Petersburg is homeport to one of most productive and diverse commercial fishing fleets in Alaska with over 70 million pounds of fish and shellfish crossing the dock each year.
Living In Petersburg
Petersburg, known as “Little Norway” because its Norwegian heritage, has a population of ~3,200, and is located on the north end of Mitkof Island.
What to See and Do
Petersburg is less crowded than many tourist destinations due to being off-route of the large cruise ships. The town’s art galleries feature the work of world-renowned artists and the crafts of many locals, while the area offers a wide range of attractions for visitors, including bird and whale watching at Outlook Park, visiting the Clausen Memorial Museum, or picnicking at the Crystal Lake Hatchery.
In 2013, NerdWallet.com named Petersburg “The Best Town in Alaska for Young Families.”
All species of wild Alaska salmon can be caught in the waters around Petersburg. Crab, halibut and rockfish are also plentiful just a short boat ride from town. Grocery stores in Petersburg rival the selection of chain-owned stores in the lower 48, while the town’s retail seafood processors will pick-up and fillet your fresh catch or serve you recently delivered seafood, cooked to perfection.
Where to Live
Rentals are about $878 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Median home value is $239,700.
How to Get Around
Air:
James A. Johnson Airport is located approximately one mile from the central business district. Alaska Airlines offers regularly scheduled commercial jet service twice daily with direct flights to Juneau, Anchorage and Seattle. Charter air services are also available.
Road:
South of Petersburg a road system leads visitors to U.S. Forest Service campgrounds, hiking trails, fish ladders and a hatchery and a trumpeter swan observatory. Car rental services are available.
Water:
The Alaska Marine Highway connects Petersburg to the rest of Southeast Alaska, and to Prince Rupert BC and Bellingham, WA. The Inter-Island Ferry connects Petersburg with the nearby community of Wrangell and Prince of Wales Island.
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Map View of Petersburg