Skagway is famous for being the “Gateway to the Klondike,” but you don’t need a gold miner’s budget to enjoy this historic port. While many visitors drop hundreds of dollars on helicopter tours and train rides, locals know that some of the town’s most breathtaking views and fascinating history are completely free.
If you’re arriving by cruise ship or driving the South Klondike Highway, here are the best free things to do in Skagway that will make your trip unforgettable without costing a dime.
1. Explore the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Unlike most National Parks, this one is integrated directly into the town’s streets. The Visitor Center (located at 2nd and Broadway) is the heart of the experience.
- The Free Film: Watch “Gold Fever: Race to the Klondike,” a 25-minute documentary that plays every half hour.
- Ranger Chats: Join a free Ranger program to hear stories about the stampeders who risked everything.
- Museum Exhibits: The visitor center and adjacent buildings house impressive replicas of the “ton of goods” every miner was required to carry over the pass.
2. Walk the Historic Broadway District
The six-block historic district is a living museum. The National Park Service has meticulously restored dozens of buildings to their 1898 glory.
- Self-Guided Tour: Download the NPS App for a free audio walking tour that guides you past colorful saloons and Victorian-style shops.
- The Arctic Brotherhood Hall: Don’t miss this building on Broadway; its facade is covered in over 8,000 pieces of driftwood—making it one of the most photographed buildings in Alaska.
3. Hike to Yakutania Point & Smuggler’s Cove
For the best “bang for your buck” (at $0), cross the footbridge near the airport to reach Yakutania Point.
- The Trail: An easy 1-2 mile round trip on a well-maintained path.
- The View: You’ll get panoramic vistas of the cruise ships in the harbor and the Lynn Canal.
- Smuggler’s Cove: Continue just a bit further to find a secluded beach and a picnic shelter—perfect for a quiet escape from the crowds.
4. Visit the Gold Rush Cemetery
Located about 1.5 miles from downtown (a pleasant 30-minute walk), this is the final resting place of Skagway’s most notorious legends.
- Soapy Smith: Find the grave of the famous conman who ran the town during the gold rush.
- Frank Reid: See the monument to the hero who died in a legendary shootout with Soapy Smith.
5. Stand Beneath Lower Reid Falls
Just a few minutes’ walk behind the Gold Rush Cemetery is Lower Reid Falls. It is one of the most accessible waterfalls in Alaska.
- Pro Tip: The trail is short and flat, making it ideal for families or those looking for a quick nature fix.
6. Step Inside the Mascot Saloon
The Mascot Saloon Museum is a free National Park site that recreates the atmosphere of one of Skagway’s 70 original saloons.
- Why it’s cool: It features life-sized dioramas and original fixtures, offering a glimpse into the rowdy nightlife of 1898 without the price of a cocktail.
7. Hike the Lower Dewey Lake Loop
If you want a bit of a workout, the trailhead for the Dewey Lake Trail System starts just behind the railroad tracks on 2nd Avenue.
- The Reward: After a steep 20-minute climb, the trail levels out around a pristine alpine lake.
- Time: Budget about 1.5 to 2 hours for the full loop around the lake.
8. Visit the Moore Cabin & House
Located at 5th and Spring Street, the Moore Cabin is the oldest structure in Skagway.
- History: It was built in 1887 by Captain William Moore, who settled here before the gold rush began.
- Moore House: Right next door, you can often take free seasonal tours of the more refined family home built later during the boom.
9. Watch Salmon Spawning at Pullen Creek
If you are visiting in late summer (late July through September), head to the Pullen Creek StreamWalk.
- The Experience: You can watch Pink and Coho salmon fighting their way upstream to spawn. It’s a raw look at Alaskan nature right in the middle of town.
10. Browse the Skagway Museum & Archives
While some museums charge a fee, the Skagway Museum (located in the historic McCabe College building) often has free entry days or very low-cost access to its incredible collection of indigenous Tlingit artifacts and gold rush memorabilia.
Plan Your Budget-Friendly Skagway Day
| Activity | Time Needed | Difficulty |
| NPS Visitor Center | 45 Mins | Easy |
| Yakutania Point | 1.5 Hours | Easy/Moderate |
| Gold Rush Cemetery | 1 Hour | Easy (Flat walk) |
| Lower Dewey Lake | 2 Hours | Moderate (Steep start) |
Ready to start your Alaskan adventure? You might also like our guide on the [Best Alaska Cruise Ports for Hikers] or our tips for [Packing for Alaska in 2025].
