Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

Address:Skagway, Alaska
Tel: (907) 983-2921

Come strike gold at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Skagway, Alaska. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park was once home to several gold rushes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it boasts beautiful grounds for excellent hikes and fascinating tours.

In 1896, gold was discovered in a tributary of the Klondike River in Canada's Yukon Territory. This sparked the Klondike Gold Rush, which lasted into the following year and drew thousands of people to the Seattle area in search of gold. The massive influx of speculators and miners to the area helped to drastically increase Seattle's status. The cities of Skagway and Dyea, Alaska, owe their existence to gold seekers who built the cities as starting points for their 600 mile journey to the goldfields.

Today, the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park has nearly limitless opportunities for fun and excitement. A 45 minute ranger-guided tour is available of the Skagway Historic District. Shorter hikes of the scenic Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park are available which take from one to five hours, depending on the trail. Longer hikes for the more adventurous visitors to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park range from a moderately difficult two hour hike in the Devil's Punchbowl to difficult full day hikes on A.B. Mountain and Denver Glacier. For the truly adventurous, the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park also offers the Chilkoot Trail, a 33 mile, three to five day hike in the footsteps of gold seekers and natives. For food, visitors to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park can visit modern Skagway and find plenty of restaurants, ranging from pizza to coffee shops.

To get to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, visitors should get onto the Alaska Highway, then turn left onto Provincial Route 2 which becomes AK-98, then turn right at Alaska Street and you'll find yourself in Skagway. Have your next family vacation at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and walk in the footsteps of gold seekers!