Here's something special about Icy Strait Point: this destination is actually developed and operated by the Huna Tlingit people themselves. Every tour, every story, every cultural demonstration is led by community members sharing their own heritage, not interpreting someone else's.

The beautifully restored salmon cannery serves as the heart of the experience, housing a museum that tells the real story of this place, local arts and crafts shops featuring authentic Alaska Native work, and restaurants serving food that reflects the community's traditions. You can even see the preserved 1930s cannery line, which helps you understand how this industry shaped the region.

If you're looking for adventure, the world's largest zipline is genuinely impressive – 5,330 feet long with a 1,300-foot vertical drop that offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and ocean. For those who prefer a gentler approach to those same views, the gondola provides access to hiking trails and scenic overlooks without the adrenaline rush.

What makes the dining here special is the connection to place – you're eating freshly caught seafood while looking out at the waters it came from, in restaurants operated by people whose families have fished these waters for generations.

The excursions available here reflect that same authentic approach: Alaska Native dance performances by actual community members, bear viewing led by local guides who know the wildlife patterns intimately, and whale watching with people who grew up on these waters.

This is community-based tourism at its best – a place where visitors get genuine cultural exchange while supporting the local Tlingit community directly. It's the kind of authentic experience that's becoming increasingly rare, and increasingly valuable.