Skagway is a small city in Southeast Alaska that is on a major cruise route, the Inside Passage. It is home to many historic buildings from the gold rush era. Some of these are still standing and are part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. You can also ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, which features vintage locomotives and offers breathtaking mountain views.
Jewell Gardens
One of the most unique places to visit in Skagway, Alaska, is Jewell Gardens. This garden features handcrafted glass art and a beautiful display of Alaskan flowers. The garden is also home to a cafe where visitors can enjoy fresh food and seasonal produce.
The jewell Gardens offers a peaceful, natural environment that’s perfect for strolling. In addition to the gardens, there’s also an upscale restaurant and a glass-blowing workshop. If you’d like to get away from the hustle and bustle of the cruise port, Jewell Gardens is one of the best places to visit in Skagway.
The Municipality and Borough of Skagway is one of the most scenic places in Alaska. While you’re in Skagway, you’ll also want to check out the BearHead Photography Gallery, where you can view local photographer Barrett Hedges’ work. The exhibit features images of local wildlife in their natural habitat. While the weather in Skagway is relatively warm, it can get chilly in the winter. The temperature is 64 degrees during the day and 51 degrees at night. That means that you’ll want to bring warm clothing.
If you have more time to spend exploring Skagway, consider visiting the city’s museums. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park is nearby, and the National Park Service provides free walking tours of the historic district. These tours are an excellent way to learn about the city’s history, natural surroundings, and current culture.
The Skagway Museum is another must-see in Skagway. This museum features dozens of exhibits that highlight the culture of the region. The museum is open daily from early May to late September.
Red Onion Saloon Brothel Museum
The Red Onion Saloon is an iconic place in Skagway. You can get a tour of the saloon, which has been around since the 19th century, for just $5. While you’re there, you’ll learn about the saloon’s rich history and the lives of its madams. The tour includes the madam’s room, 10×10 crib room, wallpaper room, and more. The museum has plenty of artifacts from that time, including original silver dresses. You’ll also get to meet Lydia, the resident ghost.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, you might want to check out the Red Onion Saloon, which is a National Historic Landmark. During the gold rush, the saloon was one of the city’s most prestigious bordellos. Today, the saloon serves as a restaurant and saloon, and the upstairs is home to the museum.
The Red Onion Saloon has been featured on Ghost Hunters, and it’s rumored that the place is haunted. In one episode, the bartender said he saw a ghostly woman that walked the floor and sat in a corner. Although the bartenders have been unable to catch the ghost, they are welcoming of ghost enthusiasts.
When planning a trip to Skagway, you should consider checking out the Red Onion Saloon and Brothel Museum. They’re two of the best places to visit in the town. If you’re a fan of the Wild West, you’ll love these two attractions.
Smiths Parlor Museum
One of the best places to visit in Skagland is the Red Onion Saloon, a former brothel from the Gold Rush days. You can visit this museum and experience the past of a thriving town teeming with miners. The museum is home to many antiques from the gold rush, some of which are the owner’s personal collections.
The museum is housed in one of the oldest buildings in Skagway, dating back to the early 19th century. The interior is furnished with the original family’s possessions. Another historical building is the AB Hall, which is home to the Skagway Visitor Department. It showcases Victorian Rustic Architecture, unlike any other building in town.
Another historical attraction is the Skagway Gold Rush Museum, located on 2nd Avenue. Here, you can see gold rush artifacts, and learn about the town’s notorious outlaw, Jefferson Randolph “Soapy” Smith. The museum has guided tours and free walking tours.
Another historical attraction in Skagway is the Arctic Brotherhood Hall. Originally a fraternal hall, this building now houses the Skagway Visitor Department. The unique architecture of the building is an example of Victorian rustic influence, with the logo of the organization on the roof line and driftwood pieces on the front wall.
The town has some of the best scenery in Alaska, and you’ll want to get out and enjoy the scenery. Visit the town’s visitor center, which is open May through September from 8:30am to 5:30pm. It is wheelchair-accessible and has public restrooms.
The Jeff Smiths Parlor Museum is one of the oldest museums in Skagway, and is dedicated to the late local “Soapy” Smith. The museum contains many unique artifacts that were donated by the Rasmuson Foundation.
Lower Dewey Lake Trail
One of the best ways to enjoy the natural beauty of Skagway is to take a hike. There are a number of great hikes to choose from, including the Dewey Lake Trail System, which consists of the Lower Dewey Lake Trail and the Upper Lake Trail. Both of these routes provide a moderate amount of elevation gain.
Hiking along the Lower Dewey Lake Trail offers some great forest scenery as well as beautiful views of the Lynn Canal. The trail starts at the south end of the lake and divides into two parts. The trail is a little rough in parts, so it is not the best choice for those who are not comfortable with uneven terrain.
Alternatively, you can take a 30 minute tour at the visitor center. This will give you a good overview of the area and its history. The town is home to one of the richest gold rush histories in the country. When you’ve finished your tour, head north on Broadway for photo opportunities. If you’re hungry, grab a tasty pastry from Klondike Doughboy on 3rd Avenue.
The Lower Dewey Lake Trail is a 2.5-mile loop that meanders through the pine forest surrounding Lower Dewey Lake. It is home to many marmots and is filled with beautiful wildflowers and mushrooms in the summer. While the trail is steep, it rewards hikers with a magnificent view of the town.
Whether you’re on a cruise ship or want to go hiking, Skagway is home to many beautiful hiking trails. From a simple stroll to a challenging trek, there is a hike to fit your schedule. Several of them are easy to access from the dock of your cruise ship or the campground, making them a great choice for those who want to get out and about.
Davidson Glacier
If you love nature and glaciers, Davidson Glacier is one of the best things to do in Skagway. You can take a tour by speedboat and canoe along the glacier. It’s a thrill to get close to nature, and you’ll get an amazing photo opportunity. It’s also possible to hike on Davidson Glacier, which is a perfect place for a family outing.
Davidson Glacier was first discovered in 1867, and today it’s one of the best natural attractions in Skagway. The glacier is so towering that it’s difficult to miss. A guided tour takes about five or six hours and can include boat rides, raft rides, canoeing, and wildlife.
To explore Skagway’s unique landscape, try hiking or canoeing on the Chilkoot Trail. This 33-mile trail was once a major travel route during the Gold Rush. The trail also features Pitchfork Falls, which cascades from a mountain ridge and into the Skagway River. This is a popular day hike destination and a popular stop on many local tours.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous experience, consider an Alaska bush plane tour. You’ll get to see glaciers from a different perspective and get a close look at some of Alaska’s most spectacular scenery. For instance, a fifty-minute tour will take you over the Davidson Glacier, which is crisscrossed with crevasses and towers. You’ll also have a chance to see mountain goats along the way.
If you’re not looking for an adventure, try exploring the local museum and archives. Located in a historic building that was once a courthouse, school, and jail, the museum contains a diverse collection of artifacts from the past and present. There’s even a mammoth tusk in the museum, which you can touch and play with as you learn about Alaska history.
