Reed Travel Features
JUNEAU, Alaska -- Alaska's capital city was busier than ever
this summer, given the number and quality of the new visitor
facilities it offers.
Topping the list of "musts" on visitors' lists is the Mount
Roberts Tramway, in its first full season. The aerial tramway --
built at a cost of $15.7 million -- runs from a lower terminal on
the cruise ship pier on Franklin Street to the top of Mount
Roberts, 2,000 feet above, from which the view, the Coastal
Mountain Range and the Gastineau Channel, is breathtaking. The ride
-- a total of 3,100 feet -- takes slightly less than 10 minutes.
Each of the two trams, named the Eagle and the Raven, after two
significant creatures in local Tlingit Indian lore, carries 60
passengers at a time.
The Mount Roberts Tramway is several attractions in one, rather
than simply a ride. The upper level observatory, a
15,000-square-foot structure, houses, besides enclosed viewing
platforms, the Chilkat Theater, a restaurant and two gift shops.
The 142-seat theater offers frequent showings of an award-winning
motion picture, "Seeing Daylight." The film highlights the history,
culture and heritage of the Tlingits. Also at the top, adjacent to
the observatory, is a nature center from which it is possible to
walk through the surrounding rain forest.
The Mount Roberts tram ride opened in April, while work was
being completed on the upper-level facilities. For information
about times of opening and prices, call (888) 461-TRAM or send
e-mail to [email protected].