According to AGOODDIR, Skagway Borough, Alaska is located in the southeastern panhandle of the state. It is situated on the Lynn Canal, an inlet of the Pacific Ocean that stretches from Juneau to Yakutat Bay. The borough encompasses an area of 1,921 square miles and includes the communities of Haines, Skagway, and Dyea. It is bordered by Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve to the west and Chilkoot Pass State Historical Park to the east.
The climate in Skagway Borough is classified as subarctic maritime with mild summers and cold winters. Average summer temperatures range between 40°F (4°C) and 65°F (18°C) while winter temperatures can range between -15°F (-26°C) and 25°F (-4°C). Precipitation in this area is high due to its proximity to both mountains and ocean, with annual averages ranging from 60-100 inches (152-254 cm).
The population of Skagway Borough was 1,148 at the 2020 U.S Census estimate. The majority of residents are White Americans followed by Native Americans, Hispanic or Latino Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and other ethnicities making up less than one percent each.
Skagway Borough has a vibrant culture with many historical sites such as White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad Museum which tells the story of gold rush era railroad construction; Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park which offers guided tours to explore its history; Prospectors Memorial which commemorates miners who came during the gold rush; Red Onion Saloon which was a bar frequented by miners during that time; Trail of ’98 Museum which contains artifacts from that period; and Chilkoot Trail Interpretive Center which provides information about this famous route used by prospectors during their journey northward.
Skagway Borough also has many outdoor activities for visitors such as hiking through Glacier Bay National Park or Chilkoot Pass State Historical Park to take in stunning views; kayaking along Lynn Canal or inside Glacier Bay; fishing for salmon or halibut in nearby rivers or bays; rafting along rivers such as Taiya River or Tatshenshini River; mountain biking around town or on nearby trails; camping at one of many campgrounds scattered throughout borough boundaries; skiing at nearby ski resorts like Summit Lake Ski Resort or Mt Eyak Ski Area during winter months; snowmobiling around town or on surrounding trails when it snows heavily.
Skagway Borough offers a unique combination of nature’s beauty with a fascinating history that will provide visitors with an unforgettable experience.
Economy of Skagway Borough, Alaska
The economy of Skagway Borough, Alaska is heavily dependant on the tourism industry. The borough is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in Alaska, and visitors flock to experience the majestic beauty of its mountains, glaciers, and rivers. The town also serves as a major port for cruise ships and ferries travelling between Alaska and other parts of North America.
In addition to tourism, Skagway Borough also relies on fishing, mining, logging, and transportation services for economic activity. Fishing has been an important part of the local economy since the late 19th century when salmon canneries were established in the area. Today, it remains an important source of income for many locals who depend on commercial fishing or sport fishing for their livelihoods.
Mining has been another key component of Skagway’s economy since gold was discovered in 1898 during the
Klondike Gold Rush. There are still several active gold mines in the area, and local businesses benefit from the presence of miners. Logging is also a major industry in the borough, and there are several sawmills that employ locals to process timber.
Transportation services are also important to Skagway’s economy. The town is a major hub for ferries traveling between Alaska and other parts of North America, and it is home to one of the busiest ports in Alaska. Local airlines also provide transportation services to nearby towns, and there are several tour companies that provide guided tours around the borough.
Skagway Borough’s economy is heavily dependent on tourism, fishing, mining, logging, and transportation services. The combination of these industries has helped create a vibrant local economy that provides jobs for many residents and contributes significantly to the overall economy of Alaska.
Libraries in Skagway Borough, Alaska
According to babyinger, Skagway Borough, Alaska is home to a number of public libraries that serve the community. The Skagway Public Library is the largest library in the borough, with a collection of over 25,000 books and periodicals. It offers a variety of services including story times for children, computer access, and classes on topics such as genealogy and local history. The library also provides internet access and has a large reference section with resources on Alaska’s history and culture.
The Skagway Public Library also houses an extensive collection of Alaskan literature, including works by authors such as Jack London and Robert Service. In addition to books, the library also carries DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, and other materials available for loan or purchase.
In addition to the Skagway Public Library there are several other smaller libraries throughout Skagway Borough that serve their respective communities. These include the Haines Public Library in Haines Borough and the Whitehorse Public Library in Whitehorse Valley. All of these libraries offer similar services to those provided by the Skagway Public Library including book loans, internet access, classes on local history and culture, reference materials on Alaska’s past and present day life, audio/visual materials for loan or purchase as well as story times for children.
Skagway Borough’s public libraries provide an invaluable resource to its residents by offering access to educational materials that would otherwise be unavailable due to geographic isolation from larger cities in Alaska or other parts of North America. They also provide a safe place for residents to gather together and share knowledge about their local community while providing visitors with an enriching experience that will last long after they leave town.
Landmarks in Skagway Borough, Alaska
Skagway Borough, Alaska is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the state. The Skagway River is a major waterway that runs through Skagway and is one of the most popular destinations for sightseeing and fishing. The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad is another landmark that runs from Skagway to Carcross, Yukon Territory. This railway was built in 1898 as a gold rush route and today it serves as a tourist attraction with scenic views of the surrounding area.
The Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park is also located in Skagway Borough and includes several historic sites related to the Klondike Gold Rush. It includes sites such as Dyea, Chilkoot Trail, and White Pass Summit where thousands of prospectors began their journey into the Yukon during the late 1800s. Visitors can learn about this period in history through interpretive programs, exhibits, and guided tours.
The Red Onion Saloon & Museum is another landmark located within Skagway Borough that pays homage to its gold rush past. This saloon was once a popular hangout for miners during the gold rush era and today it serves as a museum with displays on local history, artifacts from the gold rush era, live music performances, and more.
Finally, the Moore Homestead Cabin is an important landmark for those interested in Alaska’s native culture as it was built by an Alaskan Native family in 1887. It has been restored to its original condition and now serves as a museum where visitors can learn about traditional Alaskan life during this period of time through interpretive programs and exhibits.
These landmarks are just some of many located throughout Skagway Borough that offer insight into Alaska’s rich history and culture while providing visitors with an enriching experience they won’t soon forget.
