Juneau Landmarks and Monuments

(Juneau, Alaska - AK, USA)

Even though this is one of America's most isolated and smallest cities, as the Alaskan state capital, Juneau is home to some extremely important buildings and landmarks.

Many state capitals choose to erect a grand Capitol Building or State House, which is traditionally palatial in character and almost always topped with a giant cathedral-like dome. However, here in Juneau, city officials have opted for something much more simple and less showy, which at first glance appears to be nothing more than a simple concrete office block with ornate Art Deco detailing.

Further landmarks of significance include the Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, the Shrine of St. Therese, the Chapel by the Lake and the Alaska Governor's Mansion. Conveniently sited in the very heart of Juneau and close to a number of the capital's top attractions, the Governor's Mansion occupies an entire block (just under 0.4 hectares / 1 acre) and is encircled by Calhoun Avenue, West 7th Street and West 8th Street.

Alaska State Capitol Building

Address: 120 East 4th Street, Juneau, Alaska (AK), 99801, USA
Tel: +1 907 465 3708
Plans for the Alaska State Capitol were initially drawn up in 1911, although this hillside landmark was not actually built until 1929, when it was completed just two years later, in 1931. It was originally named the Federal and Territorial Building and housed both the legislature and governor, as well as courts, the city's post office and additional territorial and federal departments. Today, the Capitol simply houses the offices for the governor and his deputy, and the state legislature. Visitors will be able to learn all about the history of the city, through an array of photographs on exhibit along the hallways.
Open hours: guided tours, May to September, Monday to Friday - 08:30 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday 09:30 to 16:00
Admission: free

Alaska Governor's Mansion

Address: 716 Calhoun Avenue, Juneau, Alaska (AK), 99801, USA
The Governor's Mansion is where you will find Alaska's governor and was completed in 1912 at the cost of approximately US$40,000. Some 20 years later, the exterior woodwork was rendered and painted white in colour, while in the early 1980s, the landmark was thoroughly renovated, costing more than US$2.5 million. At the front, a huge balcony is supported by a series of stone columns. The exterior wall on the right-hand side of the house is dominated by a tall intricately carved totem pole, which stretches almost all the way to the roof.
Open hours: view from exterior
Admission: free

Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church

Address: 326 5th Street, Juneau, Alaska (AK), 99801, USA
Tel: +1 907 586 1023
The Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church is a very small, historic and unusual church. Between the years of 1784 and 1867, Alaska was a Russian colony, and although no actual Russians ever stepped foot in Juneau during this period, the Orthodox Church soon gained quite a following. This ultimately led to the construction of this pretty octagon wooden church in 1893, which is painted blue and white and now ranks amongst the state's most historic continuously operated churches.
Open hours: May to August, daily
Admission: by donation

Shrine of St. Therese

Address: 21425 Glacier Highway, Juneau, Alaska (AK), 99801, USA
Tel: +1 907 780 6112
Located right next to the Favorite Channel and just off the Glacier Highway (US-7), the waterfront Shrine of St. Therese serves as a Catholic retreat center. This religious landmark stands on a small island, which is linked to the mainland by nothing more than a narrow causeway. The shrine is to be found within landscaped gardens and stands next to a small chapel, which has become a popular spot for weddings.
Open hours: chapel, daily, gift shop: Monday to Friday - 08:30 to 20:00; Sunday mass - 13:30
Admission: free

Chapel by the Lake

Address: 11024 Auke Lake Way, Juneau, Alaska (AK), 99801, USA
Tel: +1 907 789 7592
Lying on the northwestern side of the capital, this attractive Presbyterian church sits next to Auke Lake and close to Auke Bay. The chapel was constructed between the years of 1954 and 1958 using little more than freshly sawn spruce logs and remains a solid example of simple rustic-style architecture. A particular feature is the large window overlooking the lake and the Mendenhall Glacier beyond. Due to its scenic setting, many locals understandably choose to get married here.
Open hours: daily, regular services from 08:00
Admission: free

Juneau Douglas Bridge

Address: West 10th Street, Juneau, Alaska (AK), 99801, USA
Measuring in at around 190 meters / 623 feet in length and spanning the Gastineau Channel, this lengthy bridge provides an important two-lane road connection between Douglas Island and mainland western Juneau, being located just off Egan Drive. The bridge is amongst the busiest of all those in southeastern Alaska and was opened in 1980, replacing the previous bridge from the 1930s. It incorporates a cycle path and sidewalk for pedestrians to make use of.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free