Unalaska, Alaska, is the town. Dutch Harbor is where the big fishing boats dock, where the airplanes land and where the military post was bombed in World War II.
Unalaska and Dutch just want to keep that straight. And even though the areas are adjacent with very little else around them for hundreds of miles, they have their own ZIP codes.
Unalaska, population 4,300, is on Unalaska Island in the Aleutian Chain, 800 miles from Anchorage. Dutch Harbor -- the nation's top fishing port for more than a decade -- is the part of the city on Amaknak Island, which is tied to Unalaska by bridge.
These Western Alaska twins share some things: the stormy environment and a dependence on fishing in the Bering Sea.
The area has sport fishing for salmon and monster halibut, and birders are fond of the Aleutians' seabird colonies.
The Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge is in the area.
Air service is provided by Alaska Airlines. Once a month between April and September, the Alaska Marine Highway System sends a ferry over from Kodiak. The final ferry of the season is scheduled to arrive in mid-September; it'll depart for Kodiak five hours later.
Hotels in town include the Grand Aleutian Hotel, overlooking Margaret Bay. There are tour companies, the Museum of the Aleutians and some hills to climb. Visitors should keep in mind that most of the land on Unalaska is owned by the Ounalashka Corp., a Native corporation, and a permit is required for crossing the land. Call 907-581-1276 for specific information.
Unalaska has 10 major docks for fishing, fuel and cargo ships. It's a waypoint for barge traffic up from Anchorage up the western coast of Alaska.
Visit The Grand Aleutian hotel in Dutch HarborREAD MORE