This is one of many attractions to see in Ketchikan. We saw this area twice. Once we saw it with the Duck Boat Tour and then by walking there to get to Dolly’s House/Museum. It is about a 10-minute walk from the cruise ship dock and across the bridge of Ketchikan Creek.

Technically Creek Street is not a street, but in the 1970s, revitalization took place here and it was then dubbed Ketchikan’s Historic District. However, if you go back in history, you will read about this place’s notoriety in 1925. This is when even the state capital was aware of it being the red district, which had over 30 ill- repute houses present. These houses were built on pilings. These were considered Ladies of the Line houses. They were all joined together by boardwalks over the turbulent waters of the creek, which then exited into the ocean. Because of Ketchikan being dubbed as Salmon Capital of the World and this area being known throughout state for its brothels, in its most popular time (early 1900s) this region was called “the only place in the world where both fish and fishermen went up the creek to spawn.”

Now Creek Street houses have been restored and many seemed to be newly painted. They have become private homes, stores, boutiques, art galleries, and a museum (Dolly Arthur’s House of ill- repute). This location is a simply a fun place to walk to and take grand pictures of these historical buildings. In addition, you can see the salmon trying to spawn at the Ketchikan Creek. I also heard that you can fish for the salmon here. You can get a walking tour brochure from the visitor bureau to show you how to get to Creek Street. It is located at 131 Front St. The phone number is 907/225-6166.