There are an incredible number of things to do in Skagway. A
stroll along Broadway will take you to some of the best shopping
in Alaska and there are several restaurants and bars within
a few blocks. Entertainment for the Sourdough (that's you)
can be found at the Soapy Smith Show or you can enjoy the exhibits
which are a part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Park.
Days of '98/Soapy Smith Show—For over
78 years, the story of Jefferson Randolph “Soapy” Smith,
has been portrayed, first by residents of Skagway and now by professional
actors who come from all over the United States. “Soapy”
a notorious con man, reigned over Skagway during the wild days of
the Klondike Gold Rush.
Jewell Gardens is one of the best
show gardens in Alaska. In 1996 Charlotte Jewell purchased a portion
of what was Henry Clarks’ farm and began to build what was
to be the premier show garden in Skagway. The Clark farm was one
of several farms in the area that grew produce for the thousands
of miners on their way to Dawson City and the Klondike Gold Rush.
Charlotte Jewell has created a wonderful experience for the visitor
to Skagway and the Gardens are a must see.
A popular attraction at Jewell Gardens is the G-Scale model railroad.
It delights kids of all ages and recently they have added many new
‘miles’ of track to the line.
Like everything at Jewell Gardens the model railway has been a labor
of love.
There is a town that looks a lot like Skagway did 100 years ago
and the train chugs by a tent city, through tunnels and over wooden
trestles. 907 983
2111.
Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp and Salmon
Bake is at the foot of the White Pass. Here a cast of sourdoughs
and dance hall girls will entertain you with a hilarious melodrama
and a poem by the “Bard of the North,” Robert Service.
After teaching you the art of gold panning you will be set free
in the Liarsville gold fields, where you are guaranteed to find
that precious metal that drove men and women wild with gold fever!
Head for the barbeque for a freshly grilled filet of wild Alaskan
salmon along with baked chicken, rice pilaf, a variety of salads,
baked beans, cornbread, coffee, lemonade, and dessert. (Beer and
wine are available for purchase.) After lunch, wander over to camp
and enjoy the waterfall and authentic exhibits of Liarsville as
well as have your picture taken with one of the dance hall girls
or the camp’s lovable mascot, an Alaskan husky.
skaThe White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad “Scenic Railway of the World” on the Trail of ’98.
Passengers travel across the White Pass on a narrow-gauge railway
that parallels the trail followed by the frantic gold seekers in
1898. Daily service May through September. As you board the train,
you receive a milepost information magazine, which is keyed to point-of-interest
markers beside the track. An onboard Passenger Representative also
gives a commentary about the history and scenery.
In the first 20 miles from Skagway the diesel-powered train climbs
from sea level to nearly 3,000 feet. En route you will see panoramic
views of Skagway and the head of Lynn Canal. Bridal Veil Falls with
as many as 22 cataracts tumbling into a gorge. Tunnel Mountain with
its southern portal on a sheer cliff, and Dead Horse Gulch—named
for 3,000 pack animals, which perished there during the gold rush.
The railroad reaches White Pass Summit at Mile 20.4 (this is where
the Summit Excursion trains reverse directions to go back down to
Skagway). Through trains continue across the barren rock-strewn
Pass to Fraser, BC (also Canadian Customs & Immigration).
The Chilkoot Trail is a testament
to the great human journey that was the Klondike Goldrush. Although the times have changed, the difficulty of the trial has
not. The trail is long and strenuous (33 miles/53 km).Write
to: Area Superintendent, Yukon National Historic Sites, Box
5540, Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1A 5H4.
Dewey Lakes Trail—A trail to Lower
and Upper Dewey Lakes begins at the east end of 4th Avenue one block
beyond the Westmark Hotel. Lower Dewey Lake, a fairly easy half-mile
climb above town, has good rainbow trout fishing
Gray Line of Alaska, with a tour desk
in the lobby of the Westmark Inn, offers scenic excursions from
Skagway to Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Juneau. Call 907-983-2241 or
1-800-544-2206 for reservations.
Klondike Gold Dredge Tours Box 558,
Skagway, AK 99840; 907-983-3175. The huge dredge that originally
passed through Skagway 59 years ago on its way to the Klondike,
is back in town. Completely rebuilt it sits on the banks of
the Skagway River. There are daily tours through the dredge and other exhibits. You
may pan for gold, or shop for unique gift items in the "The
Gold & Ivory Emporium". Editor's
note: This is a terrific tour that includes an excellent
video presentation on the history of the dredge. It is excellent
and I highly recommend that you visit.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park—was
established to preserve and interpret the history of the Klondike
gold rush of 1898. The Park in Alaska consists of the Chilkoot and
White Passes, the former town-site of Dyea, and a portion of Skagway.
For more information, write Box 517, Skagway, Alaska 99840.
The Skagway Street Car Tour—Alaska's
most famous gold rush town, its people and its railroad live
again with the resurrection of the Skagway Street Car Company.
Trail of '98 Museum—in the recently
renovated McCabe College/City Hall Building one block east of Broadway
on 7th. Reminders of the goldrush era. Eskimo and Indian artifacts.
Open daily during summer months. Nominal admission charge.
