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Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

319 Second Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98104 (Downtown)
206-220-4240
Website
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Ranked #19 of 189 attractions in Seattle
Type: Parks
Fee: No
Recommended length of visit: <1 hour
Owner description: This national park is really a free museum that documents Seattle history, from the fire that burned it down to the gold rush that helped build it up.... more » Owner description: This national park is really a free museum that documents Seattle history, from the fire that burned it down to the gold rush that helped build it up. « less
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215 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Top Contributor
55 reviews 55 reviews
24 attraction reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
28 helpful votes 28 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 12, 2013

In fact not a park, but a museum, inside a building, telling the narrative of the Klondike gold rush and how Seattle gained from it. Some genuine artifacts and some exhibits which are replicas. Ample contemporary photographs. The reality of the gold rush of the late 1890s. Follows a number of named individuals, including one John Nordstrom, of department store... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 6 more reviews by john592 for Seattle
Seattle, WA
Top Contributor
66 reviews 66 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 27 cities Reviews in 27 cities
26 helpful votes 26 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 12, 2013

You almost have to seek this "park" out, as it's a small discreet building off the edge of Pioneer square. From the first step through the doors you'll be surprised; the interior has been very well finished and equipped with exhibits and artifacts - everything in a very good state of repair too. Rangers are very welcoming, knowledgeable and friendly... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 5 more reviews by ExBritSeattle for Seattle
SeaTac, WA
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 11, 2013

More to see than appears from the street. There's a lot of history to read, so give yourself plenty of time to enjoy it.

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See 2 more reviews by Barb M for Seattle
Saugus, California
Senior Contributor
35 reviews 35 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
26 helpful votes 26 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2013

I had no idea that Seattle played such a huge role in the Klondike Gold Rush. I don't want to give anything away but this little museum is really worth seeking out. I particularly liked the film (about 25 minutes) recommended by the Ranger at the desk. If you can, watching it before you wander through the rest of the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 9 more reviews by tripper123 for Seattle
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2013

We liked this museum, not too small and not too big. Several interesting movies to watch and a nice walk through the museum. It gives a very clear impression of the conditions of those seeking their fortune as gold diggers. Entry is free - nice!

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Austin, Texas
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
4 attraction reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 5, 2013

Very interesting subject, at the right price - free! Very close to other attractions in Pioneer Square - worth stopping in if you want to learn a little history.

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See 5 more reviews by flimtx for Seattle
Baltimore, Maryland
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 24, 2013

People often think of California when "gold rush" is mentioned, but thousands made their way to the Klondike through Seattle in hopes of getting rich. This museum individualized some of their stories and made me think what an exciting time this must have been. One man was largely responsible for the movement to and through Seattle by the publicity he... More

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San Francisco, California
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
50 helpful votes 50 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 23, 2013

Hard to think of a building as a national park but this small space was a highlight for us in Seattle. The kids really enjoyed the Jr Ranger activities they had and my wife and I found the exhibits really informative. Great overview of the Klondike gold rush.

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 3 more reviews by SFtravelbuffs for Seattle
Edmonds, Washington
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 22, 2013

What would you like to know about the Gold Rush? Do you know how many people boarded ships in Seattle to head for the Alaskan goldfields? What did they have to go through? Amazing photos and fact filled find. Take some time to spend in America's smallest National Park! It's true! This is it!

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Trapped in Maryland
Senior Contributor
46 reviews 46 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 38 cities Reviews in 38 cities
56 helpful votes 56 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed April 19, 2013

It took me awhile of looking at the exhibits to figure out what was the reason for this museum being in Seattle. It turns out that Seattle was a place where people came to get supplies prior to going to Canada and Alaska to search for gold in the Klondike Gold Rush era. That's it. Big deal. There are some... More

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See 3 more reviews by kanling for Seattle

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