
Gold Rush Cemetery
Step back in time at Skagway's Gold Rush Cemetery, a historic resting place filled with tales of fortune seekers and frontier legends.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Gold Rush Cemetery
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Skagway's Gold Rush Cemetery, a historic resting place filled with tales of fortune seekers and frontier legends.
"This is the most interesting cemetery I have ever been to."

🚶 Walk to the Cemetery
Enjoy a scenic 45-min walk from downtown Skagway to the cemetery and Reid Falls. :athletic_shoe:
🚌 Shuttle Service Available
Opt for the $5 shuttle for a quick ride to the cemetery if walking isn't ideal. :bus:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gold Rush Cemetery
Skagway, Alaska
Step back in time at this historic resting place, filled with tales of fortune seekers and frontier life.

Lower Reid Falls
Adjacent to Gold Rush Cemetery
A beautiful, cascading waterfall offering a refreshing natural spectacle after exploring the cemetery.

Soapy Smith's Grave
Gold Rush Cemetery
Discover the final resting place of the infamous con man, Jefferson 'Soapy' Smith, a key figure in Skagway's history.
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Getting to Gold Rush Cemetery
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶 Walk to the Cemetery
Enjoy a scenic 45-min walk from downtown Skagway to the cemetery and Reid Falls. :athletic_shoe:
🚌 Shuttle Service Available
Opt for the $5 shuttle for a quick ride to the cemetery if walking isn't ideal. :bus:
📜 Hear Soapy Smith's Stories
Take a tour to learn fascinating tales of Jefferson 'Soapy' Smith. :microphone:
📸 Capture the Scenery
The cemetery and falls offer unique photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶 Walk to the Cemetery
Enjoy a scenic 45-min walk from downtown Skagway to the cemetery and Reid Falls. :athletic_shoe:
🚌 Shuttle Service Available
Opt for the $5 shuttle for a quick ride to the cemetery if walking isn't ideal. :bus:
📜 Hear Soapy Smith's Stories
Take a tour to learn fascinating tales of Jefferson 'Soapy' Smith. :microphone:
📸 Capture the Scenery
The cemetery and falls offer unique photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
💧 Visit Reid Falls
A short walk from the cemetery leads to the beautiful Lower Reid Falls. :water_wave:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Gold Rush Cemetery to be a historically rich and free site, offering a fascinating glimpse into Skagway's past. The adjacent Lower Reid Falls adds natural beauty, making it a worthwhile stop. While some mention minor upkeep issues, the overall experience is highly positive, especially when combined with local stories.
"We enjoyed the history of this cemetery. It was filled with historical information. The protective fences are in need of repair- but it’s a free site and next to the beautiful Reid Falls. A five minute walk so glad we stopped by to check it out.
We took the shuttle - picked up across from the visitors center on the Main Street - cost $5 one way. We went late in the day so they suggested we call when we were ready to leave and a shuttle arrived shortly. There were a handful of visitors taking the shuttle. Some people walked."
Rita Loeding
"A very cool experience if you have some extra time in Skagway. The local transportation has shuttles to and from the cemetery. The short hike to the falls is worth it!"
Krystal Weiss
"Interesting spot, path continues to the falls. We walked from the cruise terminal took about 45 mins as an easy walk."
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What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can walk from downtown Skagway, which takes about 45 minutes and is a pleasant stroll along the river and train tracks.
Alternatively, a shuttle service is available for around $5 one-way, picking up near the visitor center. Some cruise ship excursions also include transportation.The walk is generally considered easy, approximately 2 miles from downtown. The path is relatively flat, though it can be uneven in places. It's a scenic route that many visitors enjoy.
While taxis might be available, the shuttle service is more commonly recommended and cost-effective for reaching the cemetery and Reid Falls from Skagway.
Yes, many local tours in Skagway include a stop at the Gold Rush Cemetery, often focusing on the history of figures like 'Soapy' Smith.
The White Pass train excursion also offers a glimpse of the area.The distance varies depending on which dock your ship uses. From the Railroad Aft Dock, it's a shorter walk. Generally, it's about a 45-minute walk from downtown, which is accessible from most cruise terminals.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Gold Rush Cemetery is a free site to visit. This makes it an accessible and popular attraction for visitors to Skagway.
The cemetery is an outdoor historical site and is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific opening or closing times posted.
No advance booking is required for the cemetery itself, as it is a free public space. If you opt for a shuttle or guided tour, booking those in advance might be advisable during peak season.
Visitors are asked to be respectful of the historical site. While there are protective fences, it's important not to disturb the graves or historical markers.
Many visitors find taking a guided tour enhances the experience by providing historical context, especially regarding figures like 'Soapy' Smith.
Alternatively, a self-guided walk allows for personal reflection.🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The cemetery features numerous historical tombstones from the Gold Rush era, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who sought fortune in Alaska. Key figures like 'Soapy' Smith and Frank Reed are buried here.
Absolutely! A short, five-minute walk from the cemetery leads to the beautiful Lower Reid Falls, which many visitors find to be a stunning natural complement to the historical site.
Notable figures include Jefferson 'Soapy' Smith, a notorious con man, and Frank Reed, a hero of Skagway. Their graves are often points of interest for visitors.
There are limited facilities directly at the cemetery. Restrooms are typically available in downtown Skagway or at nearby attractions. The shuttle service can also assist with return trips.
While the cemetery is a free and historic site, some reviews mention that protective fences may be in need of repair. However, the historical significance and natural beauty remain intact.
📸 📸 Photography
The weathered tombstones, the surrounding Alaskan wilderness, and the cascading Lower Reid Falls offer unique photographic subjects. The historical atmosphere itself is very photogenic.
As long as you are discreet and respectful of the site and any ongoing services or visitors, photography is generally accepted. Focus on the historical markers and natural beauty.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the expanse of the cemetery and falls, and a tripod if you plan to shoot in lower light conditions.
The area around Soapy Smith's grave and the path leading to Reid Falls offer particularly scenic vantage points. Experiment with different angles to capture the mood.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local advisories and ensure you are not disturbing other visitors or the historical integrity of the site.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
🚢 Cruise Ship Passengers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Gold Rush Cemetery
Among the notable figures interred here is Jefferson 'Soapy' Smith, a notorious con man and gambler who wielded significant influence in Skagway before his violent death in 1898. His grave is a popular point of interest for visitors seeking to understand the lawless and colorful history of the town. Another significant grave is that of Frank Reed, a hero of Skagway who was killed in the same shootout that claimed Soapy Smith's life. The cemetery's stones, though weathered by time and elements, tell stories of ambition, hardship, and the transient nature of life during the gold rush.
Today, the Gold Rush Cemetery is a protected historical site, offering a quiet space for reflection on Alaska's pioneering past. Its proximity to the beautiful Lower Reid Falls adds another layer of natural beauty to the historical significance, making it a unique and memorable stop for visitors. The cemetery's preservation efforts ensure that these stories continue to be told for generations to come.
Exploring Gold Rush Cemetery and Reid Falls
Once at the cemetery, take your time to wander among the headstones, many of which bear inscriptions telling tales of lives lived during the gold rush. Pay special attention to the graves of prominent figures like 'Soapy' Smith and Frank Reed, whose stories are central to Skagway's lore. The cemetery itself is a peaceful place, offering a stark contrast to the bustling activity of the town and cruise ships.
Just a short, five-minute walk beyond the cemetery lies Lower Reid Falls. This picturesque waterfall is a delightful natural reward after exploring the historical grounds. The combination of the cemetery's rich history and the falls' natural beauty makes this area a must-visit for anyone exploring Skagway. The entire experience, from the walk to the historical insights and the natural scenery, is highly recommended by visitors.
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