5 Things to do in Skagway, Alaska

It's Wanderlust Wednesday! Today we're talking about Skagway, Alaska.

In August of 1896 gold was discovered near where the Klondike and Yukon rivers joined in northwestern Canada. Skagway became the major gateway for the Klondike Gold Rush and tents lined Broadway Street as the town grew by leaps and bounds. But by December of 1896 wooden buildings replaced the tents and then, less than two years later, Skagway had boardwalks on both sides, brick chimneys, railroad tracks, and utility poles. 80 saloons, three breweries, and many brothels occupied the town. Now it's a cruise ship town with plenty to keep you busy.

1. Take a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. Built during the Klondike Gold Rush, the railroad is an “International Civil Engineering Landmark” and shares honors with the Eiffel Tower, the Panama Canal, and the Statue of Liberty.

2. Grab your passport and head out on a tour that takes you into Canada to the Yukon Suspension Bridge. You'll walk across a bridge 65 feet above the rapids.

With a spectacular view from the middle of the bridge.

3. Take a free National Park Service walking tour of the town. Many of those original buildings in Skagway have been restored to exact standards including historical paint schemes and sign fonts.

4. Take a turn being pulled by sled dogs. You can hop a helicopter to run on the glacier.

Or avoid the helicopter ride and climb aboard a sled that runs on dirt.

5. Eat, drink, and be merry. There are breweries, restaurants and cafes, and even a former brothel serving food.

Best ever patty melt at the Sweet Tooth Cafe.

Thai food is Skagway? Yep, at the Starfire.

Enjoy Skagway!

You can check out the video version of this post here: