Gustavus Alaska Location:

Gustavus lies on the north shore of Icy Passage at the mouth of the Salmon River, 48 air miles northwest of Juneau in the St. Elias Mountains. It lies at the entrance to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, adjacent to Park land. Glacier Bay Park is 3.3 million acres, and offers 16 tidewater glaciers. It lies at approximately 58.41333° North Latitude and -135.73694° West Longitude. (Sec. 12, T040S, R058E, Copper River Meridian.) Gustavus is located in the Juneau Recording District. The area encompasses 37.7 sq. miles of land and 0.0 sq. miles of water.

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Gustavus Alaska Climate:

The area's maritime climate is characterized by cool summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures range from 52 to 63; winter temperatures from 26 to 39.

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Gustavus Alaska History:

When Capt. George Vancouver sailed through Icy Strait in 1794, Glacier Bay was completely enclosed by the Grand Pacific Glacier. Over the next century, the glacier retreated some 40 miles, and a spruce-hemlock forest began to develop. By 1916, it had retreated 65 miles from the position observed by Vancouver in 1794. Gustavus began as an agricultural homestead in 1914. It was once known as Strawberry Point due to the abundant wild strawberries. The current name was derived from Point Gustavus, which lies 7 miles to the southwest. Glacier Bay National Monument was established by President Calvin Coolidge in 1925. It became a National Park in 1980 with the passage of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.

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Gustavus Alaska Culture:

8.2% of the population are Alaska Native or part Native. Gustavus is primarily "lifestyle" settlement community with a number of seasonal-use homes for Juneau residents. The nearby Glacier Bay Park is a major recreation and tourist attraction in Southeast.

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Gustavus Alaska Facilities:

Half of all year-round homes have individual water wells and septic tank systems and full plumbing. A community well with water treatment is available. Concerns have been raised about water safety, due to shallow wells and individual septic systems. The school currently purchases water from the U.S. Park Service. The community has a permitted landfill and uses a balefill system. A study is underway to examine septage disposal alternatives. Electricity is provided by Gustavus Electric Company. There is one school located in the community, attended by 45 students. Local hospitals or health clinics include Gustavus Community Clinic. The clinic is a qualified Emergency Care Center Auxiliary health care is provided by Gustavus Emergency Response (697-2222/697-2290) or flight to Juneau.

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Gustavus Alaska Economy:

Gustavus has a seasonal economy; the lodge and park, located northwest of Gustavus, attract a number of tourists and recreation enthusiasts during summer months. Some commercial fishing occurs; 32 residents hold commercial fishing permits. The lodge, airport, school, small businesses, and the Park Service offer employment. Gardening is a prevalent local activity.

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Gustavus Alaska Transportation:

Gustavus offers a State-owned airport with jet capability and other scheduled flights. The airport has a 6,700' asphalt runway and is currently undergoing major improvements. Float planes land at nearby Bartlett Cove. Air traffic is relatively high during peak summer months, and several cruise ships include the Bay in their itinerary. There is a 10-mile local road connecting Bartlett Cove with the airport. Freight arrives by barge. Regulations limit th