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Alutiiq Museum

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The history of Kodiak Island's indigenous Alutiiq people is told through artifacts, artwork and displays. The museum traces 7,500 years of cultural history. A special summer exhibit is "Like a Face: Sugpiaq Masks of the Kodiak Archipelago," a collaboration with the Chateau Musee of Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, and the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center.

Where: 215 Mission Road, Suite 101

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays

Cost: $3 adults, free for children younger than 12

Phone: 486-7004

Web: alutiiqmuseum.org

Baranov Museum

The museum building itself is filled with history. The log building, a National Historic Landmark, was constructed around 1808 by Russian American Co. manager Alexander Baranov as a warehouse for sea otter pelts. The museum is home to a large collection of artifacts representing Alutiiq, Russian and early American culture. It has rare works of art and historical photographs of Kodiak bears, the 1912 Novarupta volcano eruption, the 1964 earthquake and the Russian Orthodox influence on Kodiak Island.

Where: 101 Marine Way

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays, noon to 4 p.m. Sundays, mid-May to Labor Day

Cost: $3 adults, free for children younger than 12

Phone: 486-5920

Web: www.baranov.us

Independence Day Celebrations

At midnight July 3, a large fireworks display over Chiniak Bay marks the beginning of Independence Day celebrations. Island communities celebrate with parades and special observances. In Kodiak, a parade celebrates the community's diverse mix of races and cultures.

Where: Kodiak harbor

When: July 3-4

Cost: Free

Kodiak Crab Festival

The festival is a celebration of spring and life on Alaska's Emerald Isle. Highlights include fresh king crab legs, a seafood cook-off, a survival suit race, a Coast Guard search-and-rescue demonstration, concerts, a blessing of the fleet, parades, carnival rides, events for children, and kayak, bicycle and running races.

Where: Downtown Kodiak

When: May 22-26

Cost: Free

Phone: 486-5557

Web: www.kodiak.org/crabfest.html

Kodiak Island Convention and Visitors Bureau

This is the home base for plenty of information about the island. The center offers brochures, maps and helpful details for vacationers.

Where: 100 E. Marine Way, Suite 200

When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends; also open when state ferry is in port

Cost: Free

Phone: 1-800-789-4782

Web: www.kodiak.org

Kodiak Fisheries Research Center

The research facility allows visitors to investigate life under the sea. There is a 3,500-gallon aquarium and a touch tank that includes major marine invertebrates from the region.

Where: 301 Research Court

When: Open weekdays

Cost: Free

Phone: 481-1700

Web: www.afsc.noaa.gov/kodiak

Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center

The new visitors center is in downtown Kodiak and includes educational displays, artwork, interpretive programs and other natural history information on the area, including extensive information about the Kodiak brown bear population and ecosystem. Also at the center is the Alaska Geographic bookstore.

Where: 402 Center St., across from the ferry terminal

When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, Memorial Day to Labor Day

Cost: Free

Phone: 487-0282

Web: kodiak.fws.gov

Kodiak Silver Salmon Derby

The fishing contest is sponsored by the Kodiak Lions Club. The top three anglers receive cash prizes.

When: Aug. 30 to Sept. 30

Phone: 486-3900

Web: www.kodiak-outfitters.com

Kodiak State Fair and Rodeo

The rodeo and special contests take center stage at the fair. Events include calf roping, wild cow milking, barrel racing, bull riding, team roping and a Li'l Miss Rodeo contest. Special contests include pie eating and halibut cleaning. There are pony rides and a petting zoo for the kids.

Where: State Fair and Rodeo Grounds

When: Labor Day weekend

Cost: $10 adults, $5 seniors and youths ages 6-12, free for 5 and younger

Phone: 486-6380

Web: kodiakrodeoandstatefair.com

Warm August Night

It's a perfect late-summer gathering with live music starting at 4 p.m., bonfires and a grill for barbecue.

Where: State Fair and Rodeo Grounds

When: Aug. 2

Cost: Free

Phone: 539-2010