During the Klondike Gold Rush (1897-1898) the population of Skagway, Alaska, boomed from two to 10,000, but it wasn't a place you'd want to visit---unless you were a gold-fevered stampeder, worked at one of its approximately 80 saloons or were in cahoots with the city administration, an organized crime group led by Soapy Smith. In 1898, the railroad came and order soon was restored. Today, Skagway has a resident population of about 700 but hosts thousands of visitors who come for tours of Skagway and its surrounding wilderness.
Many American downtowns have historical districts, but in Skagway most of the historical district "is" the downtown. It's also part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.
Take a 45-minute walking tour of downtown Skagway and its historical sites with a ranger (and/or a self-guided tour, using the maps and other information offered there). Tours are first-come, first-serve and run daily, except holidays, from early May through late September.
A few highlights from the tour include the Mascot Saloon Museum and the Red Onion Saloon. The Red Onion Saloon and one-time brothel still serves drinks and food. Mannequins peer from upstairs windows and the hostess gives a $5 tour while turn-of-the-century tunes play from the piano.
Lonely Planet calls Skagway Museum "one of the best small-town museums in Southeast Alaska." Learn about Alaskan Native culture and the town's Klondike Gold Rush days.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Visitor Center
291 2nd Avenue
Skagway, Alaska 99840
907-983-9200
nps.gov
Take a van tour of the historical town that thousands made their home en route to the Klondike's gold fields. Then continue on to neighboring Dyea Valley where you will saddle up and tour Skagway's backcountry while listening to tales of the gold rush and catching a glimpse of the Chilkoot trailhead where Skagway's stampeders began their treacherous journey to the gold fields (most didn't make it).
Alaska Excursions
P.O. Box 440
Skagway, Alaska 99840
chilkoothorseback.com
This adventure starts with a van cruise through downtown, historical Skagway where your guide tells you the history of Skagway's Klondike Gold Rush. Continue on about 9 miles to the gold rush settlement of Dyea and then to the Musher's Camp.
From here you are taken on an exciting dog sled ride on a mile-long wooded trail. The sleds are outfitted with wheels, which may seem like cheating, but it's the only way to mush in sea-level Skagway from April through October when snow is scarce. The tour ends with some serious cuddle time with husky puppies, a refreshing beverage and colorful tales of the mushing life in the Great White North.
Alaska Excursions
P.O. Box 440
Skagway, AK 98840
alaskasleddog.com
