Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
Witness skilled lumberjacks compete in thrilling log rolling, axe throwing, and tree climbing, packed with humor and audience interaction.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch the action before dinner
Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
Best Time
Catch the action before dinner
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness skilled lumberjacks compete in thrilling log rolling, axe throwing, and tree climbing, packed with humor and audience interaction.
"A blast watching those lumberjacks show off their skills and humor, worth the money!"
🎯 Arrive Early for Seats
First-come, first-served seating means arriving 15 mins early secures the best views.
☔ Be Ready for Rain
Ketchikan is wet! The venue is covered, but dress warmly and waterproof.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Log Rolling Competition
Main Arena
Watch skilled lumberjacks battle it out on a floating log. It's a thrilling display of balance and strength!
Axe Throwing
Main Arena
Witness incredible accuracy as lumberjacks hurl axes with precision. Audience participation is sometimes an option!
Tree Climbing
Main Arena
See how fast lumberjacks can ascend towering trees using only their axes and feet. A true test of agility!
Humor and Audience Interaction
Main Arena
Beyond the sport, expect plenty of jokes, gags, and crowd engagement that make the show entertaining for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Prime Seats
Embrace the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Seats
First-come, first-served seating means arriving 15 mins early secures the best views.
☔ Be Ready for Rain
Ketchikan is wet! The venue is covered, but dress warmly and waterproof.
💰 Gift Shop Deals
Surprisingly good selection and prices at the gift shop.
🥤 Local Soda Available
Try 49th state soda at the concession stand.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Seats
First-come, first-served seating means arriving 15 mins early secures the best views.
☔ Be Ready for Rain
Ketchikan is wet! The venue is covered, but dress warmly and waterproof.
💰 Gift Shop Deals
Surprisingly good selection and prices at the gift shop.
🥤 Local Soda Available
Try 49th state soda at the concession stand.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun
Jokes and gags are suitable for all ages.
🪓 Try Axe Throwing!
If offered, participate in axe throwing for a unique experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show for its blend of athletic talent, humor, and engaging performances. It's a highly recommended, family-friendly activity, especially for cruise passengers due to its convenient location. While some find it a bit 'cheesy,' the overall consensus is that it's a fun and worthwhile experience that offers a glimpse into Alaskan logging heritage.
"If you enjoy a good lumberjack show, you’ll love this one. The format will be quite familiar to those who remember the offerings at Sea World back in the day, or the multiple shows currently touring state fairs. It’s literally next to the dock, so it’s a great option for cruisers with limited mobility or attention spans (particularly the youngest cruisers), and easy to combine with a longer visit to Saxman, the bear sanctuary, etc. The gift shop has a surprisingly good selection and competitive prices, as well - and there’s even 49th state soda at the concession stand!"
Megan Real
"Just a great show. Second time and just as fun. It rained but the covers kept all the rain off. I booked in advance but I think you would be unlucky not to get in, and while changing tickets for a later show was easy, I would leave flexibility. Maybe book online from the ship"
David Tee
"I had a blast watching those lumberjacks show off their skills and humor, but Celebrity cruise ship only gave us a tiny taste of Ketchikan, Alaska, docking from 7am to 3pm. I mean, who can really experience the wild beauty of Alaska in just eight hours? Mark and I got sucked into eating all the halibut and browsing cheesy tourist traps - yeah, we're those tourists. Next time, we're driving up from Seattle and doing it right."
jocelyn jessica jacinto
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is conveniently located right next to the cruise ship docks in Ketchikan, making it easily accessible for cruisers. Many visitors walk directly from their ship.
Yes, it's a very popular and convenient excursion for cruise passengers due to its proximity to the docks. It's often combined with other activities like visiting Saxman Native Village.
Absolutely! The show is situated very close to the cruise ship terminals, making it a short and easy walk for most passengers.
While primarily geared towards cruise passengers, if you are staying in Ketchikan, you can likely walk from downtown hotels or arrange local taxi services to reach the venue.
The travel time is minimal, typically just a few minutes' walk from the cruise ship.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can often be purchased in advance online through the official show website or through your cruise line's excursion booking portal. You may also be able to purchase them at the venue.
Ticket prices can vary, but expect them to be in the range of typical excursion costs for cruise passengers. It's best to check the official website or your cruise line for current pricing.
It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially during peak cruise season, to guarantee your spot and potentially secure better seating.
The show typically operates multiple times a day, often coinciding with cruise ship arrivals. Check the official schedule for specific showtimes during your visit.
Policies can vary, but many bookings, especially through cruise lines, allow for ticket changes or cancellations under certain conditions. It's advisable to review the terms and conditions when booking.
🎫 🪓 Onsite Experience
The show features a variety of lumberjack sports including log rolling, axe throwing, tree climbing, and speed chopping, all presented with humor and audience interaction.
Yes, the show is very family-friendly, with humor and performances that appeal to all ages. The athletes are skilled and engaging.
Seating is generally first-come, first-served, so arriving early is recommended to get the best views. The venue is covered to protect from the elements.
Occasionally, audience members are invited to participate in certain events, like axe throwing, adding an extra layer of fun to the experience.
Given Ketchikan's climate, it's best to dress in layers and wear waterproof clothing. Even though the seating is covered, it can still be cool and damp.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other guests and avoid using flash photography that might disrupt the performers. +1
Front-row seats offer the most dynamic shots of the action. Capturing the lumberjacks mid-action, especially during log rolling or axe throwing, makes for great photos.
While personal photography is usually permitted, professional filming or commercial use of images may require prior permission from the venue.
Focus on capturing the intensity of the competitions, the athleticism of the lumberjacks, and the fun audience reactions. Close-ups of the action and wide shots of the arena can both be effective.
The lighting is typically adequate for daytime shows, but it's always good to have a camera or phone with good low-light performance, especially if the weather is overcast.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for opportunities for audience participation, as kids often love being involved. The show’s family-friendly jokes and the impressive feats of strength and skill will leave everyone entertained. It's a memorable Alaskan experience that combines fun with a touch of local history.
🚢 Cruise Passengers
It's a perfect way to fill a few hours in port, offering a concentrated dose of Alaskan excitement. The show's duration and accessibility make it ideal for those with limited time in Ketchikan. Booking through your cruise line is often the most straightforward option.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for front-row seats for the best angles. Be prepared for movement and fast action – a camera with good autofocus and a decent burst mode will be beneficial. The covered venue means you might encounter lower light conditions, so a camera with good low-light performance is a plus.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of Log Rolling
Watching the log rolling is mesmerizing; the speed at which the log spins and the agility of the athletes are truly impressive. It’s a visual spectacle that perfectly encapsulates the raw power and skill of traditional lumberjacking. Many visitors find this particular event to be one of the most exciting and memorable parts of the show.
For those interested in the history, log rolling originated as a way for lumberjacks to navigate rivers and move logs downstream. It evolved into a competitive sport, showcasing the practical skills honed in the demanding logging industry. The show effectively educates the audience about this aspect of Alaskan history while providing thrilling entertainment.
Axe Throwing: Skill and Spectacle
What makes this segment particularly engaging is the potential for audience participation. Some shows offer guests the chance to try their hand at axe throwing under the guidance of the professionals. This hands-on experience can be a thrilling highlight for visitors, offering a unique souvenir of their Alaskan adventure.
Beyond the thrill, axe throwing showcases the versatility and danger inherent in the lumberjack profession. It’s a skill that required immense practice and focus. The show presents this activity in a safe and entertaining manner, allowing spectators to appreciate the dedication and talent involved.
Ketchikan's Logging Heritage
The show provides a glimpse into the demanding and often dangerous work that shaped the region. By showcasing events like tree climbing and speed chopping, it educates visitors about the ingenuity and strength required to harvest timber. This historical context adds a layer of appreciation to the athletic performances.
Many visitors find the educational aspect of the show to be as valuable as the entertainment. Understanding the role of logging in Alaska's development enriches the overall experience, connecting the present-day spectacle to the past. It’s a way to learn about Alaskan culture and history through dynamic and engaging demonstrations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit