Yes, Alaska is big. And the wildlife and scenery are amazing. Visitors might easily gloss over the history of Alaska, the native people, the miners, the fisherman and the artists. But Ketchikan lets you learn more about the Alaskan people. 

The area around Ketchikan allows you to explore on your own, or in a group. So get to know Ketchikan and its surrounding towns and parks. Here are 12 Instagram photos from recent visitors to get you started:

 

Seiner + Eagle = Southeast Alaska in one photo. #Ketchikan #Alaska #tongass #fishing #seiner #eagle #seak

A photo posted by Taylor Balkom (@taybalkom) on Mar 2, 2016 at 4:17pm PST

 

#Ketchikan#Alaska

A photo posted by Adrie Klein (@adwipero) on Mar 20, 2016 at 9:26am PDT

 

sushi anyone?

A photo posted by Mackenzie Graves (@mackenziegraves) on Jun 12, 2015 at 3:25pm PDT

 

Creek street in Ketchikan, Alaska. This was formerly a red light district in the 1920's; it even has a trail named "married man's trail" a path along the creek used by men to discreetly visit the brothels..... 😘😘😘 #alaskatrip #explorealaska #travelalaska #travelgram #worldcaptures #worldtourists #tripadvisor #lovetravelling #lonelyplanet #alaskalife #neverstopexploring #ketchikan #nikon_photography #traveltheworld #peoplescreatives #picoftheday #livetravelchannel #getoutdoors #getoutside #travel #visitalaska #historynerd #redlightdistrict #seetheworld

A photo posted by Scott Wilson (@scottjw77) on Mar 6, 2016 at 4:14pm PST

 

#ConnellLake #rainydayhike #rainforest #AlaskanRainforest #alaska #ketchikan #landscapes #alaskanlandscapes #nature #naturephotography

A photo posted by Amanda McCarthy (@ammc78) on Mar 4, 2016 at 6:51pm PST

 

#TotemPole at #PotlatchPark in #Ketchikan #Alaska. #park #pole #totem #carving #NativeAmerican #RedIndian #Tlingit #native #NativeArt #art #sculpting #sunny #sculpture #eagle #StoryTelling #depiction #culture #tradition #travel #explore

A photo posted by Neha Gupta (@neha_g_speaks) on Dec 4, 2014 at 8:07am PST

 

If you want to be happier...it's simple: paddle and watch more sunsets. #kayakalaska

A photo posted by Kate Lyn (@klyn8) on Mar 3, 2016 at 7:09pm PST

 

I will never stop needing this ⚓️ @egmeoib #justinlawrencehoyt #dancingalaska #aliciakeys #ketchikan #winterblues #dance #morningmotivation #itwillonlygetbetter #dancingisfun #dancingman

A video posted by Malisa Clyke (@malisaoc) on Mar 13, 2016 at 11:02am PDT

 

Fun in the sun #alaska #ketchikan #fishing #halibut #halibutfishing #travel #southeastalaska #vacation #next #travelalaska #saltwater #optoutside #outdoors #summer #getaway #explore #adventure #bucketlist #whatgetsyououtdoors #fishtales #sealaska #thelastfrontier

A photo posted by Salmon Falls Resort Ketchikan (@salmon_falls_ak) on Mar 2, 2016 at 6:22am PST

 

Alaska #ncl #nclpearl #cruise #Alaska #insidepassage #kayak #summer #paddle #ketchikan #ketchikanalaska #holiday #tour

A photo posted by REALBEACH (@realbeach) on Feb 24, 2016 at 11:23pm PST

 

Boy oh boy, have I missed this place. #Alaska #nofilter

A photo posted by Susan Shain (@susan_shain) on Jun 19, 2015 at 6:35pm PDT

 

Looking forward to AK 16'!! EEEEEK! 🐡🐋 #Ketchikan #Alaska

A photo posted by Kerri Brown (@kerriannebrown) on Jan 24, 2016 at 2:09pm PST