Mount Roberts Tramway facts for kids
The Mount Roberts Tramway is a special kind of cable car system in Juneau, Alaska. It's located just south of the city's downtown area. This tramway has been running since 1996. It takes you on a six-minute ride up Mount Roberts, which is a big mountain.
The tram starts near the cruise ship docks, almost at sea level. It climbs up to about 1,800 feet (550 meters) high. At the top, there's a restaurant, a theater, a nature center, and shops. You can also find trails that lead further up or down the mountain. One trail goes to a large cross put there by a priest named Father Brown a long time ago.
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History of the Tramway
The idea for the tramway came from John Heiser in 1994. He worked with a few other people to create the Mount Roberts Development Corporation (MRDC). This group designed the tramway and got all the necessary permits and land.
Later, MRDC teamed up with Goldbelt, Incorporated. Goldbelt is a company for Alaska Natives from Juneau. Together, they raised money to build and run the tramway. The tram opened for a short time in September 1996. Its big grand opening was in May 1997.
MRDC sold its share to Goldbelt the next year. The tram quickly became very popular. In its first full summer (1997), almost 160,000 people rode it. Building the tram cost about $16 million in 1996. It made about $3 million in its first year. Today, the Mount Roberts Tramway is one of the most popular places for tourists in Southeast Alaska. Around 200,000 people visit it every summer.
How the Tramway Works
The Mount Roberts Tramway uses a system called an aerial tramway. This type of cable transportation was first used in the mountains of Europe in the late 1800s. You might have seen similar systems at ski resorts. They are also used for moving materials or for city transport.
The company that built the Mount Roberts Tramway is Leitner-Poma of America. They are part of a very large company that makes ropeway systems around the world.
The tram has two cabins, and each can hold 60 passengers. It can carry up to 1050 people per hour up the mountain. The tram moves very fast, reaching speeds of about 2000 feet per minute (10 meters per second).
This tram is a "double-reversible" type. This means both cabins are connected to one main cable. As one cabin goes up the mountain, the other cabin comes down at the same time.
The tram is powered by a strong electric motor. There's also a backup system with two diesel engines. All these engines work together to move the cables. The main cable is very long and super strong. It's made by a company in Switzerland. The cabins ride on two other thick, strong cables.
Base Facilities
The bottom station of the tram is right on the cruise ship docks. You can find it on South Franklin Street. Inside the building, there's a big main hall. This is where you buy tickets and wait to get on the tram. There are also offices and maintenance areas for the tram here.
Summit Facilities
The top station of the tram is on a tall tower. From here, you get amazing views! You can see the city of Juneau and the Gastineau Channel. You can also spot Douglas Island and the community of Douglas to the west. To the north, you'll see the Chilkat Mountain Range, and to the south, Kupreanof Island.
A walkway called the Skybridge connects the tram platform to the main building on Mount Roberts. Inside this building, you'll find the Timberline Bar & Grill, which is a restaurant. There's also the Chilkat Theater, where you can watch a film about the local Alaska Natives. You can buy souvenirs at Raven Eagle Gifts. Outside the main building, there's a beautiful totem pole created by Stephen Jackson. It shows traditional Native designs.
The Juneau Raptor Center has a special display at the summit. They care for injured bald eagles and teach visitors about these amazing birds. You can also visit the Nature Center. Here, you can learn about guided hiking trips and find maps and books about outdoor activities in the area.
There are several hiking trails that start from the summit. Some are easy and even wheelchair-friendly. Others are more challenging. Many trails offer fantastic views from the ridgeline of Mount Roberts. Some trails go through forests and meadows filled with wildflowers and animals. Along the forest paths, you'll see trees with carvings that tell Native legends. There are also signs along the loop trail that describe the different flowers, plants, trees, birds, and animals you might see.
Images for kids
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View from the tramway of the site of Richard Harris and Joe Juneau's gold discovery, now part of downtown Juneau. Shown is the southern end of Egan Drive and large-scale development on filled-in tidelands.
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Top of the tramway ("Skybridge") on Mount Roberts.
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Tram ascending to the Skybridge
