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Attractions |
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- Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
- Skagway Public Library
- Gold Rush Cemetery
- Corrington Ivory Museum
- Klondike Highway
- Skagway Outlet Store
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| | | | Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park |
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This study has endeavored to fulfill those goals as they apply to Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. This park, which was authorized by Congress in a bill signed by President Gerald Ford on June 30, 1976, is composed of four separate units: three units located in and around Skagway, Alaska, and one unit located within the Pioneer Square Historic District in downtown Seattle, Washington. All four units witnessed a flurry of historical activity during the 1897-1899 Klondike Gold Rush period.
This park has several special characteristics which pertain to it. A number of parks, for example, are located in more than one state, and several parks are also composed of more than one distinct unit. But no park has one unit that is so distant from the others. Because of that separation, NPS officials decided shortly after the park's authorization that two superintendents, as well as two administrative staffs, would be necessary. Another factor that makes the park a relative rarity is the location of the park's Skagway unit in the midst of Skagway's business district. This fact has made the NPS, for better or worse, a major influence in Skagway's economic and political life. The park's location along the Canadian border, and the necessity to act in concert with Canadian authorities from time to time, is another aspect of park operations that Klondike shares with few other NPS units. |
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| Skagway Public Library |
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The Library operates with 1 full-time and 3 part-time employees. The primary mission of the Skagway Public Library is to serve as a reliable source of information for the community by acquiring, organizing, and disseminating information. The Library supports the educational, civic, and cultural activities of the community, as well as, the intellectual and creative endeavors of the individual, to promote an enlightened citizenship and the enrichment of personal lives.
The library is committed to providing access for all persons to library services, equipment and materials. The services, equipment and materials are to be provided without censorship, bias, or discrimination, to residents and non-residents alike.
The library seeks to offer the most complete and balanced collection possible within existing fiscal and physical limitations. Meeting the educational, cultural, informational, and recreational needs of the community requires both a carefully built collection locally and access to resources beyond the library’s own collection. |
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| Gold Rush Cemetery |
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This is a very creepy place just north of town beyond the rail yards. Follow State St. north to the railroad yards. Turn left, follow a gravel road between the bus garage and railroad yards. The cemetery is in the woods across the tracks. It is a substantial but easy walk, and a very short drive.
You will find literally hundreds of graves beside the Skagway River in a deep evergreen forest. Many of the headstones have been restored including the famous graves of "Soapy" William Jefferson Smith (yhe town villain) and Frank Reid (The town hero). Both of which died in a shootout on Broadway. Definitely worth a visit. It is the one place where you can see and feel the impact of the gold rush era.
The adventurous can take the trail to beautiful Rieds Falls from the Cemetery. It is easy 4 mile round trip. Reids Falls and the Gold Rush Cemetery |
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| Corrington Ivory Museum |
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| This structure was built in 1975 with a 2,000 sq. ft. expansion in 1979, and another 3,000 sq. ft. expansion in 1984 to accommodate the Corrington Museum of Alaskan History. There is a 900 sq. ft. 2 bedroom, one bathroom apartment, 400 sq. ft. office, and over 1,000 sq. ft. of storage space on the 2nd floor |
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| Klondike Highway |
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| Like the Haines Highway, The South Klondike Highway is a gorgeous and well maintained road that connects the inside passage to the Alaska Highway. That is where their similarity ends. From Skagway the road starts the serious climb to White Pass immediately upon leaving the city passing US Customs at mile 6.9. Soon thereafter there is a good turnout with views of Esk Glacier and The White Pass and Yukon Route Railway. Cross the unusual Captain William Moore suspension bridge in a couple more miles. Now at the the summit area itself, you will find massive rounded peaks of lichen covered gray rocks and waterfalls. (Mile 14.2) From here the highway begins it's descent into the beautiful Yukon lake country. A couple miles past the summit there is a great view of the light blue Summit Lake and a train depot at Fraser, BC. Stop at Canadian customs at mile 22. The impressive remains of the Venus Silver Mine comes into view at mile 54.4. The most beautiful overlook along the route has to be the Bove Island overlook at mile 59.5. The lake and mountain views from this rest area are phenomenal. Make a stop in Carcross at the Mathew Watson General Store and the very nice Carcross Depot Welcome Center and Museum. Carcross itself is surrounded by small houses and cabins. The Anglican Church is a nice photo op and historical point. There are two sites less than five miles beyond Carcross that are definitely worth the drive. The Carcross Desert is the world's smallest desert, and it is surrounded by mountain views and golden aspen. Just a couple miles more brings you Spirit Lake and then Emerald Lake. Emerald Lake is very bright blue green around the edges and deep emerald in the center. We chose to make Emerald Lake our turn around point. We still had time to see downtown Skagway and the Gold Rush Cemetery upon returning. |
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| Skagway Outlet Store |
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| Opened in 1995 as the largest gift shop in Southeast Alaska, S.O.S. is located at 7th and Broadway with over 1,500 feet of Broadway exposure. The unique interior, with its log rafters and high ceiling, reflects the rustic Alaskan feel that visitors seek, while providing a large amount of vertical retail space. Two expansions occurred, one in 1997 and one again in 2000. | |
Save time, money and stress! For reservations: Fill out the vacation planner to be contacted by a Skagway vacation specialist.
Contact : Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252
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