We were met by, I thought, by an uninspired, uninterested student guide. Inside the hatchery the student guides were great and well-informed. The salmon were scarce due to the time of year, but the museum had some very nice and well thought-out exhibits. The small gift shop has souvenirs as well as salmon for shipping.
We did this as an excursion from our Celebrity cruise in conjunction with a trip to Mendenhall Glacier. It was a quick 30 min visit which we essentially saw different size salmon in different size holding tanks. It was past spawning time, so we just saw lots of fish. Inside there is a touch tank with a few things as well as a few large tanks of various fish. There was lots to learn but we were so rushed with our tour that we didn't feel we realliy had an opportunity to see anything cause we were just trying to beat the clock back to the bus. If you can do this independently so you can take your time.
This was the first of three stops on our excursion. Very well organized, very interesting guide. Explained everything you wanted to know about salmon, and as this was the first week of August, boy were they running! You only need about 45 minutes or so to see everything, but as we had a sunny and 70 degree day it was beautiful to stand outside and watch. And of course, the obligatory gift shop!
The hatchery is small and there is not too much to see but the guides who tell about the history and working of the hatchery are very well informed and provide interesting details. The aquarium in the lobby is well taken care of and has very interesting specimens of local fish, crabs and other sea life. From the viewing area over the Gastineau Channel you can see harbor seals, eagles and other wildlife. A fun visit.
Thanks marysmiles for the review and great pictures! We agree; the Chum salmon run at DIPAC is awe inspiring. If you get a chance to visit again, make sure you come inside. We have millions of baby salmon, and lots of other cool, southeast Alaskan critters just past the doors of our visitor center.Cheers from Juneau!
This was very interesting and educational place to visit. The helpful and knowledgeable staff gave very good presentations. At the salmon ladder you could watch the salmon leap and work their way to the hatchery. The hatchery is well worth the time to stop and visit.
We visited the hatchery as part of a tour group. Our tour guide was a young person who didn't speak loud enough (even with the PA) for those of us at the back of the pack to hear what was being said. So, we didn't get much of the info about the hatchery. Once inside, the fish tank was neat.
It's a small hatchery but the guides and staff are very informative. There are several small displays, an aquarium, a video tour and salmon for purchase in the tourist building. The salmon ladder can be viewed from the buildings outdoor landing as well as viewing some ladders through glass windows. The hatchery building is worth a stop - fascinating to see thousands of hatch-lings.
Thanks "grannysfullcloset" for the kind review! We do love our fish and our building as well. We don't usually advertise it, but our rhododendron is one of the most beautiful in town. Hope you come back and see us this year! We have more fun things for kids and critters waiting to be checked out.
A lot of Salmon to see on this trip. But if you have been to a hatchery before they are kind of all alike. They had dried salmon for sale as well as other items. Good place to take the kids to see fish and learn about the salmon industry in Juneau.