Alaska State Museum
One of the best things to do in Juneau on a rainy day is to explore Alaska’s rich heritage and history at the Alaska State Museum. You’ll find cultural insights dating back to the earliest days of the state, including information about the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian tribes. Review artifacts, find political history, and learn more about the trades and industries that have made Alaska a crucial element in commerce.
The museum is impressive, with plenty to see. About a decade ago, it underwent a massive renovation that closed its doors for a little more than two months as it expanded its offerings.
Sealaska Museum
Explore Sealaska while supporting the organization’s mission to preserve, protect, and advance the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures. The organization researches public policy to help promote statewide education on Alaska Native arts, culture and history.
Immerse yourself in the Southeast Alaska culture. You’ll find a traditional clan house that is recreated from a Tlingit clan house. It also includes contemporary art. Review historical and cultural archives of audio, manuscripts, photographs and documents.
Shop for the most unique gifts you’ll find in the area at the Sealaska Heritage store. Inside, there’s authentic Native art, souvenirs, and gifts.
Juneau-Douglas City Museum
Looking for things to do in Juneau on a rainy day? This smaller museum is perfect for spending an hour or two while waiting for the storm to pass. The museum is open year-round, though it has more robust hours during the tourist season.
The museum features local history, art, and culture. Check out the basketry-style fish trap dating back 500-700 years. Explore Alaska’s statehood and go on guided walking tours downtown. Each month, the museum hosts special tours that cover unique topics, such as true crime.
As you’ll find in other museums in the area, you can buy unique wares at the museum store.
DIPAC Macaulay Salmon Hatchery
You might think a salmon hatchery wouldn’t be very entertaining, but don’t be fooled. There’s so much to see at DIPAC. The facility has a robust visitors center and offers an authentic Alaskan experience where you can learn more about one of the most important trades in the area: salmon fishing.
While there, you’ll learn the salmon spawning process. View the lifecycle of the Pacific salmon as you go through the facility with a knowledgeable guide. Get a bird’s eye view of salmon growing.
But don’t worry, salmon are not the only creatures that call the hatchery home. There are more than 150 marine life species.
Get up close to the marine life when you take part in the tide pool touch tank. Take home fun mementos from your experience from the local gift shop.
During the tourist season of May through September, the facility is available 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the week and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekends. From October 1 through April 30, you’ll need an appointment. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for children 2-17 (children under age two are free).
Dimond Park Aquatic Center: A Top Thing to Do in Juneau on a Rainy Day
If you’re traveling with children and need to get some energy out, head to the Dimond Park Aquatic Center. The center is open 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the week, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
The community swimming pool is very affordable, offering day passes ranging from $3 for children ages 2-7 to $8 for adults. Families of two adults and up to three children can get in for $22. It’s a fun, easy way to spend a rainy day when your plans are disrupted.
Inside, you’ll find more than just a pool. It also includes water slides, a sauna and hot tubs. So even if you aren’t traveling with young children, you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the indoor pool. Just monitor the website for updates on changes to the schedule due to staffing or rentals.
Perseverance Theatre Juneau
This professional theater offers a variety of shows each year. Review what’s available while you’re in town and see whether it might align with your schedule to see a show on a rainy day.
Alaskan Brewing Company
One of the tastiest things to do in Juneau on a rainy day is to visit Alaskan Brewing Company for great food and unique local beverages. While it is a brewery, you’ll also find award-winning canned cocktails, including the Rainforest Gin and Tonic.
While the company’s beer is available at many local restaurants, a trip to the brewery offers a unique experience.
The Alaskan Brewing tasting room is just a few miles from the airport and from Frontier Suites, one of the best airport hotels in the area.
Stop in for beer tastings or relax at the bar with a full pour of your favorite brew. The tasting room includes food trucks so you can eat a meal and stay a while. You can purchase cans of beer to take home or enjoy a crowler, growler or 5-gallon keg.
The Tasting Room offers a video showcasing the brewery’s history and explains its sustainability practices.
If you’re staying in downtown Juneau, you can use the free shuttle that transports travelers from the Alaskan Brewing Depot downtown to the Tasting Room and back. The shuttle is only available during the summer tourist months.
Amalga Distillery
In the heart of downtown Juneau, you can visit the Amalga Distillery tasting room in the afternoon and evening. You can taste samples of the Juneauper Gin and Single Malt Whiskey. Or enjoy a draft cocktail.
Take home a taste of Juneau with canned cocktails or bottles to go.
Donna’s Restaurant
From Frontier Suites, it’s just a short half-mile walk to Donna’s Restaurant. The cozy, casual restaurant offers classic diner food with a welcoming environment. The family-owned eatery has been in operation since 1984. With early morning hours, you can grab breakfast before leaving town thanks to its proximity to the airport.
When you visit, leave room for dessert because the ice cream and sundaes are delicious.
LOOKING FOR A NICE HOTEL IN JUNEAU?
We offer full kitchens in every suite.
Your Cozy Hotel to Retreat to
Frontier Suites offers rooms with a complete kitchen and separate living and sleeping spaces to offer a more home-like feel. When exploring things to do in Juneau on a rainy day, finding a cozy indoor retreat ensures you’ll have both space and comfort to relax. Book your stay now to get your preferred accommodations.
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