Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is a historical park with units in Seattle and Skagway that documents the era of gold discoveries in Canada's Yukon region. The Seattle visitor center is housed in the restored 1889 Cadillac Hotel, a former supply point for prospectors seeking their fortunes.

1897 marked the turning point when the ship SS Portland arrived in Seattle with news of massive gold discoveries in Canada's Klondike region. This announcement triggered a massive wave of migration as thousands departed through Seattle for the goldfields.

The site shows how Seattle flourished during the gold rush and how merchants, workers, and families built an entire economic system together. The exhibits illustrate the daily challenges and opportunities this period created for those involved.

The visitor center offers daily tours and displays explaining the routes prospectors took from Seattle to reach the Yukon goldfields. Plan to spend time exploring the exhibits and keep in mind that the park's locations span two different regions.

The Cadillac Hotel survived the 2001 earthquake and was thoroughly restored before reopening as a visitor center in 2006. This renewal allowed the gold rush story to be presented in its original building.

Location: Seattle

Location: Skagway

Inception: 1976

Operator: National Park Service

Part of: Klondike Gold Rush International Historical Park

Website: https://nps.gov/klgo

GPS coordinates: 59.45640,-135.31200

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:21