Family-Friendly Adventures in Skagway!

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

Why Visit?

Day 1: Exploring Historic Skagway

Morning: Arrival and Visitor Center

Start your Klondike Gold Rush adventure by visiting the park"s Visitor Center located in downtown Skagway. Get a friendly introduction to the park"s history with a short orientation film and interactive exhibits. It"s a perfect way to engage the kids with the thrilling stories of the Gold Rush era. The center is easily accessible by foot from anywhere in downtown Skagway.

Afternoon: Junior Ranger Program and Walking Tour

Enroll the kids in the Junior Ranger Program at the Visitor Center. They’ll receive a booklet filled with activities that educate them about the history and natural environment of the area. Next, join a guided walking tour of the historic district to see famous sites like the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad depot and the Mascot Saloon, an authentically restored saloon from the Gold Rush days.

Evening: Stroll and Dinner

Finish your day with a leisurely stroll along the Skagway waterfront. Enjoy dinner at a local eatery, sampling some Alaskan seafood or sourdough pancakes, a staple during the Gold Rush!

Day 2: Adventure in Nature

Morning: Hike on Chilkoot Trail

Drive or take a shuttle to the nearby Chilkoot Trail, the historic route many prospectors took during the Gold Rush. Opt for a short hike, suitable for families, to get a taste of the trail’s rugged beauty without the multi-day commitment. Be on the lookout for wildlife and remnants of the Gold Rush along the way.

Afternoon: Gold Panning Experience

In the afternoon, experience gold panning at the Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp, just a short drive from Skagway. Kids will love learning how to pan for gold and might even find a little sparkle to take home!

Evening: Reflective Evening

Wrap up your adventure with a quiet evening back in Skagway. Perhaps revisit the Visitor Center to complete the Junior Ranger badges and pick up some souvenirs to remember your Klondike adventure.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Gold Rush Cemetery

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Day at Gold Rush Cemetery, Skagway, Alaska

Morning Arrival & Exploring History

Start your day with an inspiring trip to the Gold Rush Cemetery, nestled about 1.5 miles north of Skagway. You can access the cemetery by a simple, scenic drive along the Klondike Highway or opt for a healthy family biking tour along the same route. Parking is available nearby, making it easy to hop out and start your adventure.

Engaging Educational Tour

As you enter the Gold Rush Cemetery, you"ll step back into the late 1800s and early 1900s. This is not just any cemetery; it"s a portal to the past where pivotal figures of the Klondike Gold Rush era rest. Make your first stop at the grave of Jefferson Randolph "Soapy" Smith, Skagway"s infamous con man and gangster, whose dramatic life and ultimate demise in a shootout provide gripping stories for older kids.

Interactive Activities

Next, pick up a cemetery scavenger hunt map available at the entrance. This activity will engage younger family members, encouraging them to discover historical markers and solve puzzles that reveal fun facts about the gold miners and other residents from over a century ago.

Picnic & Reflection

After exploring, have a picnic at the nearby Lower Reid Falls. Just a short walk from the cemetery, you’ll find this beautiful waterfall. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy lunch and reflect on the morning’s discoveries. The sound of the cascading water against the backdrop of towering trees provides a serene environment for a family meal.

Afternoon Walk & Departure

Conclude your visit with a gentle hike back along the same trail, discussing the stories and historical impacts learned during your tour. Return to your vehicle and head back to Skagway, perhaps stopping along the way to admire other historical sites or scenic views.

Remembering the Day

Don’t forget to take a family photograph at the cemetery’s iconic entrance – a great way to remember your historical and educational journey through Alaska’s storied past.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp

Why Visit?

Welcome to a thrilling day at Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp, where history and adventure meet! Nestled just outside of Skagway, Alaska, your journey into the past begins with a short ride from the Skagway cruise ship docks. Simply hop on one of the local shuttle services available, and you’ll be transported back to the days of the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush in no time.

Morning Arrival & Exploration

Upon arrival, start at the Liarsville Folklore Hall for an engaging introduction by costumed performers who bring the Gold Rush era to life. Children will be enchanted by tales of Soapy Smith and other legendary characters, offering both entertainment and a vivid history lesson.

Panning for Gold

Next, it"s time for hands-on fun! Head over to the gold panning area where everyone in the family will learn the art of panning and get a chance to find real gold. Expert prospectors will guide you through the process, and you get to keep whatever gold you find!

Lunch and Relaxation

Enjoy a hearty, Alaskan-style meal at the Liarsville Cookhouse. Feast on freshly caught salmon and partake in an authentic, outdoor dining experience — all while being surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.

Theatre Performance and Puppet Show

After lunch, gather around the campfire for a captivating puppet show that illustrates the tales of the Gold Rush. Don"t miss the spellbinding theatrical performances that provide comedy, drama, and a dash of history, perfect for keeping the youngsters engaged.

Exploring the Trail

Wrap up your visit with a leisurely stroll along the Liarsville Trail. Read historical placards that detail the camp’s history and take in the serene forest landscape.

Before heading back, don"t forget to stop by the Gift Shop for some unique souvenirs to remember your journey to the days of yore at Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Chilkoot Trail

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Chilkooth Trail

Day 1: Arrival and Preparation

Begin your adventure in Skagway, Alaska, where you’ll spend your first day gearing up and exploring the quaint town. Visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center to pick up your trail permits and attend a required orientation session. This will not only educate you about the trail"s history but also prepare you for the hike ahead.

Day 2: Dyea to Sheep Camp

Start your trek early from the trailhead at Dyea, a ghost town with stories of the Gold Rush era. The trail from Dyea to Sheep Camp is about 13 miles and takes you through lush rainforests and by remnants of the historic town. This segment is moderately challenging, perfect for keeping the kids engaged but not overly tired.

Day 3: Sheep Camp to Happy Camp

The highlight today is crossing the Chilkoot Pass. It"s a tough climb, but reaching the top offers rewarding views and a sense of accomplishment. The journey from Sheep Camp to Happy Camp covers around 7.5 miles. Pause at the summit to enjoy the panoramic vistas and learn about the Tlingit packers and Gold Rush stampeders who traversed this route.

Day 4: Happy Camp to Lake Bennett

Your final day"s trek is about 9 miles, descending to the shores of the scenic Lake Bennett. Here, explore the historic site where gold seekers built rafts to continue their journey to the Klondike. Don"t miss the old Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, a picturesque spot for family photos.

Day 5: Return to Skagway

Catch the scenic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway from Lake Bennett back to Skagway. This historic train ride offers a relaxing and scenic end to your adventurous journey, with stunning views of the landscapes you’ve just traversed on foot.

Throughout your trek, keep an eye out for wildlife, and teach the kids about the local flora and fauna. Each campsite offers a unique slice of history, making this a memorable, educational, and exhilarating family adventure!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Skagway Museum

Why Visit?

Welcome to a delightful family adventure in Skagway, Alaska! Skagway is not just about its charming scenic beauty; it"s also a portal to the past, particularly during the Klondike Gold Rush. Here’s a fun-filled itinerary for your family as you plan to visit the Skagilly Museum.

Morning: Arrival in Skagway

Begin your day early by arriving in Skagway. If you’re not staying in town, you can easily access Skagway via the Alaska Marine Highway System, a ferry service that connects Skagway to Juneau and other parts of Alaska. Alternatively, if you"re up for a scenic drive, the South Klondike Highway offers breathtaking views and connects Skagway to the Alaska Highway.

Mid-Morning: Visit to Skagway Museum

Located at 700 Spring Street, the Skagway Museum is a treasure trove of history, located conveniently in the city center. Dive into the rich history of the Klondike Gold Rush and learn about the indigenous Tlingit culture. The museum boasts artifacts ranging from Gold Rush paraphernalia to Tlingit art pieces, each telling its own story of survival and adventure. Engage the kids with a scavenger hunt through the museum, challenging them to find specific artifacts or answers to historical mysteries.

Lunch Break

Enjoy a lunch at one of Skagway’s family-friendly eateries. The Red Onion Saloon, originally a brothel during the Gold Rush, now offers a quirky dining experience with a historical twist. Their pizza is a hit among families!

Afternoon: Walking Tour of Historic Skagway

Post-lunch, join a guided walking tour starting from the Skagway Visitor Center. The tour covers many historical buildings and ends at the iconic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad depot. Along the way, delve into stories of notorious outlaws and everyday folks who ventured north during the gold rush.

Late Afternoon: Relaxation and Departure

Wrap up your visit by relaxing at one of Skagway’s scenic parks, such as Molly Walsh Park, where kids can play and adults can unwind. Don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs from local shops to remember your Skagway adventure!

This itinerary provides a family-friendly glimpse into Skagway’s rich cultural tapestry, ensuring an educational yet entertaining trip for all ages. Enjoy your journey through time in Skagway!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.