dillingham and the bristol bay region
Dillingham's history began with the Yup'ik Eskimos and other native Alaskans who first lived in this area. Excellent examples of the many diverse cultures that have called this area home are available to be seen at the Samuel K. Fox Museum, which was named for a local, nationally known artist. A fine library connected to the museum allows a visitor many browsing opportunities. Whether one is looking for a current best seller, some history about the town, local art or convenient access to the internet, it can all be found within this building.
In 1822 Russian fur traders established a settlement across the Nushagak River from our present town site. The first commercial cannery in Bristol Bay was established there in 1884. A tour of the historic Peter Pan Cannery is a must for any visit to Dillingham. A school, which during an influenza epidemic also served as a hospital and orphanage, was built across the river from the settlement. A town site quickly grew and gradually moved to its present location. A modern community hospital now stands on the site of the old one. A walking map and guide are available at the Visitor's Center to make your tour of our community more enjoyable. Whatever the season, there is fun to be had in Dillingham. Summer brings the fishing season. The commercial fleet is out catching salmon and the townspeople are subsistence fishing. You can walk along the beach and watch the subsistence nets being hauled in.
Many Alaska natives continue to follow a subsistence lifestyle handed down by their ancestors.
During the summer salmon runs you will find fish racks full of drying salmon. A helping hand is
always welcome because the salmon are big! Sometimes it is possible to watch locals cutting,
smoking and drying their subsistence catch in traditional ways.
Winter is a time for outdoor sporting activities. Cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ski-jorring, ice fishing and ice skating are just some of the winter activities we enjoy. And what winter in Alaska could be complete without sled dog racing? The Nushagak Classic, an exciting middle distance race, is held in February. It is an Iditirod qualifying race and some of the world's best mushers come here to compete.
Late February brings the Beaver Round-Up, a festival which has been held annually for nearly a half-century.
It grew from the tradition of local trappers bringing their furs into town to sell. Starting with a parade, it lasts five days and is full of events.
From a chili cook-off to one of the state's largest traditional arts and crafts shows, games, dances and arm wrestling contests, the Round-Up has lots of fun for everyone.
The Western Alaska Sled Dog Championship races are usually held at this time as well. These are sprint (shorter distance) races and everyone lines up to cheer on their favorite musher.
Racing enthusiasts can also enjoy some other unique races: there are snow machine, ski-jorr and outhouse races that involve participants of all ages.
The festival ends with a great fireworks show. Watching fireworks in the snow is a special treat one will long remember.
No matter what time of the year, there are plenty of outdoor activities in Dillingham from which to choose. And don't worry if you've forgotten something when you packed, our great stores and shops have whatever you need. Fishing licenses, hardware, food, hand made native arts and crafts and souvenirs can all be found while browsing through our stores and shops. An array of dining treats, from Chinese to Mexican to good old American can be found in our restaurants. You can pick up a latte or cappuccino or eat an ice cream cone as you wander through the city.
There are ATMs for your banking convenience. Ten denominations of churches are represented in Dillingham and there are doctors, dentists, chiropractors, a pharmacy, post office and most other required services. There are no highways into Dillingham. Everyone must fly to this special place. Airlines provide frequent, regular service from Anchorage. Once you reach Dillingham, there are taxi cabs to drive you around and air charter planes to fly you to outlying areas. Small bush planes fly regularly to surrounding villages and can take you to remote spots to fulfill your special vacation dreams.
When you get to Dillingham, stop in and say camai (pronounced: cha-my).
That's Yup'ik Eskimo for Hello!