A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Skagway, Alaska (map included!)

Gold Rush Museum and Skagway National Park Service Visitor Center

This was one of our first stops after docking off the cruise, perfect for history fans and curious explorers! Through visual displays and interactive exhibits, you’ll learn about the struggles and achievements of people who survived the journey to the gold fields.

The building itself is rich in history. Can you believe that the colorful structure housing the visitor center was once the White Pass and Yukon Railroad Depot? Yes, built in 1898, this building played an important role in Skagway’s history, witnessing the arrivals and departures of countless adventurers.

Also, keep an eye out for those train tracks! Back in the day, trains used to rumble right down Broadway, carrying passengers from Whitehorse, 112 miles away. While the tracks may have shifted southward, you can still catch a glimpse of history from the second-story bay window overlooking Broadway.

And don’t forget to get your Park Service Passport! Get it stamped here by the park rangers for the perfect souvenir of your Alaskan adventures.

Lower Dewey Lake Trail

Next, lace up those hiking boots and dive into the wilderness! Dewey Lake Trail is located just off 2nd Avenue.

As you begin your climb, you’ll be navigating through towering trees, with the occasional glimpse of wildlife adding to the excitement. And oh, the views are simply breathtaking! But before you reach it, there’s a bit of a climb ahead. A short wooden staircase leads you upward, under the watchful gaze of an impressively large water pipe. And who hasn’t considered the thought of a daring water slide down that pipe?

As you climb, catching your breath on a bench and snapping a few pictures is practically mandatory. Trust me, the views are too good to resist. And once you’ve conquered those switchbacks, a small reservoir greets you, indicating that you’re getting close to your destination.

Pro tip: follow the signs for the Lower Lake Loop and keep to the right for a smooth, counterclockwise journey around the lake. Sure, the east side might get a bit rocky, but if you made it through those switchbacks, you could handle anything! And trust me, the uphill climb at the start is worth it once you hit that level loop around the lake. 

Before you leave, stop by the visitor center—the one with the unique front façade made entirely of driftwood—for a trail map and a few recommendations. 

Red Onion Saloon

Located right on the corner of 2nd & Broadway, you’ll find the famous Red Onion Saloon—a spot you just can’t miss in Skagway! During the Gold Rush of 1897, the Red Onion Saloon was one of the fanciest bordellos in town. Fast forward to today, and while the times have changed, the spirit of the Red Onion Saloon remains as vibrant as ever.

Stepping inside those doors will take you back in time, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Klondike era. But don’t just take my word for it; try it for yourself with a drink, a meal, and a tour of this historic bar and brothel museum.

It’s a living, breathing piece of history, filled with stories from the Gold Rush days. And despite the crowds, the Red Onion Saloon has stayed true to its roots, with employees who’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into the pages of history. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not sample the local whiskies on offer?

You can also sign up for a Goodtime Girls Walking Tour. The tour guide is one of the women of the evening from the Red Onion Saloon. They will regale you with tales of the town’s gold rush history. 

Mascot Saloon

If you want to glimpse Skagway’s vibrant past, the Mascot Saloon is a must-visit on your self-guided tour. Step inside this iconic establishment, still operating as a historic bar and museum, and you’ll be transported back to the gold rush.

During the gold rush, the Mascot Saloon was the go-to spot for thirsty prospectors looking for a cold beer or a shot of whiskey. And, while the crowd has stopped, the spirit of those years still stays within these walls.

As you enter, you’ll be greeted by the restored entrance, meticulously brought back to its 1904 appearance.  Inside, you’ll be surrounded by life-sized mannequin displays and fascinating exhibits, offering insights into life in Skagway during the gold rush era. While the museum may not be large, it’s certainly packed with history, and you can easily explore it all in about 20 minutes. Check out the display about life in Skagway and take a closer look at the artifacts in the next room.

Skagway Brewing Company

If you want a taste of Alaska to enjoy and refresh before continuing your walk tour, then Skagway Brewing Company, located on 7th Avenue, is the place to go. This brewery, founded in 1897 to satisfy the thirst of brave prospectors during the Klondike Gold Rush, is rich in history and hops. The brews here are iconic!

Enjoy a pint of their famous Spruce Tip Ale, brewed directly on-site, while indulging in a mouthwatering pub meal made with locally sourced ingredients. I highly recommend their Sockeye Salmon and Halibut Fish & Chips!

Downstairs, you’ll find a cozy pub atmosphere complete with pool tables, foosball, and shuffleboard—perfect for unwinding with friends over a few cold ones. And don’t forget to check out the spacious outdoor beer garden.

Upstairs, there is a spacious main dining area decorated with rustic charm and balcony seating. And, if you’re lucky enough to get a spot on the balcony, take a minute to savor the scenery and maybe start up a conversation with your fellow travelers—after all, in Alaska, the sign says “No wi-fi, just talk to each other.” There is also a gift shop where you can find your practical and stylish souvenir beer stuff downstairs.

McCabe College Building

To learn more about Skagway, the McCabe College Building is an absolute must on your self-guided tour. Located within its walls are the Skagway Museum and City Hall.

From 1901 to 1956, the building transformed, serving as the U.S. Court House, complete with the U.S. Marshal’s office and jail on the first floor. District Court proceedings unfolded on the second floor, once the sacred chapel of McCabe College.

Fast forward to 2000, and the McCabe Building was given a new lease of life when the City of Skagway completed a new extension. Today, the Skagway Museum is a testament to the town’s rich history, inviting tourists like you to explore its intriguing exhibits and artifacts.

Admission to the museum is just a $2 donation, which is totally worth it. It’s a half-hour well spent, and you’d be missing out if you didn’t make a stop at this clean, well-organized museum full of interesting information about Skagway. 

The museum is approximately a 15- to 20-minute walk from the port, depending on your pace. You can take the SMART shuttle service if you prefer not to walk.

Gold Rush Cemetery

Located near the railway line, this resting place of many gold miners is where the stories of Skagway come alive among the tombstones. As you wander through the cemetery, you’ll see the stories carved on the headstones—the stories of the courageous pioneers who came here in search of gold. Keep an eye out for the information board, which offers intriguing insights into the background of some of the individuals buried here. The ambiance is peaceful, except when the White Pass train is passing by.

Of course, no visit to the Gold Rush Cemetery would be complete without visiting two of its most famous people: Jefferson “Soapy” Smith and lawman Frank Reid. Their legendary feud ended in a gunfight that left both men dead, and today, their resting places serve as reminders of Skagway’s past. Don’t forget to walk through Reid Falls, which is accessible through the cemetery. 

To reach the Gold Rush Cemetery from the Skagway cruise port, it’s a long walk. Walking takes approximately 1 hour each way. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle from downtown Skagway to the Gold Rush Cemetery. Look for the SMART shuttle (marked with “SMART” on the side). The shuttle costs $5 for a day pass or $3 per ride.

White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad

Take a closer look at the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad Depot, an iconic symbol of Skagway’s transportation history. This iconic landmark, built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, is a testament to the resourcefulness and perseverance of those looking for their fortunes in the wilderness of Alaska.

Board one of the vintage train cars and just sit back, relax, and be mesmerized by the breathtaking views outside your window.  The experience is nothing short of extraordinary. I had the privilege of riding the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, and to say it was amazing is an understatement.

Most people take the two-hour journey on the White Pass Railroad. The train turns around at the White Pass Summit, before returning to Skagway. Visitors have the option of taking a longer ride into the Yukon Territory, though they will need to bring their passports with them. 

Now, I should mention that the train does get quite close to the edge for much of the ride. If you’re prone to nerves, you should be aware of this beforehand. But trust me when I say it’s all part of the adventure, and the journey is worth every moment. Tours end either at the depot or downtown.

PRO TIP: Opt for a seat in the last wagon of the train in order to obtain unobstructed views from the platform. It’s the best view onboard!