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    In 1996. Congress designated the Aleutian World War II National Historic Area to interpret, educate and inspire present and future generations about the role of the the Aleutian Islands and the Unangan people in the defense of the United States in World War II. This heritage area is one of the newest forms of partnerships between the general public and the National Park Service. It is unique in that the Federal government does not own or manage the park land. Instead, the

The location of the area follows the historic footprint of the U.S. Army's Fort Schwatka located at Ulakta Head on Mount Ballyhoo. The fort is one of four coastal defense posts built to protect the harbor. It is the highest in the United States at 897 feet above sea level. Over 100 buildings were constructed at Fort Schwatka and engineers designed concrete observation posts and command stations to withstand earthquakes and 100 mile per hour winds. The remoteness of the area has contributed to its preservation, although much deterioration has ensued over the past 50 years. The gun mounts and lookouts are among the most intact in the country.

The WWII Interpretive Center opened it’s doors in 2002. Located in the historic Aerology Building, the Center displays relics and visual aides, screens films, and holds occasional talks and events. For more information on the Center, as well as the Ulakta Head Historic Area, call the Ounalashka Corporation at 581-1276, or visit the National Parks Service website... www.nps.gov/aleu/

Museum of the Aleutians - Built on the original foundation of a WWII era building, the Museum of the Aleutians represents the culture and history of the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands from Prehistory through the Russian-America period and WWII to the present. Set in beautiful Unalaska, the population center of the Aleutians, the Museum is readily accessible once visitors arrive on the island. You also have the option to participate in one of the many archeological digs during the summer, working at the project site and in the museum's lab for as many hours as you choose. Click for more information. 

Church of the Holy Ascension Russian Orthodox Cathedral was constructed during the years from 1894 to 1896. It is one of the grandest churches in Alaska, with three altars, a nave, two side chapels, a sanctuary, and a bell tower, all arranged in a cruciform plan. The building culminates in a cupola and onion dome over the nave and a second cupola and onion dome over the three story bell tower. More than 697 icons, artifacts, and significant works of art have been documented here making it one of the largest and richest remaining collections in Alaska. For more information, or to set up a time to see the Church, call the Unalaska CVB at (907) 581-2612.

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