Discover Culture, Art and Hospitality at the Goldbelt Tram Lower Terminal
At the base of Mount Roberts, just steps from Juneau’s bustling cruise ship docks, visitors to the Goldbelt Tram Lower Terminal can watch master artists at work, enjoy local food and coffee, browse Alaska Native artwork, and have firsthand Tlingit culture experiences. While aerial tram service is temporarily paused, the waterfront terminal continues to welcome guests with authentic cultural experiences, craftsmanship, and hospitality.
While aerial tram service remains temporarily paused following the April 30 incident, Goldbelt continues to prioritize safety above all else. Passenger service will not resume until independent industry experts verify the tram is ready for safe operation. During this time, the Lower Terminal, Raven About Coffee and the retail shop remain open, introducing visitors to Alaska Native culture and art through onsite demonstrations.
Chilkat Weaving Demonstration
Inside the Lower Terminal, artists Donedin Jackson and Rae Mills continue the careful, time-intensive work of creating a Killer Whale Ceremonial Chilkat Robe. The two-year project began last season and gives visitors the rare opportunity to watch the robe take shape. Chilkat weaving, a traditional Pacific Northwest Coast textile art form, is known for its flowing formline designs, technical precision, and cultural significance. Watching the robe take shape offers visitors a rare opportunity to witness generations of artistic knowledge, patience, cultural knowledge and tradition come together in this local art form.
Traditional Tlingit Carving
Along the waterfront side of the terminal, Tlingit carver Herb Sheakley Jr. (Kaax̱ Tséen) is transforming locally harvested timber into a new totem. His work is inspired by the traditional story of X̱anax̱gatwaayaay and Raven, a story that leaves one question unanswered: after Raven trades his bow and arrow for X̱anax̱gatwaayaay’s staff to catch salmon, what became of X̱anax̱gatwaayaay? That mystery became the starting point for Sheakley’s carving. Rather than creating a piece for a single clan, Sheakley is carving a totem that reflects the ongoing work of learning, preserving and sharing traditional stories. The piece represents the idea that cultural knowledge continues to grow as stories are remembered, interpreted, and passed from one generation to the next.
Devil’s Club Table
The cultural experience extends beyond carving and weaving. Tlingit dance performances bring song, movement, and protocol into the terminal, while a table dedicated to Devil’s Club introduces visitors to one of Southeast Alaska’s most prodigious plants. Common in wet, forested areas, Devil’s Club has long been valued for medicinal and artistic uses. Its fruit, roots, and stems are used in everything from healing salves, to tea, to jewelry, connecting the natural world to everyday practice, creativity, and care.
Raven About Coffee
Raven About Coffee has become a gathering place for visitors and locals alike, offering coffee, chowder, pretzels and other refreshments just steps from the waterfront. Additional food options have been added with the including an open-fire grill. There are burgers, sandwiches, and the unique Alaska offering of reindeer sausage.. Combined with live cultural demonstrations and Alaska Native artwork, the Lower Terminal offers an inviting place to relax, learn and connect while exploring downtown Juneau.
The Goldbelt Tram Lower Terminal lobby and gift shop, featuring Alaska Native artwork and jewelry, are open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Raven About Coffee is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and carving and cultural demonstrations continue throughout the week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Whether stopping in for a cup of coffee, watching artists at work or learning more about Tlingit culture, visitors are invited to experience a vibrant waterfront destination where living traditions continue to shape Southeast Alaska.
Plan Your Visit
Current hours, demonstration schedules and updates are available at goldbelttram.com. Visitors can also follow the Goldbelt Tram on Facebook for the latest cultural programming, artist features and seasonal announcements.
