Historic Gold Rush Tour with Historic Skagway Inn
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels due to minimal walking and low physical demands.
Overview
Step into Skagway’s Gold Rush past with the Historic Skagway Inn’s "Legends & Lies" tour. Enjoy gripping stories, live music, and a frontier feast on this 2.5-hour historical adventure.
Legends & Lies
2.5 Hours • All Ages
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About This Adventure
Step back in time with this captivating 2.5-hour tour of Skagway, where the Gold Rush era comes alive through engaging stories, music, and a delicious boomtown meal. Explore the Gold Rush Cemetery, enjoy a theatrical presentation, and savor a unique stampeder libation, all while immersing yourself in history.
Duration
2.5 Hours
About
A fascinating glimpse of a bygone era when a rough and ready crowd roamed the streets of Skagway, and Paradise Alley was anything but the highway to heaven implied by its name. This highly entertaining tour makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time as characters from the Gold Rush past give a colorful rendition of the times with songs and stories of the era.
- 30 minute bus tour of Klondike Gold Rush NHP and Gold Rush cemetery
- Transport to Saloon Room (tour venue)
- Hear stories both fact & fiction accompanied by music of the 1898 Gold Rush
- Make a stampeder libation
- Enjoy a boomtown meal (house made bison-beef chili or deconstructed chicken pot pie)
- Receive handout of cocktail recipes presented and complementary saloon glass
More info
The tour begins at the Historic Skagway Inn Lobby, located at 7th & Broadway, just past the US Post Office. Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to check in for the tour. We will travel to Gold Rush Cemetery to visit the remains of Jeff R. Smith and Frank Reed, as an introduction to our Saloon Room theatrical presentation. We will spend about 20 minutes outside. Total walking distance is about 1000 ft.
While there is very little walking, and the surface is flat, portions are uneven and rocky, making wheeled vehicle travel next to impossible. This said...we are able to accommodate Wheelchairs and Walkers, by providing the guest with a radio receiver, so they can watch from a distance and listen into the commentary. There are six stair steps and a short path between the sidewalk landing and Jeff Smith’s grave.
What to bring
During May, June and September dress warmly, bring a waterproof windbreaker or raincoat. In case of rain, we provide umbrellas.
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early for Check-In
Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled tour to ensure a smooth start.
Dress for Variable Weather
Bring layers and a waterproof jacket—May to September can be chilly and wet in Skagway.
Prepare for Uneven Terrain
The Gold Rush Cemetery path is rocky with a few stairs; sturdy footwear is recommended.
Accessibility Options Available
Wheelchair users can enjoy the tour with radio receivers for commentary, despite limited cemetery access.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bald eagles often seen near waterways
- Porcupines inhabiting local wooded areas
History
Skagway’s surge in population and development was driven by the 1897–98 Klondike Gold Rush, making it one of Alaska’s most iconic frontier towns.
Conservation
Preservation efforts in Skagway emphasize protecting historical sites and maintaining the natural landscapes of the surrounding national park.
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Adventure Hotspots in Juneau, Alaska
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof Jacket
Protects against Skagway’s frequent rain showers during warmer months.
spring|summer|fall specific
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Necessary for navigating uneven, rocky surfaces, especially at the cemetery.
Layered Clothing
Adjust to changing temperatures from outdoor to indoor segments.
Camera
Capture vivid scenes of historic Skagway and the theatrical presentations.