Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is a national historical park run by the National Park Service in Alaska.

In the park service’s words

Headlines screamed "Gold!" The dream of a better life catapulted thousands of people to Alaska and the Yukon Territory. Their journey shaped them, and changed the people they encountered and the north forever. Today, the park remembers the trails, boomtowns, and stories of the Klondike Gold Rush.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

• Hike The Chilkoot Trail With Your Dog (1 to 7 Days): The Chilkoot Trail is a 33-mile recreational hiking trail spanning from coastal Alaska to boreal British Columbia. Each summer over 3,000 people retrace the route of gold seekers by hiking this trail. Find out how to plan the best trip along this trail if you are taking your dog.
• Explore the Historic Dyea Townsite (1 to 2 Hours): During the gold rush Dyea was a bustling town situated at the start of the Chilkoot trail. Since the gold rush, nature has reclaimed the area. Today there is a network of trails in place of the town roads. Walk the forest trails and immerse yourself in the history.
• Stop By The Ton Of Goods Display (5 to 15 Minutes): Heading to the Klondike was no easy trip. Get a feel for what supplies were needed to make the journey at this outdoor sculpture exhibit.
• Explore the Moore Homestead (15 to 60 Minutes): The Moore Homestead was established 10 years before the gold rush. Today, contemplate early frontier life in the wilds of remote Alaska as you explore the first building in Skagway and the first family to live here.
• Visit the Mascot Saloon (15 to 45 Minutes): Once Skagway's longest running saloon, step back in to time with this restored saloon museum. Learn about the role of vice in the community, see how the owner adapted his business in the face of change, and find out why the saloon finally closed.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Daily, 9:00AM - 4:30PM. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is open year-round, though access to historic buildings and most visitor services are provided only in summer months, May through late September. From October through late April, visitor services and access to buildings is by appointment only.

Camping

Getting there

Park headquarters and visitor center are located at 2nd and Broadway in Skagway, Alaska. To get to Skagway by car: you can access the park via the Alaska Marine Highway or the South Klondike Highway. By plane: you can fly into the Skagway Airport. By water: You can visit the park by cruise ship, tour boat, or ferry. The park visitor center is less than half a mile from all docks.

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• Klondike Gold Rush Visitor Center: Daily, 9:00AM - 4:30PM. The visitor center at 2nd and Broadway is open daily from May through September. The visitor center is open on days when cruise ships are in port during the month of October.
• Visitor Center Museum: Daily, 9:00AM - 4:30PM. Summer hours are typically in effect May through September. The museum will be open when cruise ships are in port, late September and early October.
• The Chilkoot Trail Center: Daily, 9:00AM - 4:30PM. Summer hours are typically in effect Memorial Day to Labor Day. Hikers/backpackers planning to hike on the Chilkoot Trail must stop here for an orientation prior to starting their hike. During permit season, regularly scheduled orientations are at 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm.
• Mascot Saloon Museum: Daily, 9:00AM - 4:30PM. Summer hours are typically in effect May through October.
• [Administrative Office](): Mon 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Tue 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Wed 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Thu 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Fri 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Sat Closed; Sun Closed. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park's Administrative Offices are located upstairs from the park museum. Administrative Office Summer Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am -4:30 pm. Winter Hours: Monday - Friday 10 am - 4 pm. Closed Federal holidays.

Weather

Skagway has a highly variable climate with frequent rain and high winds. Average temperatures May through September range from 47-60ºF. Average temperatures October through April range from 28-38ºF.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Glacier Bay, about 98 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.