Skagway City Highlights And Brewery

OVERVIEW

Delve into Skagway’s wild-and-woolly past by hearing tales of the notorious early settlers, visiting their gravesites and discussing the town’s history over a few beers. After departing from the pier, you will enjoy an introductory tour of Skagway and learn about its raucous, free-wheeling history during the Klondike Gold Rush. During the boom of the gold rush, Skagway’s population soared to 10,000, the vast majority of them prospectors seeking their fortunes. Today, there are only about 1,100 residents. As you drive through town, you will soon understand that the past is still alive in Skagway. Chances are, you will see historical buildings such as the 19th-century Arctic Brotherhood Hall, whose exterior is decorated with thousands of pieces of driftwood, and the notorious Red Onion Saloon, which was a brothel during the gold rush. Six blocks in downtown Skagway are designated a National Historic District, where you can find the homes and businesses of some of the earliest locals, whose reputations have long outlived them. Most of these characters are buried in the Gold Rush Cemetery. Lastly, bit of literal local flavor awaits you at a Skagway microbrewery, where you will sample a selection of beers and learn about the process from the brew master.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy an introductory tour of Skagway and learn about its raucous, free-wheeling history during the Klondike Gold Rush.
• View the final resting place of con man Soapy Smith who died in a shootout in 1898.
• Sample a selection of beers and learn about the process from the brew master at local Skagway microbrewery.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.