Sometimes called the gateway to the Aleutians, Dutch Harbor (on the island and in the town of Unalaska) rests more than 900 miles southwest of Anchorage. Dutch Harbor, a jewel in the remote Aleutian Islands, is home to soaring volcanic peaks, abundant sea life and birds, and a rich history.

With the only natural deepwater port in the Aleutian Islands, Dutch Harbor--said to be named because a Dutch ship first anchored here in the 18th century--has been important from the early days of Russian fur traders to the US military during World War II, and to the subsequent commercial fishing industry, especially king crab, pollock, and cod from the Bering Sea. Today, Dutch Harbor is a top commercial fishing port in the United States, and the port has been featured on America’s Deadliest Catch.

The area has been inhabited for thousands of years by the Unangan/Aleut indigenous people. Russians influenced the area, first by fur traders and then by the presence of the Russian Orthodox Church. The presence of the US military during WWII also has left its mark on the area. In 1942, Dutch Harbor was bombed by the Japanese. Gun defenses were installed on Bunker Hill where remnants of gun mounts and other artifacts can still be seen today.

Ship Location

 The ship docks at the City Dock, which is part of the Unalaska Marine Center.

Getting Around

 Shuttles may be provided to the center of town, which is about 2 1/2 miles from where the port. To walk would take about 45 minutes. Taxis are available but keep in mind the town is small, and there may not be enough taxis during port days.

Attractions

Dutch Harbor is an outdoors paradise for birders, fishermen, kayakers, or photographers. A moderate hike up Bunker Hill is rewarded with 360-degree photo opportunities of Iliuliuk Bay and Makushin Volcano. Birders will be delighted by the many species of seabirds, as well as eagles, ravens, and puffins.

Originally built in 1826, the Holy Ascension Russian Orthodox Church is a local landmark with its green onion dome and red roof. The oldest Russian church still in existence in the US, it is a National Historic Site. The church contains numerous Russian Orthodox icons and 19th century paintings.

The Museum of the Aleutians explores the cultural history of the indigenous peoples dating back some 9,000 years through the Russian period to the modern era, including the forced internment of Aleut residents during World War II. A gift shop features crafts by indigenous artists. The Aleutian World War II National Historical Area and Visitor Center, housed at an historical hangar at the Unalaska Airport about 1.3 miles from the port, depicts the events of World War II in the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands. Exhibits include a reconstructed 1940s radio room. (Note: the museum was closed for repairs as of Jan 2023.)

The Sitka Spruce Park, a National Historic Landmark, reflects the perseverance of early Russians in planting Sitka spruce trees on the otherwise treeless island in 1808.

Whether wildlife or history appeals more, Dutch Harbor has much to offer of both.