Rock Sculpture
A powerful monument honoring Ketchikan's pioneers and indigenous heritage, depicting key figures who shaped Alaska's 'First City'.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for viewing details
Rock Sculpture
Best Time
Best light for viewing details
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A powerful monument honoring Ketchikan's pioneers and indigenous heritage, depicting key figures who shaped Alaska's 'First City'.
"A huge beautiful monument paying tribute to Ketchikan's heritage, The Rock tells the story of how Alaska's First City came to be."
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the detailed figures and historical narrative of this significant monument.
🚶♀️ Walkable from Port
The sculpture is conveniently located near cruise ship docks, making it an easy stroll.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Seven Figures
The Rock Sculpture
Six archetypes of Alaskan pioneers and one Tlingit Chief, telling Ketchikan's founding story.
Chief Johnson's Presence
Top of The Rock Sculpture
A Tlingit Chief symbolizing the indigenous people as the first inhabitants of Southeast Alaska.
Pioneering Spirit
The Rock Sculpture
A monument honoring the fisherman, miner, logger, bush pilot, and frontierswoman drawn by Alaska's riches.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace Ketchikan's Heritage
Cruise Port Proximity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the detailed figures and historical narrative of this significant monument.
🚶♀️ Walkable from Port
The sculpture is conveniently located near cruise ship docks, making it an easy stroll.
📚 Learn the History
Research the archetypes represented to deepen your appreciation of its heritage.
☔ Be Prepared for Rain
Ketchikan is known for its rain; bring an umbrella or raincoat for comfort.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the detailed figures and historical narrative of this significant monument.
🚶♀️ Walkable from Port
The sculpture is conveniently located near cruise ship docks, making it an easy stroll.
📚 Learn the History
Research the archetypes represented to deepen your appreciation of its heritage.
☔ Be Prepared for Rain
Ketchikan is known for its rain; bring an umbrella or raincoat for comfort.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise The Rock Sculpture as a beautiful and historically significant monument that effectively tells the story of Ketchikan's pioneers and indigenous heritage. Its convenient location near the cruise port is a major plus for visitors with limited time. Some may find it a brief stop, but its impact lies in its narrative and artistic merit.
"Located at cruise ship Berth Two, The Rock is a statue/sculpture depicting early Alaskan pioneers, Six of the seven statues are of a fisherman, a miner, a logger, a bush pilot, a frontierswoman, and a Native drummer, who were drawn to Alaska by the abundance of salmon, the gold rushes, the forests, and the wildlife. The seventh sculpture is of an actual person: a Tlingit chief, Chief Johnson. His presence shows that his people were the first to make Southeast Alaska their home."
Celeste Ruppelt
"A huge beautiful monument paying tribute to Ketchikan's heritage, The Rock tells the story/homage of how Alaska's First City came to be. Six of the seven figures on the sculpture represents a prominent archetype in the city's history—a fisherman, a minor, a logger, a bush pilot, a frontierswoman, a Native drummer.
The seventh represents an actual historical figure—Chief Johnson, a Tlingit who stands on top of The Rock, symbolizing the fact that his people were the very FIRST to make their home in SE Alaska."
Michelle Foy
"Beautiful sculpture with a heritage memorial significance. It is part of the beautiful port of Ketchikan and one of the first things you can see. There is an information office nearby with a restroom available"
Yinzú Nairouz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Rock Sculpture is conveniently located at cruise ship Berth Two, making it a short and easy walk from most cruise ship docks in Ketchikan. Follow the signs from downtown.
The area around The Rock Sculpture is generally flat and paved, making it accessible for wheelchairs. However, specific accessibility details may vary.
Ketchikan is primarily accessed by cruise ships or by air. Many visitors arrive as part of an Alaskan cruise itinerary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, The Rock Sculpture is an outdoor public monument and can be viewed freely without any admission fee.
As an outdoor sculpture, it is accessible 24/7. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best viewing experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It represents the pioneers and indigenous people who shaped Ketchikan's history, including a fisherman, miner, logger, bush pilot, frontierswoman, Native drummer, and Chief Johnson.
Yes, there is an information office nearby that can provide more details about the sculpture and Ketchikan's history.
Chief Johnson, a Tlingit leader, is depicted to symbolize his people as the original inhabitants of Southeast Alaska.
Absolutely! Photography is encouraged to capture the detailed figures and historical significance of the monument.
The sculpture is close to Creek Street, a historic boardwalk, and other downtown Ketchikan attractions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the downtown area near The Rock Sculpture offers various dining options, including seafood restaurants and cafes.
You can find local Alaskan specialties like salmon bowls and unique donuts in the vicinity.
📸 📸 Photography
Daylight hours offer the best natural light for capturing the details of the sculpture. Consider overcast days for softer light.
Try capturing wide shots to show the entire monument in its setting, as well as close-ups of the individual figures to highlight their detail.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider turning the visit into a mini-scavenger hunt, asking kids to spot the fisherman, miner, or the Tlingit Chief. The nearby information center can also provide kid-friendly materials. Remember to dress for Ketchikan's unpredictable weather, as rain is common.
🚢 Cruise Ship Passengers
Many cruise passengers appreciate attractions that offer a quick yet meaningful cultural experience. The Rock Sculpture provides exactly that, offering a snapshot of Ketchikan's heritage without requiring a significant time commitment. It's a perfect way to start or end your exploration of the city.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historical Significance of The Rock
Dominating the sculpture is the figure of Chief Johnson, a Tlingit leader. His prominent placement is a deliberate acknowledgment that his people were the original inhabitants of Southeast Alaska, underscoring the deep historical roots of the region. This inclusion is crucial for understanding Ketchikan's layered history, recognizing both the newcomers and the indigenous peoples who shaped its past and present.
Visiting The Rock offers a tangible connection to the spirit of adventure and perseverance that defined early Alaska. It's a powerful visual reminder of the industries, challenges, and cultural tapestry that led to the development of this unique Alaskan port.
Ketchikan's Cruise Port Experience
While The Rock itself is a significant point of interest, it's also a gateway to exploring more of Ketchikan. Nearby attractions include the historic Creek Street, a charming boardwalk built on stilts over the water, offering unique shops and galleries. The area also boasts an information office, providing resources for further exploration.
Many travelers find Ketchikan to be a port where they can explore independently and at their own pace. The Rock Sculpture serves as an excellent starting point for such explorations, offering a glimpse into the city's heritage before you venture further into its colorful streets and natural beauty.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit