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Where is Skagway located?
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Set in southeast Alaska, Skagway is a
wonderful city that was the heart of the
Klondike Gold Rush.
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What historical attractions can visitors see in Skagway?
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Visitors can explore many structures and attractions
dedicated to the Klondike Gold Rush era, including
original buildings preserved by the Gold Rush National Historical Park.
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What natural attractions can outdoor enthusiasts visit?
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Outdoorsy travelers will enjoy seeing many of the area’s
natural attractions, such as:
- Davidson Glacier
- Emerald Lake
- Pitchfork Waterfalls
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1. Davidson Glacier
Explore icy blue beauty and admire towering peaks on an unforgettable trip.
© Courtesy of demerzel21 - Fotolia.com
Originally discovered in 1867, Davidson Glacier is a must-visit natural attraction while in Skagway, Alaska. There are many day cruises lasting around 5 to 6 hours that take you right to the foot of the glacier and back; these tours may include boat rides, raft rides, or canoeing.
You’ll see tons of wildlife along way, such as whales and seals, and will be amazed by the breathtaking beauty of your surroundings. Be sure to bring your camera so that you can take amazing photographs of glaciers, waterfalls, the animals, and of course, the towering Davidson Glacier.
2. White Pass and Yukon Route Railway
Ride historic rails and see scenic mountain views on an exciting adventure.
© Courtesy of bullsiphoto - Fotolia.com
The White Pass and Yukon Route Railway goes along one of the most scenic rail routes in the world. There are many tours to take, with one of the most popular being the Bennett Scenic Journey, which goes from Skagway to Carcross; the tour also includes a picturesque motor coach drive along the Klondike Highway.
This particular escapade is a 120-mile round trip and goes along the same route that the Klondike stampeders went on in 1898. There is a 45-minute layover at Bennett Station, which gives you time to explore the historic gold rush town as well as the White Pass Museum. Many of the rail journeys include a hearty lunch, which is served on board during the trip.
White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad: 231 2nd Avenue, Skagway, AK 99840, Phone: 800-343-7373
3. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Discover gold rush stories and walk along preserved buildings from a unique past.
© Courtesy of Zack Frank - Fotolia.com
Get to know about the area’s history, nature, and people with a visit to Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
. The actual gold rush was between 1897 and 1898 and brought people from all over the world to settle in Yukon and Alaska. The park preserves many of the historical structures, landscapes, trails, artifacts, and stories of its past, which you’ll be able to explore in detail during your visit there.
Additionally, there is an abundant array of flora and fauna that can be found in the park, and you may be able to come across, bears, bats, and various species of birds.
291 Broadway, Skagway, AK 99840, Phone: 206-220-4240
4. Lower Dewey Lake Hiking Trail
Hike forested paths and enjoy lake views during a peaceful summer outing.
© Courtesy of georgeburba - Fotolia.com
Extremely kid and animal friendly, the Lower Dewey Lake Hiking Trail is a 3-mile loop that visitors and residents love exploring while in Skagway.
It is open all year long and will elevate you to approximately 800 feet as you venture through all the natural scenery and activities that are there. You’ll get amazing views of Twin Dewey Peaks as well as the dense greenery in the Northern Coastal Forest. There are several opportunities to go non-motorized boating, fishing, picnicking, or swimming at the sandy beach spots you’ll come across on the trail. Camping is allowed around the lake, so come prepared with the necessities if you want an overnight adventure.
5. Alaska Mountain Guides - Adventure Park and Zip Line
Soar above trees and tackle rope challenges on an unusual outdoor thrill.
© Courtesy of mizina - Fotolia.com
Ziplining from tree to tree with Alaska Mountain Guides - Adventure Park and Zip Line is hands down one of the most thrilling things to do while in Skagway.
It is fun for the entire family, as kids as young as 6 years old can enjoy it, and it will allow you to see incredible mountain views from the top of the ziplines. The entire experience takes about 3.5 hours and starts with a narrated drive through historic downtown Skagway; it also includes a short nature hike through the wooded terrain before getting to the ropes course and zipline experience. All of the state-of-the-art equipment is completely safe, guaranteeing that you’ll have an amazing time while there.
Skagway, AK 99840, Phone: 800-766-3396
6. Red Onion Saloon Brothel Museum
Visit a quirky brothel-turned-museum and see wild frontier-era stuff.
© Red Onion Saloon Brothel Museum
The Red Onion Saloon Brothel Museum is housed in what was once a thriving dance hall, bar, and brothel. Men and miners who flocked to Skagway during the gold rush days would come there for some liquid courage and love and affection.
Many of the items that you see in the converted museum today were found in the brothel when it was closed down or were items from the owner’s personal collection. You’ll be able to step back in time with a “museum madam” and take a peek into the famed, wild world of the Red Onion.
205 Broadway, Skagway, AK 99840, Phone: 907-983-2414
7. Skagway Museum and Archives
Look at artifacts and discover rich Alaskan heritage on an easy stop.
© Courtesy of Jeffrey Banke - Fotolia.com
Though the Klondike Gold Rush is an important aspect of Skagway’s history, it’s not the only thing that shaped this town and its people into what you see today. The collection at the Skagway Museum and Archives spans various eras and has artifacts including mammoth tusks, an original Tlingit war canoe, and a roulette wheel and slot machine from the gold rush era.
There are so many fun and interesting things that visitors of all ages will enjoy. Many of the exhibits are hands-on, enabling younger visitors to have fun interacting with wildlife skeletons, whale baleen, and much more.
700 Spring St, Skagway, AK 99840
8. Yakutania Point - Smuggler’s Cove Trail
Walk along rugged trails and admire ocean views on a quick escape.
© Courtesy of vaclav - Fotolia.com
Skagway is renowned for being a friendly community, and many of its residents and visitors opt to walk or cycle to where they need to go. Therefore, it features several trails and sites that you can enjoy, including Yakutania Point - Smuggler’s Cove Trail.
The trail starts at the Skagway River steel footbridge and is popularly used for hiking and mountain biking throughout the year. The entire hike is almost 2.5 miles and the difficulty can vary along different parts of the trail. In addition to seeing some spectacular views of your surroundings, the trail is also very popular for geocaching.
9. Captain William Moore Cabin
Explore the rustic home of a pioneer during a short historic visit.
© NPS Photo
The Captain William Moore Cabin
is the first building that was ever constructed in Skagway. The well-preserved cabin, which still stands today, was built almost a decade before the Klondike Gold Rush by Captain Moore and his son Ben.
The restored homestead is a great way for visitors of all ages to see how housing in Skagway was prior to the building of Victorian houses and other structures. The Moore Cabin has been restored over the years based on photographs that were taken by the Moores during their time there. There are many artifacts and decorations within the cabin that reflect its rich past, including beadwork, furs, and native slippers.
Fifth Avenue, Skagway, AK 99840, Phone: 907-983-9200
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