn more about Wisconsin’s oldest fish species, according to the agency.

The Wild Rose hatchery is a cool- and cold-water facility that raises brown and rainbow trout, coho and chinook salmon, Great Lakes spotted muskellunge, walleye and lake sturgeon. As such, it's one of three state hatcheries that produces both cool- and cold-water fish.

More: Outdoors calendar

To help attendees learn more about game fish and angling, the open house will include games and educational activities, including a learn-to-cast station, fish identification activities and the chance to “swim” upriver like sturgeon on their migratory journey to spawning areas.

Other hands-on activities include printing fish on tote bags, a fly-tying workshop, learning how to build a spinner and making a clay sturgeon.

Attendees can also tour the original 1908 hatchery and explore the modern operation. The Education Center will provide guided tours from DNR staff every 45 minutes, with the last tour departing at 2 p.m.

The event will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 4.

Wild Rose hatchery is located at N5871 State Road 22, Wild Rose.

Watch CBS News

Tour shows off $20 million investment to Minnesota fish hatchery

By Adam Duxter

April 24, 2024 / 6:21 PM CDT / CBS Minnesota

WATERVILLE, Minn. —  A community tour Wednesday highlighted a massive investment to one of Minnesota's 15 fish hatcheries – a $20 million makeover, nearly 70 years in the making.

"This is generational. We've not had an investment to this level in many, many years, and it's needed," said Craig Soupir, who serves as the site's supervisor. "A lot of our hatcheries are kind of in this state, where they need some upgrades. This kind of investment is huge for Waterville."

The site raises more than 10,000 walleyes, muskies and more each year – from egg to fry – that are eventually stocked in Minnesota lakes and rivers.

It contributes to a more than $4.2 billion fishing industry statewide.

READ MORE: Ancient gars studied at new University of Minnesota lab in hopes of unlocking secrets of longevity

Yet much of the equipment at the Waterville hatchery is original to its 1950s build, which raises concerns over safety and space.

"Really, it's a great spot for a hatchery – it is old, though. It's becoming dilapidated – a lot of our infrastructure was put in during the early 1950s – and it's all original," Soupir said. "[The water] is not filtered. We need to have biosecurity. It's very important that we have that."

The rebuild comes thanks to a $150 million investment to Minnnesota's Department of Natural Resources – part of state funding created by "Get Out More" funding approved during the 2023 legislative session.

"Honestly, Minnesota has not seen this kind of foundational investment in our outdoors in a generation," said DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen. "This is funding that really a generation of Minnesotans have not seen and the impacts will be felt for another generation."

Soupir says the site hopes to have a construction bid accepted by year's end, with hopes of breaking ground on a new facility by spring of 2026. 

• Minnesota Department Of Natural Resources

Born and raised in Metro Detroit, Adam loves all things Michigan, but is thrilled to now call Minnesota home.

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Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery

There are representatives that can give guided information on the hatchery during normal operating hours year-round. Please contact Rick Peek at the station's phone number.

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