I recently completed a Lindblad Expedition through Alaska on one of their small explorer ships. It was a fantastic voyage because we were able to go into small passages where larger ships cannot access and truly explore.

One of our stops was beautiful Wrangell Island near the mouth of the Stikine River. We were able to get off the boat in the morning via the zodiac and then come to Wrangell where we got on jet boats to explore the Stikine River and the stunning Shakes glacier that was the finale of our river exploration. The vistas and views were surreal. I felt like I was part of a movie as nature took over all aspects of my being.

Once we finished our river tour, we headed back to the boat via the zodiac to rest and relax then came back to Wrangell Island to explore the town in the afternoon. We got electric bikes and rode all over the Island taking in the breathtaking views and culture. Wrangell island has been ruled by four nations Tlingit, Russian, English and the United States. The Fourth of July is an especially important day for the people of the Island.

We rode our bikes along the coastline to the Petroglyph Beach Historic State Park, where the site is 8,000 years old. At least 50 Petroglyph (primitive rock carvings) have been found in the area. Once you arrive there is a boardwalk with replicas that explain the history and leads out to the water. We then we walked along the beach and looked for the Petroglyph’s. It is a direct immersion in history and culture. It was a rare sunny day when we visited so people were sunny and enjoying the sights.

We rode back to the town center and then visited the Wrangell Museum that highlights the intricate history of the island and the different nations that ruled it. Extensive photographs and videos explain the history of the gold rush and the various people of different nationalities that passed through the Island.

I found so much history on such a small island that was ruled by four different nations.