It's the most photographed landmark in Alaska. But while Creek Street is now a charming collection of boutiques and galleries, its history is significantly more "colorful." Built on pilings over the water to circumvent laws against land-based saloons, this was Ketchikan's legendary Red Light District.
From the early 1900s through the 1950s, Creek Street was lined with over 20 brothels. During Prohibition, bootleggers would row their boats up the creek at high tide to deliver illegal whiskey through trap doors in the floorboards.
The only preserved brothel on the street. Dolly Arthur was Ketchikan's most famous madam. Today, her house is a museum filled with period antiques, vintage secrets, and the original "shorthand" Ledgers of the trade. (Admission is approx. $10).
Located at the northern end of the boardwalk. From July through September, the creek is so thick with Pink and Coho salmon you could practically walk across it. Watch them attempt to leap up the falls.
The staircase climbing the mountain at the end of the street. It was the "discreet" exit path used by local men to avoid being spotted by their wives while leaving Creek Street's establishments.
One of the many boutique shops. Famous for its whimsical Alaskan art and high-quality local crafts. Perfect for a non-generic souvenir.
If you want to avoid the heaviest cruise crowds, visit Creek Street **immediately** after disembarking (8:00 AM) or wait until an hour before your ship departs. Morning mist over the creek creates the most iconic photos.