Contributed by Holly Cerne

Just off the coast of Auke Bay, Southeast Alaska’s Spuhn Island has a long and vibrant history. It was first homesteaded in the early 1900‘s by a gentleman named Mr. Dahl, who journeyed to Alaska seeking adventure and fortune. At the end of his life, Dahl sold his island to Gene and Marie Weschenfelder. 

The Weschenfelders stepped off the steamer and onto the shores of Juneau in the Spring of 1913. The beauty and bounty of the Last Frontier captured their hearts… and they stayed. After many years running the local grocery and meat market in the town of Treadwell, Weschenfelder heard rumor of Spuhn Island, and was intent on owning it.  After contacting Mr. Dahl and spending much time learning about the all the wonderful possibilities for the homestead, they bought the island and began their adventure.

The Weschenfelders and their son Ernest moved to Spuhn Island and made themselves at home. They set up a small farm and made a living raising silver fox on the island. At the time they got a handsome payment of $150 a pelt!  There are still remnants of the old shed and fox pens that sustained the family for decades.

Today, Spuhn Island is owned by a local family and their vision for the island is not too different from that of the Weschenfelders; to provide a place for families to live surrounded by all the beauty of Southeast Alaska, yet with all the comforts of home.

After purchasing the island in 2004, Spuhn Island was subdivided into 38 parcels varying in size from 1.3 to 3.4 acres. Each lot includes a minimum of 200 feet of waterfront and provides

unobstructed views of  mountains and ocean. Located within the City and Borough of Juneau, the island spans 156 acres of unspoiled natural forest, just minutes by boat from Auke Bay and North Douglas launches.

The Spuhn Island Development is currently the only all-waterfront subdivision in Juneau.  Here is a rare opportunity to purchase private waterfront land with all of the conveniences of modern life already built in.

In recent years, infrastructure improvements have made the Spuhn Island dream a possibility for everyone. Not only is the electricity all hooked up, but city water, cable television and high speed internet

capabilities are in position and ready to go. When it’s time to build, three AKDEC approved septic systems are available for residents to choose from, based on preference and lot configuration. An interior road suitable for foot travel and all-terrain vehicles winds from one end of the island to the other. There is a private  dock on the island with a 30 boat capacity and private parking is available in Auke Bay for island residents.

There are 5 fire hydrants on the island that can be supported by a volunteer crew made up of island residents and Advanced Life Support and Cardiac support is available from Capital Fire and Rescue.

Spuhn Island’s evergreen forest skirts along sandy coves and inlets. Cozy beaches offer access to southeastern Alaska’s pristine waters, while views in every direction showcase stunning panoramas of the Chilkat mountain range and Stephens Passage.

Whether you dream of a contemporary home perched high atop a cliff overlooking the ocean or a rustic cabin nestled in the trees along the beach, the island truly has something thing for everyone.

If you are inspired, and have an interest in touring Spuhn Island, please contact Holly Cerne or Robyn Long of RE/MAX and they would be delighted to introduce you to the magic and possibilities of Spuhn Island.

For more information please visit www.propertiesinjuneau.com or www.spuhnisland.com or call 209-5040 or 723-8847

Spuhn Island Community Day: Saturday, June 23rd 10:30 am to 3:00 pm

Enjoy a complimentary boat ride from Auke Bay’s Statter Harbor and take a tour of the island. Please join us for an afternoon of fun and food for the entire family! Learn about its history and what it offers you today. Come see why Juneau is so excited about its only ALL waterfront subdivision… EVERYONE is welcome! If you are enjoying a day out on the water, there is also a dock where you can park your own boat.

For more information visit www.PropertiesInJuneau.com or call 209-5040 or 723-8847