Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park — Attraction in Seattle

WHAT MADE THE VISIT AWESOME: Lots of great information, historical photos, and props. Some very cool historical artifacts as well! There are several interactive stations throughout the museum to make it into a fun learning experience! All the interactive stations were in working condition and seemed clean, too! I hope this museum survives the current government threats to its existence! The gift shop staff was great! Very friendly and talkative!

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: In contrast, the front entrance staff member reacted as if it's odd/surprising for first-time visitors to have any questions. Didn't seem interested in interacting. The visit would have been better if there was information posted somewhere in the building about the movies, such as that more than one film is shown. It would have really helped to have the film times posted. When asked about the films, the response was a vague "You'll know it's time because it will be announced." Since there is no loud speaker and no apparent schedule, finding out that one is about to start requires being in earshot of the front desk. The fact that the theater doors are left open during the films also resulted in several noise interruptions caused by the conversations of strangers looking at exhibits and the gift store. Given the fact that we had no idea there was a second film, I'm thankful the Alaskan sister park's website seems to make it available to watch on the internet.

IN CONCLUSION: Except for the lack of guidance to visitors at the entrance, this museum was a wonderful Seattle treasure to explore! The fact that it is completely free makes it even more of a special treat. I highly recommend visiting it...

Klondike Gold Rush-Seattle is a smaller historical part of the bigger event that occurred in Alaska. The major portion of this duo-park is located in Skagway, AK at the Klondike Gold Rush NHS. Both National Park sites tell the story of the Gold Rush from start (Seattle) to finish (Skagway and the Chilkoot Trail).

Located in the famous Pioneer Square, the Seattle unit focuses on the beginning of the mad rush north and the preparations required to survive the Chilkoot, described as the "meanest 33 miles in history." From 1897-1898, the supplying of necessary provisions in its now-busy waterfront and overcrowded stores made many wealthy in Seattle.

The Klondike Gold Rush-Seattle unit is located in a small section of a historic Cadillac Hotel on 2nd Avenue. A visitor center is located in the building that offers 2 floors of exhibits, park-related films and an educational bookstore. Park rangers are on hand to answer any questions concerning the Gold Rush. A self-guided walking tour of the historic Pioneer Square, just outside the door, is locally available. It follows a 'Trail to Treasure' map that identifies 16 historic points of interest nearby.

The Klondike Gold Rush Seattle NHS tells a story, the beginning of a story, about a captivating piece of American history. If in Seattle, this National Historic Site is well...

One of the best interactive small national museums I have ever been to. It is free. No entrance fee or ticket. The museum curator was so nice. She made us more interested into looking into the history of Klondike. She gave the kids and interested adults a book to fill up. After the completion everyone got a badge and certificate. Everybody was excited. Some who missed it asked us where we got this book and they went back to the front to get one. We enjoyed every bit of it. The museum is so informative. It was easy to visualize what happened back then and how the cities also developed. I also liked the replica’s of the grocery stores and small huts representing the time and item back then. The museum is kept clean and tidy. However when we went downstairs (it’s only 2 storied) almost everyone sneezed. 😆 The curators come every now and then to check and share interesting facts about the gold rush. They were so spontaneous and energetic. Everyone loved them. I suggest everyone to come here. Please make a donation if you can. We parked in the road for 1.5 hrs. It is paid parking. It is...