Red Onion Bar Skagway Alaska: History & Visitor Guide

The Red Onion Bar in Skagway, Alaska is a historic saloon established during the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush, now preserved as part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Located at 267 Broadway in downtown Skagway, this authentic frontier-era establishment operates seasonally (typically May through September) with daily hours from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM during cruise ship season. Visitors can explore its original bar, historic photographs, and artifacts while learning about Skagway's colorful Gold Rush history in the very space where prospectors once gathered.

Planning your Skagway adventure? The Red Onion Bar offers one of Southeast Alaska's most authentic Gold Rush experiences, blending historical preservation with genuine frontier atmosphere. As a designated National Historic Site within the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, this establishment provides visitors with a tangible connection to Skagway's colorful past while serving as a functioning bar today. Whether you're visiting on a cruise ship excursion or exploring independently, understanding what makes this location special will enhance your experience significantly.

Planning Your Visit to Skagway's Historic Landmark

Before heading to the Red Onion Bar, gather these essential details to maximize your experience. The establishment operates seasonally, aligning with Skagway's tourism season when cruise ships regularly visit the port. During peak season (May-September), the bar typically opens daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, though hours may vary based on cruise ship schedules. Located at 267 Broadway in downtown Skagway, the venue sits within easy walking distance of the cruise ship docks and other historic sites.

Admission is free to enter and explore the historic space, though beverages and souvenirs require purchase. Most visitors spend 30-60 minutes experiencing the venue, making it an ideal stop during a Skagway shore excursion. For optimal photography opportunities with fewer crowds, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as you'll be standing while exploring the compact space, and modest dress is appropriate for this historic establishment.

From Gold Rush Era to National Historic Site: A Timeline

The Red Onion Bar's story begins in 1898 during the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, when Skagway served as the primary gateway for prospectors heading to the Yukon. Originally constructed as a two-story building, the lower level functioned as a saloon while the upper floor operated as a brothel—a common arrangement in frontier towns of that era. The establishment earned its distinctive name from the red onion bulbs that hung in its windows, a traditional symbol indicating the availability of "female companionship" in Gold Rush towns.

Time Period	Establishment Status	Historical Context
1898-1905	Operating as saloon and brothel	Skagway's peak Gold Rush population of approximately 8,000 residents
1905-1940s	Transitioned to legitimate business	Skagway's population declined after Gold Rush ended
1960s-1980s	Restored as historic site	Skagway Historic District established (1962)
1994-Present	Part of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park	National Park Service preservation efforts

Unlike many Gold Rush-era buildings that were destroyed by fires common in frontier towns, the Red Onion survived multiple conflagrations that reshaped Skagway's downtown. The National Park Service now maintains the building as an authentic representation of Skagway's frontier past, preserving original features including the wooden bar, historic photographs, and period-appropriate artifacts. This careful preservation allows visitors to experience the space much as Gold Rush prospectors would have encountered it over 120 years ago.

What to Experience Inside the Historic Venue

Stepping through the doors of the Red Onion Bar transports you to Skagway's Gold Rush era. The compact space features the original wooden bar that has served patrons since the late 19th century, surrounded by historic photographs documenting Skagway's transformation from frontier town to modern community. The walls display authentic artifacts from the Gold Rush period, including mining equipment, period clothing, and documents that tell the stories of those who passed through Skagway on their way to the Yukon.

While the establishment maintains its historical integrity, it also functions as a contemporary bar serving beverages to visitors. The drink menu includes both modern options and historically-inspired cocktails that reflect what might have been served during the Gold Rush era. Knowledgeable staff often share stories about Skagway's history and the building's unique past, enhancing the educational value of your visit. The second floor, which originally operated as a brothel, now serves as additional display space for historical exhibits, though access may be limited during peak visitation times.

Seasonal Considerations for Your Visit

Your experience at the Red Onion Bar will vary significantly depending on when you visit Skagway. During the peak cruise ship season (May through September), the venue operates daily with extended hours to accommodate the influx of visitors. This period offers the most vibrant atmosphere but also means larger crowds and potentially longer wait times to enter. Winter visits (October through April) present a different experience, as the bar typically operates with limited hours or may be closed entirely during Skagway's off-season.

According to National Park Service visitor statistics, approximately 95% of Red Onion Bar visits occur during the summer months when cruise ships regularly dock in Skagway. During these peak months, the venue sees an average of 1,200 visitors per day when multiple cruise ships are in port. For a more intimate experience with opportunities to engage deeply with the historical displays, consider visiting on weekdays outside of peak cruise ship arrival times, typically before 11:00 AM or after 4:00 PM.

Connecting to Skagway's Broader Historical Narrative

The Red Onion Bar doesn't exist in isolation but forms part of Skagway's rich historical tapestry. As you explore this venue, you're walking through a space that connects directly to Skagway's identity as the "Gateway to the Klondike." Just steps away, you'll find other preserved Gold Rush-era buildings that collectively tell the story of this frontier town's transformation from lawless outpost to established community.

Consider pairing your visit with nearby historical sites including the Mascot Saloon (another preserved Gold Rush establishment), the Skagway Museum, and the historic White Pass and Yukon Route Railway depot. The National Park Service offers free guided walking tours that begin at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park visitor center and include the Red Onion Bar as a key stop. These tours provide valuable context that enhances your understanding of what you're experiencing at the bar itself.

For those interested in deeper historical exploration, the park's archives contain original documents related to the Red Onion's operation during the Gold Rush era, including business licenses and newspaper accounts from the period. While not always accessible to casual visitors, these resources underscore the establishment's significance in Skagway's historical record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Red Onion Bar in Skagway open year-round?

The Red Onion Bar operates seasonally, typically from May through September during Skagway's peak tourism season when cruise ships regularly visit. During winter months (October through April), the establishment generally has limited or no operating hours, though special arrangements may be possible for pre-booked tours.

Do I need to pay to enter the Red Onion Bar?

No admission fee is required to enter and explore the historic space of the Red Onion Bar. The venue functions as both a historic site and a working bar, so while entry is free, beverages and souvenirs require purchase. Most visitors spend 30-60 minutes exploring the space.

Is photography allowed inside the Red Onion Bar?

Yes, photography is permitted inside the Red Onion Bar for personal use. Visitors are encouraged to capture the historic atmosphere, though flash photography may be restricted in certain areas to protect delicate artifacts. Commercial photography requires prior authorization from the National Park Service.

What makes the Red Onion Bar historically significant?

The Red Onion Bar is historically significant as one of Skagway's best-preserved Gold Rush-era establishments, dating back to 1898. It represents the frontier saloon culture that defined Skagway during the Klondike Gold Rush and has been maintained as an authentic historical site within the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park since 1994.

Can I purchase drinks at the Red Onion Bar?

Yes, the Red Onion Bar functions as both a historic site and an operating bar. Visitors can purchase beverages including beer, wine, and historically-inspired cocktails. The establishment maintains its historical character while serving refreshments to visitors exploring Skagway's Gold Rush history.