
Jeff Smith's Parlor Museum
Step into the wild world of Soapy Smith at this historic Skagway museum, a key site from the Yukon Gold Rush era.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Avoid midday heat & crowds

Jeff Smith's Parlor Museum
Best Time
Avoid midday heat & crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into the wild world of Soapy Smith at this historic Skagway museum, a key site from the Yukon Gold Rush era.
"A quick, fascinating dive into Skagway's notorious Gold Rush past and the infamous Soapy Smith."

🎯 Short & Sweet Visit
The museum is a quick stop, around 10-15 minutes. Perfect for a brief dive into local history!
🌡️ Stay Cool Inside
It can get warm inside, especially on sunny days. Visit earlier if you're sensitive to heat.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Soapy Smith's Infamous Parlor
Explore the historic hangout of con man Jefferson 'Soapy' Smith, a central figure in Skagway's Gold Rush lore.

Yukon Gold Rush History
Immerse yourself in the tales and artifacts of the dramatic Yukon Gold Rush era that shaped Skagway.

Frank H. Reid's Legacy
Discover the story of Frank H. Reid, a local hero often overshadowed by Soapy Smith's notoriety.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace Skagway's Gold Rush Spirit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Short & Sweet Visit
The museum is a quick stop, around 10-15 minutes. Perfect for a brief dive into local history!
🌡️ Stay Cool Inside
It can get warm inside, especially on sunny days. Visit earlier if you're sensitive to heat.
📜 Local History Focus
Appreciate the local history and the often-forgotten heroes like Frank H. Reid.
🚢 Cruise Stop Essential
A must-see if your Alaska cruise stops in Skagway!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Short & Sweet Visit
The museum is a quick stop, around 10-15 minutes. Perfect for a brief dive into local history!
🌡️ Stay Cool Inside
It can get warm inside, especially on sunny days. Visit earlier if you're sensitive to heat.
📜 Local History Focus
Appreciate the local history and the often-forgotten heroes like Frank H. Reid.
🚢 Cruise Stop Essential
A must-see if your Alaska cruise stops in Skagway!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Jeff Smith's Parlor Museum to be a quick but insightful dive into Skagway's Gold Rush history, particularly the notorious Soapy Smith. While some note it can get warm inside and is a brief visit, others appreciate the local history and the chance to learn about figures like Frank H. Reid. It's considered a worthwhile stop for cruise passengers seeking a glimpse into the town's wild past.
"It is immensely poor that con man Soapy Smith is remembered and celebrated while Frank H. Reid, who was part of killing Smith, is forgotten. Frank H. Reid is the true hero who should be remembered and celebrated."
Seth Washburne
"The tour was too long, the whole place is a 10-15 minute visit. Also it was Hot inside as the air conditioning was not working!"
WIlliam Cummins
"More great local history!"
Jim DeLung, PhD
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Jeff Smith's Parlor Museum is conveniently located in downtown Skagway, easily accessible on foot from the cruise ship docks. It's situated on the corner of Second Avenue and Broadway, a central and well-known spot in town. Many visitors walk from the port, making it a straightforward addition to a day exploring Skagway.
Yes, absolutely! The museum is very walkable from the cruise ship terminals in Skagway. It's a short and pleasant stroll through the historic district, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere of the town as you head there.
For limited time, focus on the historic downtown area. Jeff Smith's Parlor Museum, along with nearby historic buildings and shops, can be explored in a couple of hours. Many cruise excursions also offer guided walks of the historic district.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees can vary, but it's generally an affordable attraction. It's best to check the official museum website or inquire upon arrival for the most current pricing. Many visitors find it a worthwhile expense for the historical insight it provides.
Advance booking is typically not required for Jeff Smith's Parlor Museum, especially for individual visitors. You can usually purchase tickets upon arrival. However, if you are part of a large group, it might be advisable to contact them beforehand.
Opening hours can be seasonal, often aligning with the cruise ship season in Skagway. It's recommended to check their official website or call ahead for the most up-to-date hours, especially if you are visiting outside of the peak summer months.
Yes, the museum offers a glimpse into a unique period of history that can be interesting for most ages. While the stories might be more appreciated by adults, the historical artifacts can engage younger visitors too.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors find that a visit to Jeff Smith's Parlor Museum takes about 10-15 minutes. It's a relatively small museum focused on a specific historical narrative, making it a quick but impactful stop.
Inside, you'll find exhibits and artifacts related to the life and exploits of Jefferson 'Soapy' Smith, a notorious con man who operated in Skagway during the Gold Rush. It offers a fascinating look at the town's lawless past.
Some visitors have noted that the museum can get warm, particularly during hotter periods, and air conditioning may not always be fully operational. It's advisable to be prepared for warmer temperatures inside.
While the museum itself is a self-guided experience, many walking tours of Skagway include historical context about Soapy Smith and his era, often mentioning the museum as a key site.
The museum is significant as it preserves the history of one of the most infamous figures of the Yukon Gold Rush, Soapy Smith, and his influence on Skagway. It provides a tangible connection to the town's wild and often turbulent past.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's always best to check for signage within the museum or ask a staff member if photography is permitted. Often, personal photos are allowed, but flash photography might be restricted to protect artifacts.
Beyond the museum, capture the historic boardwalks, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway depot, and the general atmosphere of the old buildings. The Gold Rush Cemetery and Reid Falls also offer scenic and historical photo ops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚢 Cruise Passengers
📚 History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Notorious Soapy Smith
The museum's focus on Smith highlights a complex period in Skagway's history, where lawlessness and opportunity intertwined. While Smith was eventually killed in a shootout, his legacy as a master manipulator and a significant, albeit negative, historical figure in Skagway persists. Understanding his story is key to understanding the town's Gold Rush era.
Skagway's Gold Rush Era
The spirit of the gold rush still resonates in Skagway, with many historical buildings and sites preserved to tell the tale. Visitors can walk the same streets as the prospectors, imagine the saloons and gambling halls, and learn about the figures who shaped the town's identity. The museum contributes to this immersive experience by focusing on a key player in the town's dramatic narrative.
The Unsung Hero: Frank H. Reid
Many visitors and locals feel Frank H. Reid deserves more recognition for his bravery and dedication to justice. The museum, while focusing on Smith, indirectly highlights the contrast between lawlessness and the efforts to establish order. Learning about Reid provides a more balanced perspective on Skagway's history and the individuals who fought for its betterment.
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