skagway national park walking tour

Exploring the Skagway Historic District: A Downtown Guide

In the article about Skagway Downtown, we take you on a journey through the fascinating Alaska past. We will show you the best buildings in the Skagway Historic District. This article will guide you through the town’s transformation from a Gold Rush hub to a cherished historical site. Discover the architectural landmarks, the enduring legacy of the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, and the vibrant stories behind Skagway’s museums and landmarks. Join us in uncovering the rich tapestry of Skagway’s history, where every corner tells a story.

Skagway Downtown – Our Experiences

Welcome to Skagway, a town echoing the Gold Rush era. Chris and I, passionate about this historical period, explored downtown Skagway with eagerness. Our recent journey through its streets, rich in stories of dreamers and adventurers, inspired us.

Now, we’re gearing up to spend a week here, diving deeper into its captivating history. This guide will lead you through Skagway’s Historic District, where the past is a living, breathing presence. Together, let’s discover the hidden gems and legendary tales of this unique Alaskan town.

If you have only one day in Skagway during your Inside Passage cruise , be sure to focus on its downtown, as it’s one of the best charming towns in Alaska. Skagway is much smaller than downtown Juneau , so you can easily navigate this amazing town.

Sources: While writing this article, I used official sources of information, which are the White Pass & Yukon Route official website and the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park website. For more detailed historical information, please visit those websites.

Skagway Historic District and White Pass as a National Historic Landmark District

The Skagway Historic District and White Pass, a National Historic Landmark District , encompasses a significant part of the U.S. territory related to the Klondike Gold Rush.

It includes Skagway’s historic core, retaining the original 1897 town layout, and extends through White Pass’s U.S. side to the Canadian border. This area features remnants of three historical Gold Rush routes and the White Pass and Yukon Railroad path. Nearly 100 buildings from the Gold Rush era still stand, with parts of the district forming the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.

The historic core of Skagway forms a central part of the district, featuring over 350 buildings within the city. Additionally, there are eight structures located outside the city limits, each contributing to the district’s historical significance. This concentration of historic buildings in Skagway’s heart underscores the area’s rich heritage.

Klondike Gold Rush

The discovery of gold in the Klondike region, which sparked the Gold Rush, began with George Carmack and his companions, Skookum Jim and Dawson Charlie, finding gold in Bonanza Creek in 1896.

This discovery, initially yielding just a few flakes, triggered the massive Klondike Gold Rush. Captain William Moore, Skagway’s founder, had anticipated this event and prepared the town for the incoming wave of prospectors, setting the stage for Skagway’s pivotal role in the Gold Rush.

White Pass & Yukon Route

The White Pass & Yukon Route , a crucial part of the Klondike Gold Rush, was an ambitious project overcoming extreme challenges. Construction began in 1898, with workers battling severe weather and difficult terrain to lay 110 miles of track.

The railway, reaching White Pass Summit in February 1899 and Lake Bennett by July 1899, significantly eased the journey to the gold fields. It was a monumental effort of engineering. Combining British financing, American engineering, and Canadian contracting, completed in July 1900 with the ceremonial driving of a golden spike.

The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, ascending from sea level in Skagway to nearly 3,000 feet at the Summit over a 20-mile stretch, features a challenging 3.9% gradient.

Its construction required a narrow gauge due to the tight curves of White Pass, with rails spaced three feet apart on a 10-foot-wide roadbed, aiding in cost reduction. The 110-mile track construction involved formidable engineering challenges, including sharp turns, tunneling, and bridge building, with extreme winter conditions further complicating the efforts.

Taking the Skagway train tour is one of the best things to do while exploring this town and one of the best shore excursions. It’s number 1 on our list of best tours in Skagway, Alaska .

The White Pass & Yukon Route as a Civil Engineering Landmark

Moreover, The White Pass & Yukon Route is recognized as a Civil Engineering Landmark, a testament to its engineering marvel during the Klondike Gold Rush. This railway, built through challenging terrain, revolutionized transportation and played a vital role in the region’s development.

In 1994, the White Pass & Yukon Route was honored as an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, a distinction it shares with iconic structures like the Eiffel Tower and the Panama Canal, or Statue of Liberty.

This recognition celebrates the railway’s triumph over daunting challenges during its construction, including harsh weather, difficult terrain, and steep grades. The railway’s achievement, a result of the workers’ bravery and the leadership’s dedication, places it among the world’s most notable feats of civil engineering.

It’s also worth adding, that during WWII, the railway was crucial for the construction of the 1,520-mile Alaska Highway. This route was vital for moving troops and equipment to Alaska and northwest Canada, with the railway facilitating the transport of workers and materials needed for this strategic project.

The Story of Skagway’s Historic Downtown

Skagway’s downtown area is a living history lesson. After the Gold Rush, the town transformed. It went from a place of temporary tents and wooden structures to a town with permanent, beautifully detailed buildings.

These buildings show Skagway’s change from a busy gold rush camp to a stable, lasting community. They represent Skagway’s economic and cultural shifts, embodying the town’s journey through history. Today, walking through downtown Skagway is like stepping back in time, with each building telling a part of this fascinating story.

White Pass & Yukon Route Railway Depot and Administration Building

Established in 1900, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway Depot was crucial for the Gold Rush. Similarly, the Administration Building, also from 1900, played a key role. Initially, the Depot was the transportation heart during the rush, linking Skagway to the goldfields.

Later, the Administration Building transitioned into a museum and park office. Together, these buildings reflect Skagway’s evolution, marking its shift from a bustling Gold Rush town to a significant historical site. Their enduring presence offers a window into Skagway’s transformative years.

A Walking Tour of Skagway’s Historical Landmarks

Embark on a journey through Skagway’s Historic District with a walking tour of its historical landmarks. The most important are:

The Arctic Brotherhood Hall

Known for its unique facade adorned with thousands of driftwood sticks, this building serves as a historical symbol of fraternal unity among gold prospectors.

The Golden North Hotel

A landmark in Skagway’s skyline, this historic hotel has been a part of the town since the Gold Rush and is famous for its charming Victorian architecture. One more exciting fact about Skagway ? It’s the oldest hotel in Alaska.

The First Presbyterian Church

Built in 1902, this church stands as a testament to the community’s religious and social history, retaining its original wooden structure.

Kirmse’s Curios

Established by a Danish watchmaker, Kirmse’s is a renowned shop in Skagway, offering a range of native and Gold Rush-era artifacts and souvenirs.

Red Onion Saloon

Originally a brothel and now a saloon and restaurant, this building is famous for its colorful Gold Rush history and preserved Victorian decor.

Explore Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is dedicated to commemorating the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 19th century. The park includes significant historical buildings in Skagway’s downtown area and the scenic trails of the Chilkoot Trail. It offers visitors a comprehensive view of the Gold Rush era through preserved sites, artifacts, and interpretive programs. It highlights the experiences of those who journeyed to the Klondike in search of gold.

• Moore Homestead . Home of Skagway’s founder, Captain William Moore, this homestead includes a log cabin and a Victorian house. It illustrates the evolution of living conditions during and after the Gold Rush.
• Jeff. Smith’s Parlor Museum . Once the base for the notorious Soapy Smith, this museum now displays artifacts and stories of Skagway’s infamous past. It highlights the town’s lawless and adventurous spirit during the gold rush.

• Mascot Saloon . An authentic Gold Rush saloon, the Mascot Saloon offers a glimpse into the social life of the era. Restored to its 1898 appearance, it showcases original artifacts and interiors, providing a real sense of the gold rush days.

• Martin Itjen House . Reflecting the quirky personality of its owner, Martin Itjen, this house is known for its unique streetcar tours and unusual decorations, marking the beginning of tourism in Skagway.

Gold Rush Cemetery in Skagway

The Gold Rush Cemetery, located 2.5-miles out of Skagway, serves as a historical reminder of the town’s vibrant and tumultuous past during the Klondike Gold Rush. It is the final resting place for many of Skagway’s early residents, including notable figures from the Gold Rush era. The cemetery offers a poignant glimpse into the lives and stories of those who played a part in this significant period of history. Visitors can explore the site and learn about the hardships and adventures faced by those who came to Skagway in search of fortune.

Skagway Historic District: Summary

Through this guide, we hope to inspire you to visit Skagway and experience its rich history and breathtaking sights firsthand.

To fully experience Skagway’s charm, don’t miss the scenic train ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route and a leisurely walk through the picturesque downtown. These activities are among the city’s highlights, offering a blend of stunning views and rich cultural heritage.

Plan a Trip to Skagway? You might also be interested in related articles:

• How to get to Skagway?
• Skagway itinerary for cruise passengers
• Best things to do in Skagway
• The best Skagway shore excursions in 2024
• Skagway Alaska Train Tour review
• Discover Downton Juneau

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Agnes Stabinska is the creative force and co-founder behind the Alaska Itinerary blog. With a degree in Tourism Management and postgraduate studies in Journalism, Agnes combines academic expertise with real-world experience. Alongside her partner, Chris, she's your go-to guide for an authentic Alaskan adventure.

Agnes doesn't just write about Alaska; she lives it. From capturing the state's breathtaking landscapes through her lens to hiking its rugged trails or observing bears and whales in their natural habitat, her firsthand experiences are your compass to all things Alaska.

With Agnes and Chris, you're not just reading another travel blog; you're tapping into a treasure trove of insider tips, curated itineraries, and invaluable insights to make your Alaskan journey truly unforgettable.

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SKAGWAY ALASKA - SELF-GUIDED SHORE EXCURSION WALKING TOUR

Story and photos by Barb & Ron Kroll

Most people arrive in Skagway by cruise ship. The Alaskan city is at the northernmost tip of the Inside Passage. In summer, cruise ship passengers swell Skagway's population from about 1,000 to as high as 10,000 in a single day.

We drove to Skagway on the South Klondike Highway from Whitehorse, Yukon. Driving time is about two hours for the 180-km (110-mile) route.

A plaque below the Skagway Centennial Statue (location: 1st Ave. and Broadway St.) describes the history of the city which once had the Tlingit Indian name, Skagua , meaning "place where the north wind blows."

Self-guided walking tour

Like most cruise ship passengers and day-visitors, we only had a few hours to tour the city. The Skagway CVB website has an excellent walking tour map with descriptions of Skagway attractions.

You can take a short one-hour self-guided tour, or extend it to a more detailed four-hour tour, which includes a side trip to the Gold Rush Cemetery.

Both Skagway walks are perfect for do-it-yourself shore excursions or getting some exercise before or after traveling on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad (WP&YR).

What to see and do

Strolling along the wooden boardwalk, we admired restored historic buildings that look much like they did when they were built between 1897 and 1900. Many of them now house shops, museums and restaurants.

The most unusual building is the 1899-vintage Arctic Brotherhood Hall (location: Broadway St. between 2nd and 3rd Ave.). Currently the Visitor Information Center, it has more than 8,800 driftwood sticks nailed to it.

National Park Visitor Center

The restored 1898 Railroad Depot (location: 2nd Ave. and Broadway St.) houses the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park Visitor Center. Managed by the U.S. National Parks Service, it offers free information and movies about the park.

Open late May to early September, the Trail Center (location: three blocks up Broadway, just north of 5th Avenue) provides Chilkoot Trail permits, briefings and a bear safety film. This historic route to the Yukon gold fields includes 27 kilometers in the U.S.A. and 26 kilometers in Canada.

Where to eat

Skagway restaurants have diverse menus ranging from pizza and Thai cuisine to burgers and seafood. We had lunch at the Red Onion Saloon (location: 205 Broadway at 2nd Ave.), followed by cream puffs at the Sweet Tooth Café (location: 315 Broadway).

Visitors planning to ride the WP&YR can buy take-out box lunches and drinks to enjoy during the trip.

Vintage train

The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad offers a variety of one-way and round-trip excursions. It also brings hikers to-and-from the Chilkoot Trail.

Built between 1898 and 1900, the narrow-gauge railway and International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark follows the route of the prospectors. We eagerly stepped into a restored passenger coach as the conductor shouted "All aboard!"

Our train journey between Skagway and the Yukon was a historically significant way to end our visit to this fascinating Alaskan city.

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Free walking tour in Skagway - Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center

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• Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center

Free walking tour in Skagway

We were on a cruise and did not have an excursion planned in Skagway. We were going to just walk around the town and do a little shopping when we stumbled upon the National Park Visitors Center. They offer free walking tours of the the Skagway downtown area. Our guide was great! She gave us a great background of the history of Skagway and really made our visit special.

I attended the free walking tour daily at 1pm which lasts about 90 minutes. The tour brought us for a small walk around the town with a lot of great stories, mostly on case study of business at the boom time of the town. Others are related to the travel of the big group of gold rush prospectors. I have been to and learned the stories on the gold mines at California and South Dakota. But the gold rush story here still surprised me a lot and impressed me as the best town story that I have heard. Recommend to everyone.

We are NEVER disappointed by Ranger talks, but we took in only part of this one. The Museum displays the life and hardships of the gold rush days. One room has a replica of the 1 TON of supplies (enough to last a year) that prospectors had to haul by mules, horses, or their own backs - over the 3,000' pass to the Yukon. It was "a wild a crazy" time, and the Museum captures that.

When your cruise lands the visitor center is at the first intersection in town. Well worth the stop. Walking tours are scheduled at the desk with a short wait typical- enough time to wander a bit. Two lengths of tours with neither strenuous. The place has a great history and the park service does a nice job of walking you through it. Good preparation for wandering town on your own.

We toured some of the buildings around Skagway and went on the range led talk around Skagway. This is definitely worth the time to visit and learn about this part of our history.

You pass the park if you are walking into town. With 2 large historical train engines on display, you will know when you have entered the park. There is a memorial that honors those who paved the way or lost their lives in the gold rush days. Skagway was a starting point for those going to the Klondike gold fields. Visit the museum adjacent to the park.

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Last updated: February 1, 2024

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Contact info, mailing address:.

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park P.O. Box 517 Skagway, AK 99840

907 983-9200

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