Seward, Alaska

Seward is a town on the east side of the Kenai Peninsula in Southcentral Alaska. The area was a trading center for thousands of years, and current home of the Qutekcak Native Tribe serving Alutiiq/Sugpiaq people and Alaska Native families I the region. The town is at the head of what Russian explorers named Resurrection Bay, another hint at its long history. The Iditarod National Historical Trail also starts there, part of the trail network to carry mail and goods by dog sled throughout the state.

The town was founded in 1903, named for William H. Seward who arranged for the U. S. to buy Alaska when he was President Lincoln’s Secretary of State. Seward’s ice-free port has been an important location, from the construction of the Alaska Railroad to World War II and beyond. The port and most of downtown Seward was devastated by the Good Friday earthquake of 1964, magnitude 9.2. The town was rebuilt, and the shoreline is now a beautiful park and campground.

Seward is currently the gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park, and a common Alaskan stop for cruise ships. Other tourists drive down from Anchorage. Seward’s Alaska Sealife Center is an important research and animal rehabilitation center, as well as the perfect place to learn more about our sea life, from fish to sea stars to Steller sea lions. My favorite part is the aviary—there’s nothing like seeing a puffin close up and eye to eye!

I also enjoy Seward’s public museum and library. Plus, there’s a great walking tour that celebrates the town’s history—pick up a paper map or access it at https://www.cityofseward.us/government/boards-commissions/historic-preservation-commission/historic-walking-tour.  

For more information on the town, check out https://www.seward.com. Whether you visit for a few days or more, you’ll find a charming town and beautiful scenery!