Red Onion Saloon Skagway: History & Visitor Guide

The Red Onion Saloon in Skagway, Alaska is a historic Gold Rush-era building constructed in 1898 that operated as both a saloon and brothel during the Klondike Gold Rush. Today, it's preserved as part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and functions as both a museum and operating bar, offering visitors a genuine glimpse into Skagway's frontier past.

Why the Red Onion Saloon Matters to Skagway's History

When prospectors flooded into Skagway during the 1897-1898 Klondike Gold Rush, the Red Onion Saloon quickly became one of the town's most notorious establishments. Unlike many Gold Rush buildings that were temporary structures, the Red Onion was built with quality materials including brick and featured elaborate Victorian architecture that signaled its importance in the community.

What makes this building particularly significant is how it represents the complex social ecosystem of frontier towns. While Skagway presented itself as a respectable gateway to the gold fields, establishments like the Red Onion operated in the shadows, serving the needs of thousands of transient miners. The building's dual function as both saloon and brothel was common during this era but rarely so well-preserved.

From Gold Rush Establishment to National Historic Landmark

Time Period	Building Function	Historical Significance
1898-1905	Saloon and brothel	Served miners preparing for or returning from the Yukon gold fields
1905-1915	Boarding house	Transitioned as Skagway's economy shifted after the gold rush subsided
1915-1960s	Mixed commercial uses	Survived Skagway's economic downturns through adaptive reuse
1976-present	Historic preservation site	Designated as part of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

This timeline illustrates how the Red Onion Saloon adapted to Skagway's changing fortunes. According to the National Park Service documentation, the building's survival through multiple economic transitions makes it exceptionally valuable for understanding frontier town evolution (National Park Service, Klondike Gold Rush NHS).

What to Expect When Visiting the Red Onion Today

Modern visitors to the Red Onion Saloon experience a carefully preserved slice of history. The building maintains its original layout with several key features:

• The ground floor operates as a functioning bar with original fixtures
• Second floor contains preserved brothel rooms with period furnishings
• Original pressed tin ceilings and decorative woodwork remain intact
• The distinctive red onion bulbs that gave the establishment its name are still displayed in windows

Unlike many reconstructed historic sites, the Red Onion offers authentic artifacts rather than reproductions. The National Park Service emphasizes that "the building's integrity of location, design, materials, and workmanship remains remarkably intact" (NPS Historic Structure Report).

Understanding the Red Onion's Historical Context

When evaluating the Red Onion's place in history, it's essential to recognize the complex social dynamics of Gold Rush towns. While often romanticized, these frontier communities had strict hierarchies and moral codes that varied significantly from modern perspectives.

The Red Onion operated within what historians call the "tolerated zone" of Skagway's social structure. As documented in the Alaska State Historical Society's archives, Skagway's authorities permitted certain establishments like the Red Onion to operate under specific conditions while maintaining a public facade of respectability.

Visitors should understand that the building represents a specific historical moment that shouldn't be judged by contemporary standards. The National Park Service interpretation focuses on presenting the facts without either glorifying or condemning the establishment's past functions.

Practical Information for Your Visit

Planning a trip to the Red Onion Saloon requires understanding both its historical significance and practical visiting considerations:

Location and Access

Situated at 111 Broadway Street in downtown Skagway, the Red Onion is within easy walking distance of the cruise ship docks and other historic sites. The building is accessible year-round, though hours vary by season.

Visiting During Cruise Season

With Skagway serving as a major cruise destination, the Red Onion experiences significant visitor traffic between May and September. For the most authentic experience:

• Visit early morning or late evening to avoid cruise ship crowds
• Consider weekday visits when possible
• Respect that this is both a historic site and functioning business

What's Included in a Visit

Unlike many historic sites, the Red Onion offers tiered experiences:

• Ground floor bar access (no charge, functions as regular establishment)
• Self-guided tour of first floor historic areas (included with National Park visitor center admission)
• Guided tours of second floor brothel rooms (offered seasonally through the National Park Service)

Preservation Challenges and Successes

Maintaining a building with the Red Onion's complex history presents unique challenges. According to the National Park Service's 2022 preservation report, the most significant issues include:

• Preserving original structural elements while meeting modern safety standards
• Balancing historical accuracy with contemporary visitor expectations
• Maintaining appropriate interpretation of sensitive historical topics

The successful preservation of the Red Onion demonstrates how communities can honor complex histories without sanitizing them. As noted in the Alaska Department of Natural Resources' Historic Preservation Office documentation, "the Red Onion stands as one of the most authentic representations of Gold Rush-era social history in interior Alaska."

Planning Your Red Onion Saloon Experience

To make the most of your visit to this historic Skagway landmark, consider these practical recommendations:

• Combine your Red Onion visit with the nearby Gold Rush Cemetery for complete historical context
• Visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park visitor center first for orientation
• Respect that while the ground floor operates as a bar, the upper floors are protected historic spaces
• Ask park rangers about special evening tours that offer more intimate historical interpretation

Remember that the Red Onion Saloon represents just one facet of Skagway's rich history. To fully appreciate its significance, consider it within the broader context of Gold Rush-era social structures, economic patterns, and community development.

Is the Red Onion Saloon in Skagway open to the public?

Yes, the ground floor operates as a functioning bar open to the public. The historic areas are accessible through the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park visitor center, with guided tours of the second floor brothel rooms available seasonally.

Why is it called the Red Onion Saloon?

The establishment was named for the red onion bulbs that hung in its windows, a common practice in frontier towns that signaled the availability of certain services. This visual code helped discreetly communicate the establishment's dual function as both saloon and brothel.

Can you take photographs inside the Red Onion Saloon?

Photography is permitted in the ground floor bar area. Photography is restricted in the historic upper floors during guided tours to protect the preserved artifacts, though visitors may take photos in designated areas with park ranger permission.

Is the Red Onion Saloon part of the National Park Service?

Yes, the Red Onion Saloon is preserved as part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. While the ground floor operates as a private business, the historic preservation and interpretation of the building are managed through the National Park Service.

How much time should I allocate for visiting the Red Onion Saloon?

Plan for 45-60 minutes for a complete experience. This allows time for the self-guided first floor tour, potentially a drink at the historic bar, and possibly joining a guided tour of the second floor if available. Those with particular historical interest may want to allocate additional time.