Skagway is one of the most frequently visited Alaska cruise stops on any itinerary.
There's lots of shore excursions to consider, but you don't have to pay top dollar for a great day in this culturally rich city.
While taking the White Pass Railroad or attending a salmon bake are fantastic activities, they aren't cheap either. In fact, many tours in Alaska are expensive, so you might be looking to save money on your day in Skagway while on a cruise.
We scoured the best ideas for a fun time in Skagway, Alaska without spending a dime!
1. See the historic snow plow train
History is usually on display in any city you visit, and it's a great way to learn more about the important events that shaped the community.
As you walk from your cruise ship into town, you'll likely notice the Rotary Snow Plow Train greeting you.
This retired snow plow was built in 1898 and it was used by the White Pass & Yukon Railroad to clear train tracks of snow up until 1964.
As you can imagine, the blades would throw snow to the side of the tracks. It was restored in 1995 and put on display.
It's an amazing to sight to see the giant blades, which look like something out of a science fiction movie.
2. Go for a hike
When in doubt in Alaska, you can always go for a hike and not spend any money for this type of sightseeing.
There are a few hiking trails you can easily get to on foot, without paying for a tour.
The easiest is Yakutania Point, and it's a great trail for novice hikers and families alike.
Walk towards the airport and beyond it is the pedestrian bridge to Yakutania Point. Only about 1.5 miles roundtrip from the port, it overlooks Tailya Inlet. Turn left after the bridge and head towards the point for the best view.
If you prefer a longer trail, the Dewey Lake Trail System has a few options for you, including Lower Dewey Lake Trail and the Upper Lake Trail.
Lower Dewey Lake Trail is a 2.5-mile loop trail that meanders through pine forest around Lower Dewey lake.
3. Visit the Gold Rush Cemetery
Another piece of Skagway's history can be found at the Gold Rush Cemetery.
A small cemetery located just out of town near the railway line, you can learn about some of the early settlers that passed away during the gold rush boom.
Many of Skagway's famous Gold Rush characters are interred here including local kingpin Jefferson "Soapy" Smith and early tourism promoter Martin Itjen and his "world's largest gold nugget."
Follow the path to Lower Reid waterfall, which is breathtaking & tranquil.
4. See a waterfall
A waterfall never disappoints, and you can easily walk to Lower Reid Falls during your visit to Skagway.
The easiest way to get to the waterfall is start at the Gold Rush Cemetery. There, you'll find the start of the trail.
You'll walk through the forest and it's a short hike. Expect a 5-10 minute journey to the falls.
You can walk from your cruise ship to the falls, and it's roughly 2.5 miles. Or, there is a $5 shuttle to take you each way.
5. National Park Service Junior Ranger Activity Center
If you have younger kids, be sure to stop by the National Park Service Junior Ranger Activity Center in the center of town.
Kids can learn everything they need to know to become a Junior Ranger. Adults can earn their Junior Ranger badges by completing more activities and learning gold rush history, too!
All you need to do is pick up a Junior Ranger book at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park's Visitor Center. Spend the day exploring and enjoying the park. Return the completed booklet to the Visitor Center or via mail.
6. Moore House
The Moore Homestead is a great example of a home built in the gold rush days.
Built by Captain William Moore and his son, it showcases what it took to live in Alaska before and during the gold rush. It was the first building constructed in Skagway a decade before the gold rush.
It's located a block over from Skagway's busy business street.
7. Arctic Brotherhood Hall
It's hard to overlook this building, but the Arctic Brotherhood Hall is decorated with over 8,800 pieces of driftwood.
The unusual looking building was formed by a group of gold prospectors who arrived in Skagway seeking fortune in gold. The club was a place for miners to connect and look out for each other.
It's now home to the Skagway Convention and Visitors Bureau, and makes for a great photo.
8. See the salmon run
King and pink salmon spawn in Pullen Creek and Pond in July and August. The Broadway Dock sits at the mouth of Pullen Creek and is a good place to see salmon pooling before they venture up the creek to spawn.
You could see harbor seals, river otters, mink, marbled murrelets and pigeon guillemots from the ferry dock. Walk the shoreline from the harbor back toward town for additional viewing chances.
It's a great opportunity to see the fish, especially for kids.
9. Jeff Smith Parlor Museum
Another relic of a once famous resident (and outlaw), Jefferson "Soapy" Smith worked this bar and it was converted to a museum in 1935 that show off photos, artifacts, art, and strange taxidermy of the era.
10. Play ultimate frisbee at Seven Pastures
If you happen to pack a frisbee, there's a great disc golf course at Seven Pastures. Unlike a traditional ultimate frisbee course, each hole is marked with an upside down beer keg on a post.
It's a great way to be outdoors and get some recreation, without any cost (unless you end up buying a frisbee in town).
